The Developing a Career and skills in Academic Surgery (DCAS) Course 2021

The 12th Developing a Career and skills in Academic Surgery (DCAS) Course was held in Melbourne and via virtual sessions on 10 May 2021. The one-day course offered attendees motivation and advice in developing a career that involves both research and medicine. We welcomed seven international guests from the Association for Academic Surgery and a further 15 from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Session one explored why research was important for surgeons, and the importance of finding the right topic and time for research. Associate Professor Carrie Lubitz gave an interesting talk on how to find your research question. One of the highlights of the session was a talk by Dr Brenessa Lindeman on how to navigate the balance between burnout and wellbeing. The session finished with advice from Professor Eugene Kim on the benefits of participating in virtual conferences.

Left to right: Dr Marc Gladman, Georgina Ryan, Mr Richard Hanney, Davina Daudu and Associate Professor Jonathan Karpelowsky

Left to right: Dr Marc Gladman, Georgina Ryan, Mr Richard Hanney, Davina Daudu and Associate Professor Jonathan Karpelowsky

The second session explored inclusion and diversity in surgical academia, providing perspectives on the Black Lives Matter movement from the United States and Australian perspectives. Assistant Professor Lesly Dossett gave a talk on the importance of diversity in academic surgery, followed by Associate Professor Colin Martin, who spoke on the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States and the many initiatives that have been established there. Professor Kelvin Kong’s presentation provided insight into some of the issues faced by Indigenous Australians. He shared with the audience his journey to becoming a surgeon, and insights on how the lack of awareness of Indigenous culture adversely impacts the health journeys of Indigenous Australians. Professor Kong advocated for altering the status quo through changing bias, making a genuine effort to listen and support Indigenous Australians, and calling out racism.

The ‘Hot Topic’ First in Human Trials was presented by Professor Michael Vallely. Professor Vallely described his journey and experience in suggesting new procedures, gaining permission and undertaking these first in human trials. His guidance included ensuring patients are at the forefront of decision-making and that the suggested treatment is an acceptable option for them. He describe the importance of having a sound knowledge of the different devices available, gaining institutional approval, building a multidisciplinary team, planning the procedure, completing the procedure and then publishing about the outcome.

Professor Peter Choong (left) and Professor Julian Smith (right)

Session three focused on tools for academic surgery. Associate Professor Amir Ghaferi began the session on conference abstracts by recommending that writers ensure their stories are centred on data, and the value of presenting at scientific meetings. Some useful tips for virtual presentations included recording presentations from a standing position, avoiding animation, practising, focusing on a positive audience member and, most importantly, keeping to time. Associate Professor Zara Cooper then provided pearls of wisdom on writing and submitting manuscripts, with a focus on telling an interesting, original story while paying attention to the targeted audience and journal formatting requirements.

The keynote address , Disruption and Innovation in Academic Surgery, was delivered by Professor Peter Choong from the University of Melbourne. His thoughtful presentation encouraged disruption by surgeons in relation to problems where innovation could progress and drive new contemporary treatments and outcomes for patients. Through continuing to disrupt and innovate, current surgeons can provide guidance for younger generations in developing new technology and improving evidence-based medicine.

The first concurrent session focused on finding your niche and tools of the trade, with presentations covering basic science, translation research, clinical research and randomised controlled trials, international collaborative studies and interdisciplinary collaboration. The second concurrent session focused on trainee-led collaborative trials, covering topics on the clinical trial landscape in Australia, engaging medical students and surgical trainees, and advice on mentoring trainee networks.

For in-person attendees, the course finished with a networking opportunity with faculty members.

Feedback from attendees indicated that presentations were well received, with most rated highly.

Associate Professor Jonathan Karpelowsky FRACS Co-Chair of DCAS Course

Associate Professor Colin Martin FACS Co-Chair DCAS Course

Mr Richard Hanney FRACS Convenor