2023 Annual Meeting
April 23-25, 2023
The Edgewater Hotel
Madison, WI
The Edgewater Hotel
Madison, WI
CME ACCREDITATION
Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American College of Surgeons and Association of VA Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
The American College of Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 18.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American College of Surgeons and Association of VA Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
The American College of Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 18.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
VenueThe Edgewater Hotel
1001 Wisconsin Place Madison, WI 53703 608-535-8200 https://www.theedgewater.com/ The Edgewater is the proud revival of a historic hotel, right on the shores of Lake Mendota, adjacent to the University of Wisconsin and steps from the state Capitol, in the heart of downtown Madison. |
Hotel Reservations
Cutoff Date: Please reserve your rooms by 03/31/23 to secure the discounted room rate. After this date, any remaining rooms will be released and we cannot guarantee the discounted rate.
Reservations Line: 800-922-5512 and ask for the 2023 AVAS block rate.
Room Rate: $219 per night
Reservations Line: 800-922-5512 and ask for the 2023 AVAS block rate.
Room Rate: $219 per night
REGISTRATION
Our online registration form is now OPEN. We welcome all members to register to attend our annual meeting in Madison, WI. All participants must register.
Registration rates are effective until April 1, 2023. You must cancel prior to April 1st. After this date, refund will no longer be available.
*(Sun Reception and Mon Banquet)
Note: Registration fees include all meals associated with the meeting.
Registration rates are effective until April 1, 2023. You must cancel prior to April 1st. After this date, refund will no longer be available.
- AVAS/AVAA Members: $350
- New AVAS Members: $250
- Nonmembers: $450
- Resident/Fellow/Advanced Practice Providers: $225
- Medical Student: FREE
- *Guest/Spouse for Social Events only: $125
*(Sun Reception and Mon Banquet)
Note: Registration fees include all meals associated with the meeting.
Non-CME Symposia
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
7:00 - 7:45 AM
TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF CANCER DETECTION
Olivia Muhlenbeck, DNP
Medical Science Liaison
Dr. Olivia Muhlenbeck is a medical science liaison from Exact Sciences. Prior to her role at Exact, she obtained her doctorate of nursing practice at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Since that time, she practiced as a nurse practitioner at Repairers of the Breach Free Clinic in Milwaukee. She then practiced as a primary care provider in northern Wisconsin prior to taking on a new position at Exact Sciences. At Exact, her role as a medical science liaison is to educate providers on the importance of early cancer detection and treatment and is passionate about spreading awareness on this important topic.
Sponsored by Exact Sciences
7:00 - 7:45 AM
TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF CANCER DETECTION
Olivia Muhlenbeck, DNP
Medical Science Liaison
Dr. Olivia Muhlenbeck is a medical science liaison from Exact Sciences. Prior to her role at Exact, she obtained her doctorate of nursing practice at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Since that time, she practiced as a nurse practitioner at Repairers of the Breach Free Clinic in Milwaukee. She then practiced as a primary care provider in northern Wisconsin prior to taking on a new position at Exact Sciences. At Exact, her role as a medical science liaison is to educate providers on the importance of early cancer detection and treatment and is passionate about spreading awareness on this important topic.
Sponsored by Exact Sciences
2023 Exhibitors
We would like to acknowledge the following companies for supporting our educational program.
GOLD
DSS/LiveData
Karl Storz
SILVER
Ethicon
Exact Sciences
Intuitive Surgical
Merck & Co.
BRONZE
3M Health Care
Acera Surgical
BG Medical LLC
Medtronic
Pacira Biosciences
Recovery Force Health
SutureEase
Veteran's Health Medical Supply
GOLD
DSS/LiveData
Karl Storz
SILVER
Ethicon
Exact Sciences
Intuitive Surgical
Merck & Co.
BRONZE
3M Health Care
Acera Surgical
BG Medical LLC
Medtronic
Pacira Biosciences
Recovery Force Health
SutureEase
Veteran's Health Medical Supply
AVAS Committee Self-Nomination
In an effort to foster transparency, inclusivity, and to increase institutional diversity, moving forward the AVAS Executive Committee is instituting an open call for self-nominations for committees with open positions.
The goals and mission for each AVAS committee are described the main AVAS webpage:
https://www.vasurgeons.org/bylaws.html
Only active AVAS members are eligible to be considered. Please remember, individuals may only serve on one committee position at a time and members are not eligible to serve on the same committee more than once.
AVAS strongly encourages and welcomes under-represented minority individuals to apply for committee positions.
The deadline for self-nomination is April 14, 2023.
The goals and mission for each AVAS committee are described the main AVAS webpage:
https://www.vasurgeons.org/bylaws.html
Only active AVAS members are eligible to be considered. Please remember, individuals may only serve on one committee position at a time and members are not eligible to serve on the same committee more than once.
