Surgical News | Volume 22 | Issue 01
Exceptional DCAS program planned for the 2021 RACS ASC faculty members encourage and welcome attendees to initiate informal discussions.
After the unfortunate cancellation of the 2020 Developing a Career and skills in Academic Surgery (DCAS) course, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to announce that the 12th annual DCAS course will be held Monday 10 May 2021, leading into the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, we have adapted our course delivery to include virtual sessions to give everyone the opportunity to attend this exciting course in person or online. The morning session will consist of a hybrid online and in-person format, and afternoon sessions – including breakout sessions – will only consist of in-person attendance. As always, we will provide delegates with an exciting range of informative topics that promise to engage and inspire. We are pleased to have assembled an exceptional faculty from Australia, New Zealand and the United States who will share personal experience and tips on what it takes to start, develop and continue a productive career in academic surgery. As always, we look forward to renewing acquaintances with our American colleagues from the Association for Academic Surgery, whose continued support for our DCAS course deserves
special acknowledgement. We are thrilled to welcome them in the most appropriate format come May 2021. The program begins with a session exploring the benefits of surgeons becoming involved in academic surgery, and how the incorporation of a research component in practice will benefit both the surgeon and patients. Other highlights from the program include Professor Michael Vallely, from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, on the topic of ‘First in Human Trials’. The keynote presentation, ‘Disruption and Innovation in Academic Surgery’, will be delivered by Professor Peter Choong from the University of Melbourne. Furthermore, this year’s program will include talks on navigating the virtual academic environment and a discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion in academic surgery. The content of the two afternoon workshops will cater to onsite attendees: firstly those new to research or academic surgery, with the topic ‘Finding My Niche/Fit and Tools of the Trade’; and secondly, those in early career development, with the topic ‘Trainee-Led Collaborative Trials’. For those attending onsite, the day will end with a networking function, where our approachable and engaging
Previous attendees frequently described the course as inspirational, transformational and well targeted to every level, from medical students to department heads. Faculty regularly comment that there is nothing more satisfying than seeing attendees benefit from the experience. For SET Trainees in General Surgery, attendance at this course is acknowledged by General Surgeons Australia as equivalent to attending one compulsory Trainees’ Day. We invite you to attend the DCAS course, whether by joining us in Melbourne or in a virtual space, in May 2021 – you will be impressed and inspired. Research is about continuous improvement and progress, so come and be part of this course. Associate Professor Jonathan Karpelowsky Co-Chair Associate Professor Colin Martin Co-Chair Mr Richary Hanney Convenor
Further details including registration costs and the provisional program can be found at: http://www.tinyurl.com/DCAS2021
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