The Operative Word

E48: Impact of American College of Surgeons Verification Programs: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Clifford Ko, MD, FACS, from UCLA. They discuss Dr Ko’s recent article, “Impact of American College of Surgeons Verification Programs: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” a framework-based systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association between ACS verification programs and surgical quality. Across diverse programs and outcomes, verification is consistently associated with improvements in safety, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centered care. Disclosure Information: Dr Erdahl, moderator, has no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. Dr Ko, moderator, is an employee of the American College of Surgeons. Cohen ME, Remer SL, Grieco A, et al. Impact of American College of Surgeons Verification Programs: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Published online April 30, 2026. doi:10.1097/XCS.0000000000001980 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E47: Flexibility Stigma and the Double Bind of Family Formation in Medical and Surgical Residency

In this episode, Thomas K Varghese, Jr, MD, FACS, is joined by Erika Rangel, MD, FACS, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. They discuss Dr Rangel’s recent article, “Flexibility Stigma and the Double Bind of Family Formation in Medical and Surgical Residency,” which found that flexibility stigma in residency discourages pregnant and parenting trainees from using needed work-life accommodations, creating harmful double binds between training expectations and personal well-being. Structural and cultural reforms are essential to support equity, retention, and trainee health. Disclosure Information: All relevant conflicts have been mitigated and Drs Varghese and Rangel, moderators, have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. This activity has been designated as Credit to Address Regulatory Mandates in the following categories: Cultural Competency and Behavioral Health. Individuals MUST check with their state or local medical board, hospital, or organization to verify that the content does meet the specific requirements. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Rangel EL, Zeineddine J, Lovejoy MC, et al. Flexibility Stigma and the Double Bind of Family Formation in Medical and Surgical Residency Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Published online May 21, 2026. doi:10.1097/XCS.0000000000002046 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E46: Artificial Intelligence Simplification of English and Spanish Surgical Consent Forms: 1-Size Does Not Fit All

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Morgan Pettigrew, MD, from UT Southwestern. They discuss Dr Pettigrew’s recent article, “Artificial Intelligence Simplification of English and Spanish Surgical Consent Forms: 1-Size Does Not Fit All,” which found that while ChatGPT-4.0 improved the readability of English surgical consent forms, it did not improve readability of Spanish forms. To address this disparity, the authors developed a custom-trained GPT that improved readability of English and Spanish consent forms. Disclosure Information: All relevant conflicts have been mitigated and Drs Erdahl and Pettigrew, moderators, have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Pettigrew, Morgan F MD; Nunez-Rocha, Ricardo E MD; Govindu, Sai R BS; Castillo, Samy MD; Heslin, Ryan T MD; Bain, Andrew P MD; Abreu, Andres A MD; Fatimah, Nafeesah MD; Polanco, Patricio M MD, FACS; Wang, Sam C MD, FACS. Artificial Intelligence Simplification of English and Spanish Surgical Consent Forms: 1-Size Does Not Fit All. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 243(1):p 202-214, July 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001890 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E45: Patient-Based Decision Making for Opioid Prescriptions After Ambulatory Breast Operation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

In this episode, Thomas K Varghese, Jr, MD, FACS, is joined by Serena Lofftus, MD, and James Wu, MD, FACS, from UCLA. They discuss Drs Lofftus and Wu’s recent article, “Patient-Based Decision Making for Opioid Prescriptions After Ambulatory Breast Operation: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” which evaluated whether incorporating patient choice into postoperative prescribing decisions could reduce opioid prescribing and consumption after ambulatory breast operation without negatively affecting pain control or quality of life. Disclosure Information: Drs Varghese, Lofftus, and Wu have no relevant financial conflicts of interest to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Of the AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM listed above, a maximum of 0.25 hours meet the requirements for Prescribing Opioids/Controlled Substances.* *The content of this activity may meet certain mandates of regulatory bodies. Please note that ACS has not and does not verify the content for such mandates with any regulatory body. Individual physicians are responsible for verifying the content satisfies such requirements. Lofftus, Serena Y MD1,4; Graham, Danielle S MD, PhD1,4; Le, Julie MD, FACS1,2; Zhu, Catherine Y MD1,3; Kaufman, Noy MD4,5; Huy, Tess C MD1,4; Kusske, Amy M MD, FACS1,4; Teshome, Mediget MD, FACS1,4; Baker, Jennifer L MD, FACS1,4; Wu, James X MD, FACS4,6. Patient-Based Decision Making for Opioid Prescriptions After Ambulatory Breast Operation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of the American College of Surgeons ():10.1097/XCS.0000000000001974, April 13, 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001974 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E44: Whether and How Surgeons Took Action Against Workplace Microaggression: Survey of American College of Surgeons Members

