“Updates in General Surgery promises to cover nearly every conceivable issue and subtopic in the management of general surgery patients,” says Michael Rosen, MD, primary activity director of the course and Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Hernia Center.

This third annual event — Feb. 7-10, 2020, at Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, Vail, Colorado — will attract hundreds of general surgeons, fellows, residents and other medical professionals from around the world. Here’s why:

Unprecedented breadth of content

Sessions will provide practical guidance and in-depth discussion on:

1. All aspects of hernia care.
2. Approaches to common colorectal problems.
3. Key management strategies for acute care surgeons.
4. Managing patients in the surgical intensive care unit.
5. Optimizing outcomes for rural surgeons.

Deliberately multidisciplinary program

“Whether you are a general, trauma, colorectal or minimally invasive surgeon or other medical professional who works with these patients — whether in an academic medical center, community hospital or rural practice — this symposium has plenty for you,” says Dr. Rosen. “Importantly, it will offer guidance on how best to collaborate with care team members from other disciplines.”

This multidisciplinary approach reflects the symposium’s multidisciplinary leadership team. In addition to general surgeon Dr. Rosen, course co-chairs include these Cleveland Clinic specialists:

• Ali Mallat, MD, Executive Medical Director of Acute Care Surgery.
• Ajita Prabhu, MD, abdominal core health surgeon.
• Scott Steele, MD, Chair of Colorectal Surgery.
• Rachael Sullivan, MD, critical care and acute care surgeon.

Guest faculty include specialists in anesthesiology, critical care, colorectal surgery and much more.

Lively pace

The four-day agenda covers so much ground thanks to efficient programming, says Dr. Rosen.

All presentations are 15 minutes long. Faculty present their expertise in accessible segments, emphasizing key takeaways and essential evidence.

The conference is highly interactive, with audience polling and participation in each session. Frequent breaks allow for follow-up or more in-depth discussion with faculty, if desired.

Diverse learning formats, including case presentations

All sessions conclude with case presentations and panel discussions that include audience response questions.

“This allows for synthesis of subspecialist perspectives from earlier in the session and further enables practical application,” says Dr. Rosen.

Real-world case examples invite attendees to explore issues in common general surgery conditions and seek ways to improve outcomes.

“The conference’s focus on general surgery is particularly evident in the last session,” says Dr. Rosen. “In it we will discuss how to manage common clinical challenges facing the rural surgeon in today’s healthcare environment.”

World-class faculty

All discussions and debates feature expert speakers and panelists from across Cleveland Clinic.

“Attendees will be privy to the decision-making insights of some of the world’s premier surgical specialists and clinicians,” says Dr. Rosen.

Vail in February

Vail, Colorado, is typically one of the most beautiful locales in the world in February, adds Dr. Rosen. The program will allow ample time for attendees to enjoy the slopes and après ski events in a family-friendly environment.

Register today for Updates in General Surgery.

Earn up to 21.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Participants claiming CME credit may submit the credit hours to the American Osteopathic Association for Category 2 credit. This activity also qualifies for 21.25 self-assessment credits toward Part 2 of the American Board of Surgery (ABS) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.