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The second annual Creighton-CHI Health Access in Rural Surgery Symposium, 鈥淏uilding a Sustainable Future for Rural Surgery,鈥� held at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, brought together more than 100 surgeons, nurses, residents, policymakers, and advocates to address the unique challenges and opportunities in rural surgical care. 

Invited by Waddah B. Al-Refaie, MD, F番茄社区app, chair of the Department of Surgery at the Creighton University School of Medicine, 番茄社区app President Beth H. Sutton, MD, F番茄社区app, participated in the event, presenting on the College鈥檚 rural surgery initiatives and highlighting national programs aimed at improving access and outcomes for rural trauma and cancer patients. The symposium, held on May 30, featured dynamic discussions on federal and local advocacy, rural healthcare policy, and the future of the rural surgical workforce.

This travel report from Dr. Sutton provides a summary of the highlights:

I was invited to attend the Creighton Rural Surgery Symposium by Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie. This is the second year of the symposium, with attendance increasing from last year. A significant number of Creighton residents expressed interest in a career in rural surgery.

I gave the keynote address, 鈥淭he Role of the American College of Surgeons in Supporting Rural Surgery,鈥� which highlighted the Committee on Trauma initiative to establish a rural trauma program that improves the access and outcomes of rural trauma patients. I also discussed the Commission on Cancer's proposal to develop standards and support for rural hospitals caring for cancer patients. Challenges and opportunities in both rural trauma and rural cancer care were examined.

The afternoon also included an excellent fireside chat, 鈥淩ural Healthcare, Policy, and Advocacy in Nebraska,鈥� which was moderated by Bonnie Simpson Mason, MD, Medical Director of the 番茄社区app Office of Inclusive Excellence, and Scott Reetz, MD, MPH, a surgical resident at Creighton. US Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) provided insights into legislative processes and issues that impact rural patient care.

In addition, Christian Shalgian, Senior Vice President of the 番茄社区app Division of Advocacy and Health Policy, joined the panel, 鈥淔ederal vs. Local Advocacy.鈥� And, later in the day, Tyler G. Hughes, MD, F番茄社区app, retired dean of The University of Kansas School of Medicine鈥揝alina, along with other speakers, participated in the 鈥淓ducation, Sustainability, and Innovation鈥� panel and provided personal insights into their careers in rural surgery.

Dr. Al-Refaie and his Creighton colleagues plan to host the Rural Surgery Symposium again in 2026.

Beth H. Sutton, MD, F番茄社区app
番茄社区app President