AVAS strongly encourages and welcomes under-represented minority individuals to apply for committee positions.
The deadline for self-nomination is April 14, 2023.
AVAS Student/Trainee Diversity Travel Awards
Eligibility: Students and Trainees interested in attending the AVAS annual meeting (including residents, fellows, medical students, podiatry students, undergraduate and graduate students) who identify as underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in medicine (https://extramural-diversity.nih.gov/diversity-matters/underrepresented-groups), LGBTQ, or are a current undergraduate who is a first-generation college student are eligible.
Award details: A total of up to 7 awards will be given. Each awardee will have the registration fees covered and will be provided a $1,000 reimbursement to offset travel and/or lodging costs.
Candidates will be asked to complete an application including a statement of interest (500 words) and provide a letter of recommendation from an AVAS sponsor. Candidates do NOT need to have an accepted scientific presentation on the agenda as we seek to attract interested students and trainees to VA surgery.
Award recipients will be recognized at the Presidential reception awards ceremony for the Annual Meeting April 23-25, 2023.
Previous winners are not eligible.
Note the AVAS Diversity Statement below:
The Association of VA Surgeons is pleased to announce the formation of a new ad-hoc committee: Diversity and Inclusion committee. The AVAS is committed to improving patient care, education and research in surgery within the VA healthcare system. To achieve that goal we have to advocate for diversification and promotion of equity. The mission of the newly formed D&I Committee is to ensure diverse representation in membership, governance and programming for the AVAS and keep matters of diversity and inclusion front and center during regular deliberations and decision making of the Executive council. The committee will examine the current status of diversity and minority representation in AVAS across its spectrum of activities. The eventual goal is to develop programs to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in AVAS and provide avenue for safe and meaningful dialogue on issues of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, financial or social status.
Any questions should be directed to Sue Lentz at vasurgeons@gmail.com or call 206-794-7022.
Deadline extended February 17, 2023
Award details: A total of up to 7 awards will be given. Each awardee will have the registration fees covered and will be provided a $1,000 reimbursement to offset travel and/or lodging costs.
Candidates will be asked to complete an application including a statement of interest (500 words) and provide a letter of recommendation from an AVAS sponsor. Candidates do NOT need to have an accepted scientific presentation on the agenda as we seek to attract interested students and trainees to VA surgery.
Award recipients will be recognized at the Presidential reception awards ceremony for the Annual Meeting April 23-25, 2023.
Previous winners are not eligible.
Note the AVAS Diversity Statement below:
The Association of VA Surgeons is pleased to announce the formation of a new ad-hoc committee: Diversity and Inclusion committee. The AVAS is committed to improving patient care, education and research in surgery within the VA healthcare system. To achieve that goal we have to advocate for diversification and promotion of equity. The mission of the newly formed D&I Committee is to ensure diverse representation in membership, governance and programming for the AVAS and keep matters of diversity and inclusion front and center during regular deliberations and decision making of the Executive council. The committee will examine the current status of diversity and minority representation in AVAS across its spectrum of activities. The eventual goal is to develop programs to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in AVAS and provide avenue for safe and meaningful dialogue on issues of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, financial or social status.
Any questions should be directed to Sue Lentz at vasurgeons@gmail.com or call 206-794-7022.
Deadline extended February 17, 2023
AVAS DEI Visiting Professorship Award
The Association of VA Surgeons (AVAS) is reinforcing its commitment to achieving its complete mission by engaging diverse populations of exceptional surgeons. The aim of the AVAS DEI Visiting Professorship is to attract highly accomplished early career VA surgeons from underrepresented groups who are making significant contributions within their fields. Visiting Professors will contribute as ambassadors for AVAS to various VA Medical Centers and University affiliates through lectureship, education, and programming aligned with their academic missions.
The AVAS DEI committee and EC solicit nominations for the AVAS Visiting Professorship and AVAS will name 4 VA surgeons to serve as the 2023 AVAS DEI Visiting Professors. This Professorship includes opportunities for grand rounds presentations, invited lectureships, meetings with hospital and departmental leadership, surgical trainee panels, etc.
Eligibility: Faculty members at the Assistant or Associate Professor level that are within the first 10 years of their faculty appointment. VA Surgeons who identify as female, nonbinary, LGBTQ, or underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in medicine (https://extramural-diversity.nih.gov/diversity-matters/underrepresented-groups) are eligible.
Award: A reimbursement of up to $2000 to cover travel and accommodation expenses. An additional honorarium can be provided by host institution.
