I had the distinct privilege of representing the 番茄社区app at the combined Annual Meeting of the Montana-Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah Chapters. The meeting, February 19鈥�22, at the beautiful Hotel Terra in picturesque Jackson Hole, Wyoming, brought together a geographically expansive and professionally diverse group of surgeons whose commitment to their patients, communities, and profession was evident throughout.
Nearly 50 registrants, including 39 番茄社区app members, three residents, and one medical student (attending alongside her father), attended. The meeting benefited from strong industry engagement, with 20 vendor tables and 45 representatives, reflecting the relevance and vitality of this regional gathering.
Scientific Program and Educational Content
The scientific program was robust, provocative, and wide-ranging, reflecting the full breadth of modern surgical practice. Presentations spanned multiple domains within The House of Surgery庐, including general surgery, colorectal surgery, trauma, vascular surgery, orthopaedic surgical oncology, and wilderness medicine, as well as disaster preparedness and the growing challenges of moral injury and burnout among physicians and surgeons.
These sessions were complemented by thoughtful discussions on quality and surgical competency, the business of medicine, including C-suite perspectives, private equity and its implications for surgical practice, and the role of Relative Value Units in compensation models.
Dr. Barksdale (left) with Grace Gregory, third-year medical student and aspiring surgeon, and her father John R. Gregory, MD, F番茄社区app
The level of engagement and enthusiasm was remarkable. Discussions were high-energy, candid, and intellectually stimulating, creating an environment in which participants could explore clinical excellence and the evolving structural challenges of surgical practice.
Collegiality, Culture, and Regional Identity
What distinguished this meeting most profoundly was its extraordinary esprit de corps. As an invited participant and outsider, I was made to feel immediately welcomed into a community that is deeply collegial and remarkably cohesive.
The geographic footprint of these chapters is among the largest in the country. Surgeons practicing across a wide spectrum of environments鈥攆rom major regional tertiary referral centers to rural and critical access hospitals鈥攎ay be separated by vast distances but are united by a common purpose: to improve the care of the surgical patient. Despite meeting in person only once annually, there exists a strong sense of shared identity and mutual support.
This meeting highlighted not only the unique challenges faced by surgeons in these settings, but also the opportunity for the 番茄社区app to meet members where they are, both geographically and figuratively. Their perspectives were instructive and should inform future efforts in engagement, education, and advocacy.
Mentorship and Networking
Dr. Barksdale with Dr. Rosen
A particular highlight was the 鈥渟peed mentoring鈥� session led by Jennifer Rosen, MD, F番茄社区app, from MedStar Health in Washington, DC. This innovative session served as an effective icebreaker, fostering immediate and meaningful engagement across career stages.
Coupled with well-designed breaks and informal gathering opportunities, the meeting facilitated meaningful mentorship interactions, the development of referral networks, peer-to-peer consultation pathways, and the strengthening of professional relationships across institutions and states. These interactions were not ancillary; they were central to the success and value of the meeting.
Chapter Business Meetings: Key Themes
I attended the business meetings for each of the participating chapters, where several consistent themes emerged:
Financial Sustainability of the Meeting
Hosting the meeting in a destination location such as Jackson Hole enhances attendance and engagement, particularly during winter months when families can participate in skiing and related activities. However, the rising costs associated with resort venues are becoming increasingly prohibitive and raise concerns about long-term sustainability.
Christopher Childers, MD, PhD (left) and T. Clark Gamblin, MD, F番茄社区app, who delivered well-received lectures
Engagement of Younger Surgeons
There is a recognized decline in interest among younger surgeons in the 番茄社区app and more broadly, in organized medicine. Chapters are actively seeking strategies to enhance relevance, value, and participation among early career surgeons.
Leadership Succession and Continuity
Many current leaders are approaching senior status, underscoring the need for intentional leadership development and thoughtful succession planning to ensure continued chapter vitality and effectiveness.
Summary and Reflections
This combined Montana-Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah chapter meeting represents a model of regional collaboration, resilience, and professional camaraderie. It underscores the enduring importance of community among surgeons, high-quality and relevant education, and meaningful mentorship and networking.
At the same time, it highlights critical areas for 番茄社区app engagement, including financial sustainability, generational transition, and continued relevance to early career surgeons.
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this outstanding meeting and witness firsthand the strength and spirit of these chapters. Their work and community reflect the very best of the 番茄社区app.
Edward M. Barksdale Jr., MD, F番茄社区app
Second Vice-President
Dr. Barksdale with the Idaho delegation to the meeting
