Research and scholarly engagement continue to play an increasingly important role in surgical training and professional development. The following reflection from ACOS member Jordan Sarver, D.O., highlights the impact of participation in conferences such as the Annual Clinical Assembly on residency education and lifelong learning. "Research has brought many opportunities and experiences in residency that I did not realize earlier in my training. With the long hours of studying and work, the ability to expand the roles of a physician via research provides an exciting change to everyday workflow. So far, I have been able to attend several conferences and present research studies, including time at the Annual Clinical Assembly (ACA). The ACA was recently a new meeting for me. However, participation allowed for additional education and connection between my surgical peers. During the 2024 and 2025 ACA, the resident video competition was an excellent way to present topics within robotic and laparoscopic surgery. These interesting sessions taught novel techniques for surgery that continued to expand my education and practice. Conferences such as the ACA have taught me to continue to stay involved to establish a unique purpose outside of residency demands. These conferences provide an exciting travel and networking opportunity for those who are interested. I would advise all new learners to attend and apply to ACOS for chances to connect with peers and faculty and explore novel surgical ideas. In medicine, there is always a theme of the “lifelong learner.” Physicians are taught to ask questions and find solutions to better the care of patients now and in the future. I believe ACOS is a great example of ways we as physicians can impact patient care and adapt to new findings and technologies. By staying curious and exploring our clinical questions, we can use these conferences to answer questions and impact our patients. I believe residency does not teach you how important meeting other people and colleagues can be. During my prior conference attendances, I was able to learn minimally invasive techniques to bring back to my program and try to implement based on other peer experiences. Additionally, presentations and lectures by esteemed faculty present the opportunity to learn about practice changing findings. As trainees, we should be involved with these conferences to continue our education and expand our interactions with colleagues. While residency teaches us to work hard, our representation and involvement in conferences such as the ACA is key." Learn more about presenting at or attending the ACA at facos.org/aca and join us in advancing surgical education.

ACA 2026: Lighting the Fire 🔥 Passing the Torch to the Next Generation of Osteopathic Surgeons Join colleagues from across the country in New Orleans, September 30–October 4, for a dynamic program focused on education, innovation, and connection. Earn up to 40 CME credits, explore the latest advances in surgery, hear from influential speakers, and strengthen the relationships that continue to move our profession forward. ACA 2026 is where experience and emerging perspectives come together to shape what’s next. 📍 New Orleans, Louisiana 📅 September 30 – October 4, 2026 Early registration is now open—learn more at facos.org/ACA

ACOS has been "my second home in my professional life.” In this video, ACOS President-Elect Benjamin Lam, D.O., DFACOS, FACS shares what first drew him to ACOS and why he has remained an active member for more than 25 years since completing his plastic surgery fellowship.

ACOS member Joel Abbott, D.O., FACOS shares this Men’s Health Month Reminder: Don’t normalize symptoms that could be signals. Early action leads to better outcomes. One thing I wish more men understood is that symptoms like urinary changes, erectile dysfunction, or fatigue aren’t just ‘part of aging.’ They’re often early warning signs of underlying health issues like prostate conditions, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal imbalance. A lot of men will ignore their health for years…until something like erectile dysfunction shows up. I joke with patients—sometimes the heart could be struggling, but it’s not until the erection stops working that they come in. The good news is, there are a lot of ways we can help once they do. The earlier we catch these, the more options we have—and the better outcomes we can achieve. This Men’s Health Month, make your health a priority. Don’t ignore the signs—talk to your physician. #MensHealthMonth

Starting surgical residency soon? The transition from medical student to intern comes with a steep learning curve, long hours, and a whole new level of responsibility. In this video, ACOS member Megan Jenkins Turner, DO shares some of the lessons she wishes someone had emphasized earlier in training. From staying organized on consults to managing life outside the hospital, these practical insights helped her navigate residency and may help make your transition a little smoother. Some of her most valuable lessons came from outside the operating room. Watch to hear the advice she wishes she'd received sooner.

