ACOS

"The Surgical Clerkship Guide: A Practical Framework for Confidence and Competence" Our guide provides medical students with a structured approach to navigating the surgical rotation. The authors felt we could provide advice and recommendations, based on our collective experiences, to help “standardize” specific responsibilities on the rotation. The guide introduces three practical tools developed and refined through clinical teaching experience: the I-OVERLAP framework for concise patient presentations; the PADBUNS checklist, nested within it, for reporting overnight events; and a preparation guide for the operating room. Together, these tools translate the often unspoken expectations of the clerkship into explicit, immediately usable guidance. The inspiration for this work came from recurring questions and patterns we observed from students including what is expected of them during rounds, on the wards, and in the operating room. This ambiguity can create anxiety, hinder integration into the surgical team, and obscure a student's true potential. We wanted to give students some guidance that demystifies these expectations so they can focus on learning. The takeaway is that confidence and competence in the clerkship are built on professionalism and preparation, and that simple tools can meaningfully shorten the learning curve for students stepping onto a surgical service for the first time. We are hoping that we can share this with as many students as possible, in hopes that they find it helpful. Read more: cureus.com/articles/46685…

The ACOS Urological Surgery Mid-Year Updates Track made a strong impact at the American Urological Association Annual Conference, with ACOS presenting seven educational sessions today in Washington, DC! Thank you to our outstanding speakers, engaged attendees, and sponsors for helping to make these sessions a success. #ACOS #AUA2026 #Urology #UrologicalSurgery @AmerUrological

At @ACOSurgeons Dr. Jeffrey Montgomery highlights how obstruction is what made some of his pencils cancer patients finally come in after having issues for a while. Stop by the 2026 ACOS Urological Surgery Mid-Year Meeting at the Marquis until 4:30pm. #AUA26

Training comes with challenges, long hours, and constant learning, but some of the most valuable lessons come from the people who have already been through it. ACOS member Noah Belkhayat, D.O. shares advice on mentorship, curiosity, resilience, and finding balance throughout residency. Q: What is something you wish you knew earlier in training? I wish I knew earlier on in my training how to find the right mentors. Half the battle is having the courage to verbalize your interests. As osteopathic surgeons, we are a minority group, but certainly high achievers. Seek out mentors who build you up. A wise piece of advice I received was "take criticism only from those you respect." Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out? In starting training I would encourage one to "be curious." I think that comes from a famous Apple TV show. Highly applicable. You don't know what you don't know, so be hungry for everything! Q: What does residency not teach you? Residency does not teach you how to relax, so find a way to keep that going because it will keep you healthy. My family, specifically my wife and son, help me achieve that. Q: How do you approach challenges or uncertainty? Challenges and uncertainty are always scary, but you have to remember you made it this far. My favorite quote of all time is "Per aspera Ad Astra." "Through hard work, to the stars!" You have put in the hard work to be here, so please don't give up on yourself now!

Plastic surgery is about far more than cosmetics. In this powerful story, ACOS member Algie LaBrasca, D.O. shares how losing his grandmother to melanoma inspired his path to medicine — and ultimately led him to discover the reconstructive and life-changing side of plastic surgery. From oncology and reconstruction to restoring form and function, this video is a reminder that every specialty carries a deeper purpose beyond common stereotypes.

Laurence Belkoff, D.O., FACOS and Alexander Zhu, D.O. will participate in the session “The Next Generation of Clinical Trial Research: What Trainees and Program Directors Need to Know" at the American Urological Association’s Annual Meeting this weekend. This session will explore the importance of sustaining clinical trial research to advance the urology specialty. Attendees will learn strategies for integrating clinical trial research education into residency and fellowship training, explore career paths that support research efforts, and gain guidance from leading clinical trial experts to support future success in training and practice. Don't miss ACOS Urology Mid‑Year Updates held in conjunction with AUA2026 on Saturday May 16th! Learn more: facos.org/AUA

