Welcome to the January/February 2019 edition of the Cutting Edge!

In this edition, you will find:

• The “News” section highlights both professional and personal updates on AAST members.
• In this issue’s “Coder’s Corner”, Dr. Lawrence Reed and Dr. Thomas Esposito give their coding information on a complex case involving damage control laparotomy.\
• The “Happenings” section, headed by Dr. Chad Ball, keeps the reader aware of upcoming meetings along with the submission deadlines 
• Our committee updates come from the “Patient Assessment Committee”
• Hsee provides us with information on the International Attendee Breakfast AAST Report.
• We also provide several links to sites of interest. I hope you enjoy your issue of the “Cutting Edge.” Please send us any feedback or issues that you will like to see in the coming issues of the newsletter. (aast@aast.org).

I hope you enjoy your issue of the “Cutting Edge.” Please send us any feedback or issues that you will like to see in the coming issues of the newsletter. (aast@aast.org).