Fellowship training in Acute Care Surgery: from inception to current state

Abstract

Recognizing the need for urgent and emergent surgical care across America, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma developed and implemented, and oversees, the Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Training Program. Now in its 10th year, the fellowship has become an established post-General Surgery Fellowship Training Program, with 20 approved programs and 82 fellows trained. Consistent with the desire to have this non-Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship one with the highest standards, several educational improvements have occurred since its origin. The following is an account of the background and evolution of what has become a significant educational contribution to surgery.

General Surgeons Australia's 12‐point plan for emergency general surgery

“…Since 2008, over 20 different ACS fellowship programmes have been approved by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. 33 Fellows who completed the programme also reported that they felt better prepared for consultant practice in EGS. Surgical residents also found that having an ACS fellow adds value to their education.…”

“…The emphasis of the programme was to equip trainees with essential skills in trauma surgery, surgical critical care and expertise in EGS conditions. Since 2008, over 20 different ACS fellowship programmes have been approved by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma . Fellows who completed the programme also reported that they felt better prepared for consultant practice in EGS.…”

El cirujano de trauma y emergencias: pasado, presente y futuro

“…En Estados Unidos, la cirugía general también ha venido desapareciendo y el papel de la cirugía de trauma se estaba limitando, ya que muchas de las nuevas herramientas del manejo de los heridos consisten en técnicas selectivas no operatorias. En 2005, se definió el concepto de "acute care surgery" como una nueva especialidad, y así cambió el panorama en Norteamérica 6 . Mientras esto sucedía, otras grandes cosas pasaron.…”

Specialization in acute care surgery in low-income and middle-income countries

“… 37 The first trauma fellowship began in 1980, but specialized fellowship training in ACS in the USA did not exist until 2008. 38 Trauma societies exist in Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela. However, none offer an ACS fellowship.…”