A shared commitment to whole-person care brought trauma surgeon Nelayda Fonte, D.O., FACOS, DFACOS and her daughter, Kaili Yap, OMS I, onto parallel paths in osteopathic medicine—proving passion, purpose and perseverance can span generations. Read more: thedo.osteopathic.org/2026/0…

Men’s Health Month is a reminder that taking care of yourself is not optional — it is essential. In this message, ACOS member Jesse Lopez, D.O., FACOS shares an important perspective on why men often delay care, put others first, and overlook their own health needs. As an osteopathic surgeon, he discusses the importance of a holistic approach to healing, including hormonal, metabolic, and overall wellness evaluations before and after surgery. Your health matters. Your recovery matters. Your future matters. Take the time to invest in yourself — mind, body, and spirit. #MensHealthMonth

ACOS member George Koutsouras, DO, MPH, a pediatric neurosurgery fellow, shares practical advice for navigating the demands of residency, including staying focused and organized and learning how to separate work from home life. Read his perspective on staying present, intentional, and grounded throughout training. “Being a neurosurgery resident requires constant focus and execution. You must be diligent, vigilant and task directed. There are forces all throughout the hospital and in life that will distract you, and try to steer your mind away, but simplify tasks as much as you can and stay in the moment. If you do those things intentionally, you may be better able to separate the work from home better. If you can get the work done, and stay focused at the hospital, you can limit the distraction you have when you get home. Residency is a long time, whether it’s 3 or 7 years. You learn and grow a ton from your patients and the company around you. The memories will be everlasting, so live in the moment as much as you can.”

"Bouveret Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Clinical Factors Associated With Surgical Management" Bouveret syndrome is a rare form of gallstone ileus characterized by the formation of a cholecystoenteric fistula and subsequent gallstone migration into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in gastric outlet obstruction. Diagnostic criteria consist of clinical evidence (persistent non-bilious vomiting, nausea, epigastric pain) paired with imaging (CT abdomen showing ectopic gallstone, gastric outlet obstruction, cholecystoenteric fistula) and endoscopy. Current expert consensus recommends initial endoscopic stone removal as first-line therapy to avoid techniques associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on identifying recurrent findings in clinical and stone-related factors observed in endoscopic failure to determine any features that may guide initial therapy selection. Read more: cureus.com/articles/451728-b…

The Early-Career Investigators Workshop (ECIW) is urology’s premier research grant proposal skill development course. Serving the dynamic and evolving needs of the next generation of leading surgeon-investigators and research-scientists, the ECIW equips participants with the essential tools and transformational support to successfully compete for federal and private funding awards to advance urological research. Participant experience is customized into Early and Advanced Tracks, with designation based on preparedness to submit major Career Development Award (e.g. NIH K, VA CDA, etc.) proposals within 1 year or less (Advanced Track) or 1 year or greater (Early Track) from workshop completion. Talented investigators engaging in research efforts across the entire spectrum of urological disease pathologies and research modalities are encouraged to apply. Learn more: auanet.org/research-and-data…

🏆 Your Research Deserves the Spotlight Deadline June 1 ACOS residents and students: this is your opportunity to earn national recognition for your scientific work through the Robert C. Erwin Literary Awards. Supported by the ACOS Trust Fund, recipients will receive: ✔️ National recognition ✔️ A commemorative plaque presented at the Annual Clinical Assembly ✔️ Monetary awards ranging from $250–$1,500 If you’ve authored an original scientific manuscript as the primary author, don’t miss your chance to showcase your research and contributions to the surgical profession. Submission deadline: June 1 Learn more and apply today: facos.org/ResAwards

Fred Scott, D.O., is connecting with the next generation of osteopathic surgeons through mentorship and outreach. Earlier this month, Dr. Scott and his wife, Debbie, visited Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine to speak with students interested in General Surgery about the unique opportunities and challenges of rural surgical practice. During the discussion, students learned about the realities of providing surgical care in underserved communities, while Debbie shared perspective on life as a physician spouse in a small town. Thank you Dr. Scott for your work advocating for rural healthcare and for expanding the osteopathic surgical community!

