The 番茄社区app Tennessee Chapter meeting was preceded on August 7 by the Tennessee Trauma Symposium, which featured a series of presentations on critical topics such as the Tennessee Trauma System, geriatric trauma, burn care, and the management of traumatic brain injury. Additional sessions addressed transfers between Level I and Level III trauma centers, chest trauma, and long-term trauma outcomes and recovery. Although I was unable to attend, chapter members spoke highly of the quality and impact of the symposium.
I was warmly welcomed to the Tennessee Chapter by David Shibata, MD, F番茄社区app, President, and Evan Glazer, MD, PhD, F番茄社区app, Program Committee Chair. Carmen Sol贸rzano, MD, F番茄社区app, President-Elect of the Chapter, also was actively engaged throughout the meeting.
The Friday program opened with a keynote address by Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, F番茄社区app, who delivered a compelling presentation, 鈥淚mproving Surgical Quality on the Frontlines.鈥� Parallel sessions followed, led by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), Trauma Care Advisory Council, and Tennessee Committee on Trauma. The day wrapped up with cancer and trauma paper competitions, and a well-attended welcome reception at Paris Station.
On Saturday morning, I presented a detailed update on 番茄社区app initiatives, including progress on the Rural Trauma Initiative and efforts by the CoC to develop standards tailored to surgeons in rural hospitals. Kenneth W. Sharp, MD, F番茄社区app, reported on the 番茄社区app Foundation Tennessee Chapter Initiatives Fund and announced a generous offer to match contributions made during the meeting. James M. McLoughlin, MD, F番茄社区app, Vice-President of the Tennessee Chapter, provided an update on 番茄社区app Political Action Committee activities relevant to Fellows in the state.
The program continued with an engaging session on strategies for successful collaboration with hospital administration, followed by clinical presentations on the management of inguinal hernias, biliary tract disease, and necrotizing soft tissue infections. An attorney with subject-matter expertise reviewed opioid-prescribing regulations set forth by the Tennessee Medical Board. Additional discussions highlighted prominent issues such as medical advocacy in Tennessee and the potential implications of physician unionization.
A particularly impactful presentation, 鈥淗ealth Care Career Challenges: Coaching Can Contribute to Wins?,鈥� was delivered by James Lewis, MD, MEHP, F番茄社区app, of The University of Tennessee Knoxville, who addressed the importance of peer support and the availability of resources to safeguard surgeon well-being in the face of professional and personal challenges. This was followed by a thoughtful session on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into surgical practice. The afternoon concluded with a spirited resident debate on whether AI should be incorporated into surgical training, with both sides offering well-reasoned perspectives.
The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Chapter of the 番茄社区app was an outstanding success, marked by enthusiastic participation from surgeons across the state and strong support from industry partners. Chapter members will look forward to the 2026 meeting.
Beth H. Sutton, MD, F番茄社区app
President