"Glymphatic System Visualized With Intrathecal Gadoterate Meglumine Administered via External Ventricular Drain" Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other acute intracranial pathologies disrupt the glymphatic system, a recently described waste-clearance network that facilitates the removal of metabolic byproducts from the brain. Dysfunction of this system after injury may contribute to impaired clearance of toxic metabolites, cerebral edema, and elevated intracranial pressure. This study aimed to evaluate glymphatic dynamics using intrathecal (IT) administration of gadoterate meglumine via an external ventricular drain (EVD) to better understand the impact of intracranial injury on glymphatic flow. Read more: cureus.com/articles/47406…

Start building your future in surgery — NOW Opportunities are open for students and residents to take the next step: 🔹 Apply for Awards — get recognized for your work through the Robert C. Erwin Literary Award (Students and Residents) and Resident Achievement Award (Residents in their final year of training). 🗓️ Deadline: June 1 - facos.org/resawards 🔹 Submit Your Research — Submit your abstract for Quick Shots & Podium Presentations at the 2026 Annual Clinical Assembly. 🗓️ Deadline: July 1- facos.org/aca 🔹 Join ORIGINS — The Osteopathic Research Initiative for Growth and INnovations in Surgery is launching a new initiative: Residents with research experience can serve as Co-PIs, mentor students, and lead virtual, year-long research projects alongside an attending physician. Email origins.do@gmail.com to apply: Submit your CV and a Statement of Interest 🗓️ Deadline: July 1 This is your chance to present, mentor, and lead.

Incoming surgery interns, congratulations on matching into surgery programs across the country. 🎉 Current residents are sharing the advice that helped them get through intern year, from staying organized and being reliable to learning from every patient encounter and building strong friendships with co-residents. If you are about to start intern year, this video is for you. 🎥 Watch now for practical tips, encouragement, and reminders from residents who have been in your shoes.

A pantaloon hernia (or saddlebag hernia) is a rare, complex inguinal hernia characterized by the simultaneous presence of both direct and indirect hernia sacs on the same side, separated by the inferior epigastric vessels. Often occurring in older males due to weakened abdominal walls, it presents as a painful, irreducible groin bulge sometimes requiring urgent surgery to prevent bladder or bowel strangulation. Have you encountered a case like this in your practice?

"Investigating the Relationship Between Psoriatic Arthritis and Peyronie’s Disease: A Case Study Analysis" The relationship between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and Peyronie’s disease (PD) remains poorly understood. PsA is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease, whereas PD is a fibroproliferative disorder of the penile tunica albuginea that leads to penile curvature, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Both conditions involve chronic inflammation and dysregulated tissue remodeling. We report the case of a 42-year-old man with long-standing PsA who developed acute inflammatory PD shortly after discontinuing biologic therapy because of loss of insurance and medication nonadherence. The patient presented with new-onset penile pain and a palpable dorsal plaque in the setting of uncontrolled psoriatic disease. Penile ultrasound demonstrated fibrous plaque formation with linear calcifications consistent with early PD. Management included oral pentoxifylline, topical nitroglycerin, and resumption of systemic immunosuppression with secukinumab through a patient-assistance program, resulting in improvement in both penile symptoms and psoriatic disease activity. Read more: cureus.com/articles/46481…

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s Educating Leaders 2026 brought together top voices in osteopathic medical education last week. ACOS CEO Valerie Sheridan, D.O., FACOS, DFACOS attended the conference, joining leaders from across the country for three days of collaboration, insight, and forward-looking discussion. The event highlighted innovative approaches to medical education, key issues shaping healthcare, and opportunities to strengthen connections across the osteopathic community.

Mark Your Calendars for ACA 2026🔥 September 30 - October 4 in New Orleans, LA Lighting the Fire: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation of Osteopathic Surgeons Our theme sets the tone for ACA 2026 as a defining moment of momentum, where experience meets emerging perspectives to shape what’s next. The conference brings our community together to reflect on the insights that have guided us, elevate surgical education, and reaffirm our commitment to excellence. Through forward-looking sessions and meaningful exchange, ACA 2026 ignites progress that extends well beyond the meeting, fueling the future of osteopathic surgery.

