In this episode of The Cutting Edge, Dr. Jamie Coleman hosts Dr. Eileen Bulger, a past AAST President, to discuss the complexities of trauma surgery. They explore the importance of maintaining calm in chaotic situations, the dynamics of teamwork in the operating room, and the lessons learned from challenging cases. Dr. Bulger shares a poignant story about a young girl who was accidentally shot, highlighting the effectiveness of trauma systems and the collaborative effort required to save lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding meaning in both positive and negative outcomes in the medical field.

In this episode, Dr. Kristan Staudenmayer discusses the critical intersection of healthcare economics and trauma surgery. She emphasizes the need for surgeons to understand financial aspects to advocate effectively for their patients. The conversation explores the role of the Healthcare Economics Committee, the challenges posed by Relative value units (RVUs) in measuring surgical work, and the importance of building tools for advocacy in healthcare economics.

Takeaways

• Surgeons often lack training in healthcare economics.
• Understanding finance empowers better patient care.
• RVUs do not accurately reflect the work of acute care surgeons.
• Financial literacy is essential for effective advocacy.
• Value in healthcare is a complex and multifaceted concept.
• Billing practices need improvement among surgeons.
• The workload of trauma surgeons is often invisible to others.
• Advocacy tools are being developed for better communication with leadership.
• Research is needed to address workforce issues in acute care surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Dumas discusses his journey to becoming an Associate Member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) and the benefits of involvement in the organization. He highlights the importance of engagement, networking, and leadership development for early-career surgeons. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the value of community support and the opportunities available for surgical residents, fellows, and attending surgeons within 7 years of completing training to join and contribute to the AAST.

In this episode, Dr. Marc DeMoya discusses the AAST Leadership Academy, which provides ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery. The academy aims to enhance leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions. The application process requires applicants to be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position. The in-person session at the AAST meeting is a highlight of the academy, featuring interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Dr. DeMoya emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, listening, and effective communication in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• The AAST Leadership Academy offers ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery.
• The academy focuses on enhancing leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions.
• Applicants must be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position.
• The in-person session at the AAST meeting provides interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
• A growth mindset, active listening, and effective communication are essential for successful leadership.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Martin discusses his passion for robotic surgery and its role in emergency general surgery. He explains the training pathway for surgeons interested in learning robotic surgery and highlights the advantages of robotic surgery in emergency general surgery cases. Dr. Martin also introduces the AAST Robo-Tracs program, a year-long training program for acute care surgeons interested in adding robotic surgery to their practice.

Takeaways

• Robotic surgery has a significant potential application in emergency general surgery.
• Surgeons interested in learning robotic surgery should start by talking to their robotic representative and going through the training pathway.
• Getting comfortable with robotic surgery requires regular practice and case volume.
• The AAST Robo-Tracs program offers a comprehensive training opportunity for acute care surgeons interested in robotic surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Savage discusses the field of Acute Care Surgery and the advantages of pursuing a career in this field. She describes Acute Care Surgery as the special forces of general surgery, dealing with the  sickest patients. She also explains the difference between the traditional path and the AAST fellowship for aspiring acute care surgeons. The AAST fellowship offers a two-year program with a focus on operative techniques and advanced surgical problems. Dr. Savage highlights the special features and programming of the fellowship, including mentorship, academic content, and international rotations. She provides advice for applicants and junior residents interested in acute care surgery.

In this episode, Patrick M. Reilly, MD shares his expertise and experiences in trauma surgery. The conversation covers topics such as mindset and preparation in the operating room, the importance of trajectory determination in penetrating trauma cases, the use of checklists, and the mental skills of surgery. 

Dr. Reilly emphasizes the value of learning from challenging cases and the importance of paying attention to every detail. He also discusses the emotional aspects of surgery and the need for reflection and support when dealing with challenges.