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Pringl Miller, MD, FACS, from Physican Just Equity, and Christine Heisler, MD, FACS, from the Mayo Clinic Health System. They discuss Drs Miller and Heisler’s recent article, “Whether and How Surgeons Took Action Against Workplace Microaggression: Survey of American College of Surgeons Members,” in which the authors found that the most frequent perpetrator roles were surgeon colleagues and supervisors. A total of 57.4% of surgeons took action, with informal reporting to a colleague and/or directly confronting the perpetrator being most common actions taken. Surgeons who took action were less likely to choose a career in surgery again. Disclosure Information: Drs. Erdahl, Miller, and Heisler have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Heisler, Christine A MD, MS, FACS; Godecker, Amy L PhD, MS; Verran, Deborah MbChB, MHSM; Sinha, Michael S MD, JD, MPH; Byam, Jerome MD; Miller, Pringl MD, FACS. Whether and How Surgeons Took Action Against Workplace Microaggression: Survey of the American College of Surgeons Members. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 242(2):p 390-400, February 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001648 Related work: Primary Study: Heisler CA, Godecker AL, Verran D, Sinha MS, Byam J, Miller P. Workplace microaggressions: results of a survey of the American College of Surgeons members. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Aug;231(2):265.e1-265.e8. Secondary Study: Heisler CA, Godecker AL, Verran D, Sinha MS, Byam J, Miller P. Impact of Workplace Microaggressions on Surgeon Career Status and Trajectory: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Accepted to the Annals of Surgery Open on April 30, 2026. The secondary study was also presented at ACS Clinical Congress 2024: Heisler CA, Godecker A, Verran D, Sinha MS, Byam J, Miller P. Workplace Microaggressions and the Impact on a Surgeon’s Career Trajectory: Results of a Survey of the American College of Surgeons Members. J Am Coll Surg. October 2024;239(5):S138-139. Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E43: Development, Validation, and Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Pediatric Surgical Site Infection Using the NSQIP-P Database

In this episode, Thomas K Varghese, Jr, MD, FACS, is joined by Carrie Chan, MSN, MPH, from the University of California, San Francisco, and Karthik Balakrishnan, MD, FACS, from Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. They discuss their recent article,“Development, Validation, and Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Pediatric Surgical Site Infections Using the NSQIP-P Database,” which represents the largest study to date on predicting pediatric surgical site infection. The authors developed machine-learning models and ultimately recommend a regularized logistic regression model for clinical integration, balancing performance and feasibility for implementation. Findings support using routine preoperative data for personalized infection prevention and preoperative planning. Disclosure Information: Ms. Chan and Drs. Varghese and Balakrishnan have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Chan, Carrie T MSN, MPH; Pletcher, Mark J MD, MPH; Balakrishnan, Karthik MD, MPH, FACS; Hswen, Yulin ScD, MPH; Scheffler, Aaron PhD, MS. Development, Validation, and Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Pediatric Surgical Site Infections Using the NSQIP-P Database. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 242(3):p 712-722, March 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001683 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E42: Results of an American College of Surgeons Prospective National Quality Improvement Collaborative to Successfully Overcome Barriers to Cancer Care Across the US

In this episode, Thomas K Varghese, Jr, MD, FACS, is joined by Laurie J Kirstein, MD, FACS, from Memorial Sloan Kettering. They discuss Dr Kirstein’s recent article, “Results of an American College of Surgeons Prospective National Quality Improvement Collaborative to Successfully Overcome Barriers to Cancer Care Across the US,” in which 194 American College of Surgeons (ACS)-accredited cancer programs caring for 99,057 patients participated in a National Quality Improvement Collaborative led by the ACS, “Breaking Barriers,” which reduced radiotherapy non-adherence by over 30% at the patient and hospital levels across multiple program types, census regions, and disease sites. Disclosure Information: Drs. Varghese and Kirstein have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Chan, Kelley MD, MS; Reilly, Eileen MSW; Janczewski, Lauren M MD, MS; Gentry, Sharon MSN, RN; Biggins, Camille MHA; Haffty, Bruce MD; Shelton, Charles MD; Yang, Anthony D MD, MS, FACS; Weigel, Ronald J MD, PhD, MBA, FACS; Kirstein, Laurie J MD, FACS. Results of an American College of Surgeons Prospective National Quality Improvement Collaborative to Successfully Overcome Barriers to Cancer Care Across the US. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 242(1):p 247-256, January 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001637 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E41: Identifying Diagnostic Gaps and Mitigation Strategies for Older Adult Emergency General Surgery Patients: A Scoping Review

