TSRA
Thoracic Surgery Residents Association
Meeting Minutes
American College of Surgeons
San Francisco, California
October 12, 1999
Topics of Discussion
- Introduction by Antonio Laudito, TSRA President and Jorge Salazar, TSRA Secretary: Antonio discussed the goals of the TSRA, which are to facilitate communication with CT Surgery faculty (esp. the Program Directors), improve resident education, and address other CT resident issues. Jorge discussed the important role of the Internet and email in TSRA communication and projects.
- Dr. Jeffrey Gold, TSDA Secretary, discussed the strong commitment of the TSDA to resident education and to continuing improvements in CT surgery training. In addition, Dr. Gold outlined the new TSDA Prerequisite Curriculum, which prepares residents during general surgery training for CT surgery training. He emphasized that the TSDA is very interested in resident input and feedback regarding the Prerequisite Curriculum and any other resident issues. Dr. Gold also emphasized the opportunity for interaction with CT faculty and the Program Directors via the TSRA and encouraged active participation.
- Dr. David Sugarbaker (Brigham & Women's Hospital) encouraged CT residents to get involved with the TSRA, thereby building leadership skills and developing relationships with fellow residents and faculty. He stressed that CT residents are the future leaders in Surgery and that now is the time for CT residents to develop their leadership skills.
- Dr. V. Mohan Reddy (University of California, San Francisco) gave an excellent lecture covering the current status of "Neonatal Cardiac Surgery" and gave insights into "Careers in Pediatric Heart Surgery".
- A general discussion was held regarding CT resident issues. In particular, the length of CT training programs and the general surgery board certification requirement were covered. Most residents present believed general surgery training provided important operative and clinical experience. However, it was noted that a significant component of general surgery training is often spent performing service-related tasks that do not always emphasize resident education, especially during the junior years. Given the many years required for CT surgery training, the opportunity exists for better time utilization.
- The Socrates Award has been established in conjunction with the TSDA to recognize and show appreciation for outstanding faculty who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to resident education. More information will be made available as the details of the award (nomination process, selection process, etc.) are delineated.
- The TSRA is looking for CT residents to become members of the TSRA Executive Committee. Please notify the TSRA if you are interested in playing a significant role in the TSRA. All ideas are welcome!
- The next TSRA meeting will be held at the STS meeting in Ft. Lauderdale (January 31 - February 2, 2000). Check the TSRA Website for updated meeting information. Also check out the STS Website.