"The Surgical Clerkship Guide: A Practical Framework for Confidence and Competence" Our guide provides medical students with a structured approach to navigating the surgical rotation. The authors felt we could provide advice and recommendations, based on our collective experiences, to help “standardize” specific responsibilities on the rotation. The guide introduces three practical tools developed and refined through clinical teaching experience: the I-OVERLAP framework for concise patient presentations; the PADBUNS checklist, nested within it, for reporting overnight events; and a preparation guide for the operating room. Together, these tools translate the often unspoken expectations of the clerkship into explicit, immediately usable guidance. The inspiration for this work came from recurring questions and patterns we observed from students including what is expected of them during rounds, on the wards, and in the operating room. This ambiguity can create anxiety, hinder integration into the surgical team, and obscure a student's true potential. We wanted to give students some guidance that demystifies these expectations so they can focus on learning. The takeaway is that confidence and competence in the clerkship are built on professionalism and preparation, and that simple tools can meaningfully shorten the learning curve for students stepping onto a surgical service for the first time. We are hoping that we can share this with as many students as possible, in hopes that they find it helpful. Read more: cureus.com/articles/466854-t…

The ACOS Urological Surgery Mid-Year Updates Track made a strong impact at the American Urological Association Annual Conference, with ACOS presenting seven educational sessions today in Washington, DC! Thank you to our outstanding speakers, engaged attendees, and sponsors for helping to make these sessions a success. #ACOS #AUA2026 #Urology #UrologicalSurgery @AmerUrological

At @ACOSurgeons Dr. Jeffrey Montgomery highlights how obstruction is what made some of his pencils cancer patients finally come in after having issues for a while. Stop by the 2026 ACOS Urological Surgery Mid-Year Meeting at the Marquis until 4:30pm. #AUA26

Training comes with challenges, long hours, and constant learning, but some of the most valuable lessons come from the people who have already been through it. ACOS member Noah Belkhayat, D.O. shares advice on mentorship, curiosity, resilience, and finding balance throughout residency. Q: What is something you wish you knew earlier in training? I wish I knew earlier on in my training how to find the right mentors. Half the battle is having the courage to verbalize your interests. As osteopathic surgeons, we are a minority group, but certainly high achievers. Seek out mentors who build you up. A wise piece of advice I received was "take criticism only from those you respect." Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out? In starting training I would encourage one to "be curious." I think that comes from a famous Apple TV show. Highly applicable. You don't know what you don't know, so be hungry for everything! Q: What does residency not teach you? Residency does not teach you how to relax, so find a way to keep that going because it will keep you healthy. My family, specifically my wife and son, help me achieve that. Q: How do you approach challenges or uncertainty? Challenges and uncertainty are always scary, but you have to remember you made it this far. My favorite quote of all time is "Per aspera Ad Astra." "Through hard work, to the stars!" You have put in the hard work to be here, so please don't give up on yourself now!

Plastic surgery is about far more than cosmetics. In this powerful story, ACOS member Algie LaBrasca, D.O. shares how losing his grandmother to melanoma inspired his path to medicine — and ultimately led him to discover the reconstructive and life-changing side of plastic surgery. From oncology and reconstruction to restoring form and function, this video is a reminder that every specialty carries a deeper purpose beyond common stereotypes.

Laurence Belkoff, D.O., FACOS and Alexander Zhu, D.O. will participate in the session “The Next Generation of Clinical Trial Research: What Trainees and Program Directors Need to Know" at the American Urological Association’s Annual Meeting this weekend. This session will explore the importance of sustaining clinical trial research to advance the urology specialty. Attendees will learn strategies for integrating clinical trial research education into residency and fellowship training, explore career paths that support research efforts, and gain guidance from leading clinical trial experts to support future success in training and practice. Don't miss ACOS Urology Mid‑Year Updates held in conjunction with AUA2026 on Saturday May 16th! Learn more: facos.org/AUA

"Glymphatic System Visualized With Intrathecal Gadoterate Meglumine Administered via External Ventricular Drain" Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other acute intracranial pathologies disrupt the glymphatic system, a recently described waste-clearance network that facilitates the removal of metabolic byproducts from the brain. Dysfunction of this system after injury may contribute to impaired clearance of toxic metabolites, cerebral edema, and elevated intracranial pressure. This study aimed to evaluate glymphatic dynamics using intrathecal (IT) administration of gadoterate meglumine via an external ventricular drain (EVD) to better understand the impact of intracranial injury on glymphatic flow. Read more: cureus.com/articles/474063-g…