Dr. Lam continues to spend time on campuses across the country, engaging directly with osteopathic medical students and sharing his perspective on surgical careers. Here’s a look at his recent visits: 📍 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia – Suwanee, GA A welcoming and nurturing campus environment where student success is clearly prioritized. Dean Andrea Mann provided a VIP tour, highlighting a strong academic structure—especially in board preparation, with dedicated faculty supporting each student. Dr. Lam connected with students throughout the visit, coordinated by Student Doctor Lucy Fisher. 📍 Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine – Henderson, NV Dean Paul Kalekas joined the session and expressed appreciation for continued collaboration. Students brought a wide range of surgical interests and were notably inquisitive and engaged throughout the discussion. 📍 New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine – Old Westbury, NY Following the ACOS-MSS Spring Meeting, Dr. Lam stayed to present to the Surgery Club for a well-attended session. Students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and expressing strong interest in continued ACOS programming and specialty-focused opportunities.

April is National Volunteer Month, and we are proud to recognize the individuals who power everything we do. As a volunteer-driven organization, the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons is shaped by the time, expertise, and commitment of its members. Your dedication strengthens our community, advances our mission, and supports surgeons across the country. Thank you for the impact you make every day.

"Gender and Osteopathic Representation in U.S. General Surgery Residency, 2024-2025: Divergent Patterns Across Postgraduate Training" Women and osteopathic (DO) physicians remain underrepresented in the field of general surgery, from residency training to the practicing workforce. Efforts to improve diversity in general surgery residency have focused on gaps in gender and osteopathic representation; however, it remains unclear whether these patterns change consistently across postgraduate years (PGY). This study tested the hypothesis that gender and osteopathic representation follow distinct patterns across training by evaluating resident-level differences in gender representation across PGY levels and degree type, and by examining program-level associations among female representation, osteopathic representation, and historical American Osteopathic Association (AOA) affiliation in U.S. general surgery residency programs. Read more: cureus.com/articles/47712…

What does osteopathic training mean for patients? ACOS member Kellen Choi, D.O., FACOS shares how a whole-body approach guides patient care from conservative treatment through surgical intervention. By focusing on the underlying cause, osteopathic physicians help patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their care. Celebrating the impact of osteopathic surgeons. #NOMWeek2026 #DOProud

How does osteopathic medicine improve surgical outcomes? ACOS member Gerard Baltazar, D.O., FACOS explains how osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) supports patients in the operating room and during trauma recovery. By using OMT to reduce strain on the body and support recovery, DOs help patients experience less pain, improved function, and shorter hospital stays. #NOMWeek2026 #DOProud

Reflecting on some moments from Mid-Year Updates last weekend! This year’s program featured a range of impactful sessions designed to bridge clinical practice, research, and innovation in osteopathic surgery. In “How to Do a Stakeholder Analysis,” Joseph Lewis, DO, FACOS, FACS reviewed how to identify key stakeholders in healthcare projects and use tools like Mendelow’s Matrix to assess power and interest and guide effective engagement strategies. In “Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Post-Laparoscopic Shoulder Pain: A Narrative Review,” Gina Kim, B.S. highlighted emerging perspectives on improving postoperative recovery and patient comfort through OMT approaches. In “Innovations in Acute Stroke Care,” James G. Wiginton IV, DO, showcased evolving strategies in stroke management, emphasizing timely intervention and system-based improvements to enhance patient outcomes. In “Turning Daily Practice into Data: How Community Surgeons Can Lead Research,” Emily Lenart, DO focused on translating clinical questions into research opportunities, including differentiating QI/PI from clinical research and outlining a practical workflow from idea to publication.