Leading Practices

Through networking and sharing information among members of the ACS Committee and Program Directors' Committee, we often come across best practices and quality examples of policies and procedures. We share that knowledge and those examples here to help programs improve their offerings and advance the reputation of the AAST Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Program overall.

Outstanding Examples

Creative Solutions

Medical College of Wisconsin
University of Colorado
“Coffee with Clay” is an (ideally) monthly meeting that provides a free and unstructured space for the fellows and program leadership to discuss whatever is on the fellows’ minds. We touch base on anything from ongoing research projects, to educational needs, future career opportunities, or outstanding administrative items. It is a great opportunity to have the whole team gather in a casual setting us; it allows us face to face time to build camaraderie and rapport, which may be tough to consistently accomplish when fellows rotate at multiple different clinical sites. We individualize certain aspects of the program to the needs of our fellows and their interests, so this time can also be used to discuss rotation opportunities including areas for improvement for the program, as well as more informal discussions of education and research interests. The final strength of “Coffee with Clay” is it is held during afternoon hours in the middle of the week, so fellows do not have to compromise their evenings away from the hospital."