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Jessica Liu, MD, MS, MPH, from the Department of Surgery, Harbor UCLA Medical Center. They discuss Dr Liu’s recent article, “Identifying Diagnostic Gaps and Mitigation Strategies for Older Adult Emergency General Surgery Patients: A Scoping Review,” in which the authors identified the current diagnostic issues, clinical tools, and clinician feedback strategies in the older adult emergency general surgery (EGS) setting. While challenges unique to older adults exist, variability in the use of tools to improve identification of older adult conditions in EGS and gaps in feedback to improve diagnosis remain. Disclosure Information: Drs. Erdahl and Liu have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Liu, Jessica K MD, MS, MPH; Peters, Xane D MD, MS; Remer, Sarah L MD; Beestrum, Molly MLIS; Cooper, Zara MD, FACS, MPH; Russell, Marcia M MD, FACS; Hall, Bruce L MD, FACS, PhD; Ko, Clifford Y MD, FACS, MSHS, MS. Identifying Diagnostic Gaps and Mitigation Strategies for Older Adult Emergency General Surgery Patients: A Scoping Review. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 241(5):p 904-916, November 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001480 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord Copyright © 2026 by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). All rights reserved. The contents of these materials may be cited in academic publications but otherwise may not be reproduced, disseminated, or transmitted in any form by any means without the express written permission of ACS. These materials may not be resold nor used to create revenue-generating content by any entity other than the ACS without the express written permission of the ACS. The contents of these materials are strictly prohibited from being uploaded, shared, or incorporated in any third-party applications, platforms, software, or websites without prior written authorization from the ACS. This restriction explicitly includes, but is not limited to, the integration of ACS content into tools leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, large language models, or generative AI technologies and infrastructures.

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E40: From Surgeon Well-Being to Artificial Intelligence: 2025 Highlights

In this episode, JACS Editor-in-Chief Tom Varghese, MD, FACS, and Digital Media Editor Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, review 6 impactful articles from the past year, highlighting key themes shaping modern surgical practice. Dr Erdahl focuses on the surgeon as a subject, discussing research on moral distress, second-victim syndrome, health policy challenges, and peer surgical coaching. Dr Varghese then explores advances in surgical science, including pragmatic applications of artificial intelligence for risk prediction and operative documentation, as well as comparative evidence on robotic, laparoscopic, and open operation. Together, they emphasize clinically relevant research, thoughtful innovation, and ongoing critical inquiry to support surgeons and improve patient care. Listen to the podcast episodes mentioned at facs.org/operative-word. Articles discussed: Surgeon Perception and Attitude Toward the Moral Imperative: Institutionally Addressing Second Victim Syndrome in Surgery A Framework for Managing Moral Challenges Related to Health Policy for the Surgeon What About the Coach? Mixed Methods Study Assessing the Experience of Coaches in a Peer Surgical Coaching Program Validation of Artificial Intelligence-Based POTTER Calculator in Emergency General Surgery Patients Undergoing Laparotomy: Prospective, Bi-Institutional Study Enhancing Accuracy of Operative Reports with Automated Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Surgical Video Robotic vs Laparoscopic vs Open Ventral Hernia Repair: Insights from a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Disclosure Information: Drs. Varghese and Erdahl have have no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E39: Postoperative Pain Management in the US vs Low- and Middle-Income Countries by US Surgeons

In this episode, Tom Varghese, MD, FACS, is joined by Ziad Sifri, MD, FACS, from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and Matthew Linz, MD, from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. They discuss Drs Sifri and Linz’s recent article, “Postoperative Pain Management in the US vs Low- and Middle-Income Countries by US Surgeons,” in which they found that surgeons in the US prescribe significantly more opioids after inguinal hernia repair compared with when they operate on short-term surgical trips to low- and middle-income countries, despite continued efforts to reduce opioid overprescription in the US. Disclosure Information: Drs Varghese, Linz, and Sifri have nothing to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Linz, Matthew S MD1; Parvin-Nejad, Fatemeh P MD2; Srinivasan, Nivetha MD3; Vegunta, Geetasravya MD1; Eng, Ashley K BS1; Kim, Eugene BA MBS; Alexander, Imani BS1; Elgammal, Fatima MD2; Benson, Ryan MD2; Benneh, Albert Y MD4; Gyakobo, Mawuli K MD5,6; Lopez, Lorena MD7; Jalloh, Samba MD8; Sifri, Ziad C MD FACS2. Postoperative Pain Management in the US vs Low-and-Middle-Income Countries by US Surgeons. Journal of the American College of Surgeons ():10.1097/XCS.0000000000001538, July 30, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001538 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E38: What About the Coach? Mixed-Methods Study Assessing the Experience of Coaches in a Peer Surgical Coaching Program