Host institutions:
1) University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
3) Emory University, Atlanta, GA
4) University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
5) Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Host Site Department of Surgery/ VA Medical Center Responsibilities include coordination of travel, itinerary, grand rounds/ presentation as well as providing opportunities for interaction between the Visiting Professor and local women and minority surgical faculty, residents, and students. Providing the Visiting Professor with an honorarium would be at the discretion of the host institution.
Nomination applications can be completed here with a statement of interest (750 words) and submitted by February 10, 2023. Curriculum vitae and a letter of support from the candidate’s VA Chief of Surgery Service Line or University affiliate Chair of Surgery will be uploaded with the application. Submit your order of preference for host institution.
Note the AVAS Diversity Statement below:
The Association of VA Surgeons is pleased to announce the formation of a new ad-hoc committee: Diversity and Inclusion committee. The AVAS is committed to improving patient care, education and research in surgery within the VA healthcare system. To achieve that goal we have to advocate for diversification and promotion of equity. The mission of the newly formed D&I Committee is to ensure diverse representation in membership, governance and programming for the AVAS and keep matters of diversity and inclusion front and center during regular deliberations and decision making of the Executive council. The committee will examine the current status of diversity and minority representation in AVAS across its spectrum of activities. The eventual goal is to develop programs to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in AVAS and provide avenue for safe and meaningful dialogue on issues of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, financial or social status.
Any questions should be directed to Sue Lentz at vasurgeons@gmail.com or call 206-794-7022.
Deadline extended February 17, 2023
The AVAS DEI committee and EC solicit nominations for the AVAS Visiting Professorship and AVAS will name 4 VA surgeons to serve as the 2023 AVAS DEI Visiting Professors. This Professorship includes opportunities for grand rounds presentations, invited lectureships, meetings with hospital and departmental leadership, surgical trainee panels, etc.
Eligibility: Faculty members at the Assistant or Associate Professor level that are within the first 10 years of their faculty appointment. VA Surgeons who identify as female, nonbinary, LGBTQ, or underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in medicine (https://extramural-diversity.nih.gov/diversity-matters/underrepresented-groups) are eligible.
Award: A reimbursement of up to $2000 to cover travel and accommodation expenses. An additional honorarium can be provided by host institution.
Host institutions:
1) University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
3) Emory University, Atlanta, GA
4) University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
5) Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Host Site Department of Surgery/ VA Medical Center Responsibilities include coordination of travel, itinerary, grand rounds/ presentation as well as providing opportunities for interaction between the Visiting Professor and local women and minority surgical faculty, residents, and students. Providing the Visiting Professor with an honorarium would be at the discretion of the host institution.
Nomination applications can be completed here with a statement of interest (750 words) and submitted by February 10, 2023. Curriculum vitae and a letter of support from the candidate’s VA Chief of Surgery Service Line or University affiliate Chair of Surgery will be uploaded with the application. Submit your order of preference for host institution.
Note the AVAS Diversity Statement below:
The Association of VA Surgeons is pleased to announce the formation of a new ad-hoc committee: Diversity and Inclusion committee. The AVAS is committed to improving patient care, education and research in surgery within the VA healthcare system. To achieve that goal we have to advocate for diversification and promotion of equity. The mission of the newly formed D&I Committee is to ensure diverse representation in membership, governance and programming for the AVAS and keep matters of diversity and inclusion front and center during regular deliberations and decision making of the Executive council. The committee will examine the current status of diversity and minority representation in AVAS across its spectrum of activities. The eventual goal is to develop programs to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in AVAS and provide avenue for safe and meaningful dialogue on issues of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, financial or social status.
Any questions should be directed to Sue Lentz at vasurgeons@gmail.com or call 206-794-7022.
Deadline extended February 17, 2023
2023 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS NOW CLOSED
Please encourage your colleagues and residents to submit their best work for the opportunity to be published in JAMA Surgery.
Click on the button below to access the abstract submission form.
Deadline for submission EXTENDED to January 11, 2023 midnight Pacific.
Visit our social media sites for up-to-date information on the annual meeting, publications & the happenings of the Association:
AVAS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156551279910044/?ref=share
AVAS Twitter: @VAsurgeons
If you have any concerns, please contact Sue Lentz directly at vasurgeons@gmail.com.
--AVAS Admin
Phone: 206-794-9124
Website: www.vasurgeons.org
Click on the button below to access the abstract submission form.
Deadline for submission EXTENDED to January 11, 2023 midnight Pacific.
Visit our social media sites for up-to-date information on the annual meeting, publications & the happenings of the Association:
AVAS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156551279910044/?ref=share
AVAS Twitter: @VAsurgeons
If you have any concerns, please contact Sue Lentz directly at vasurgeons@gmail.com.
--AVAS Admin
Phone: 206-794-9124
Website: www.vasurgeons.org