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Eilidh Gunn, MBChB MRCSEd, from the Surgical Sabermetrics Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh. They discuss Dr Gunn’s recent article, “What About the Coach? Mixed-Methods Study Assessing the Experience of Coaches in a Peer Surgical Coaching Program.” As peer-led surgical coaching becomes an increasingly popular professional development activity, this study explores the impact of participation on surgeons acting as coaches. Using a concurrent, mixed-methods design, results demonstrate that coaches found participation worthwhile and that it affected their own clinical practice. Learn more about the SCOPE program here. Disclosure Information: Drs Gunn and Erdahl have nothing to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Gunn, Eilidh GM MBChB MRCSEd1; Sinyard, Robert D MD MBA2; Cummins, Emily R PhD3; Yule, Steven PhD4; Smink, Douglas S MD, MPH, FACS5. What About the Coach? Mixed-Methods Study Assessing the Experience of Coaches in a Peer Surgical Coaching Program. Journal of the American College of Surgeons ():10.1097/XCS.0000000000001506, July 24, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001506 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E37: Expanding the Public Health Role of Pediatric Trauma Centers: Drug Screening for Adolescent Trauma Patients

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Jordan Rook, MD, from UCLA, and Lorraine Kelley-Quon, MD, FACS, from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine of USC. They discuss Drs Rook and Kelley-Quon’s recent article, “Expanding the Public Health Role of Pediatric Trauma Centers: Drug Screening for Adolescent Trauma Patients,” in which the authors found that biochemical drug screening for injured adolescents is decreasing at pediatric trauma centers, despite increasing national adolescent overdose deaths. Given high rates of substance use among injured adolescents, this is a missed opportunity to intervene on problematic substance use and prevent future adolescent overdose deaths. Disclosure Information: Drs Rook, Kelley-Quon, and Erdahl have nothing to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Rook, Jordan M MDa,b; Spurrier, Ryan G MD FACSc,d; Lee, Jenna S MDc; Safavi, Arash MD MHSC FACSc,d; Barrington-Trimis, Jessica PhDe; Ignacio, Romeo C MD MS MPath FACSf; Juillard, Catherine J MD MPH FACSa; Kelley-Quon, Lorraine I MD MS FACSc,d,e. Expanding the Public Health Role of Pediatric Trauma Centers: Drug Screening for Adolescent Trauma Patients. Journal of the American College of Surgeons ():10.1097/XCS.0000000000001596, August 22, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001596 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E36: Association of Discharge Against Medical Advice with Surgical Outcomes and Healthcare Cost

In this episode, Tom Varghese, MD, FACS, is joined by Timothy Pawlik, MD, FACS, from The Ohio State University. They discuss Dr Pawlik’s recent article, “Association of Discharge Against Medical Advice with Surgical Outcomes and Healthcare Cost,” in which the authors found that discharge against medical advice (DAMA) among surgical patients is associated with increased 30-day readmission, complication, fragmented care, and higher healthcare cost. DAMA patients were younger, socioeconomically vulnerable, and often had substance use or psychiatric disorders. Disclosure Information: Drs Varghese and Pawlik have nothing to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Sarfraz, Azza MBBS; Khalil, Mujtaba MD; Woldesenbet, Selamawit PhD; Altaf, Abdullah MD; Rashid, Zayed MD; Zindani, Shahzaib MD; Kawashima, Jun MD; Pawlik, Timothy M MD, PhD, MPH, MTS, MBA, FACS. Association of Discharge Against Medical Advice with Surgical Outcomes and Healthcare Costs. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 241(5):p 822-832, November 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001469 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E35: Association of State Helmet Laws with Helmet Use and Injury Outcomes in Motorcycle Crashes

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Stephanie M Jensen, MD, MPH, and A Britt Christmas, MD, MBA, FACS, from the Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. They discuss the recent article by Drs Jensen and Christmas, “Association of State Helmet Laws with Helmet Use and Injury Outcomes in Motorcycle Crashes,” in which the authors analyzed a decade of motorcycle collision data from an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I Trauma Center positioned at the border of 2 states with differing motorcycle helmet laws. The study found that helmeted patients had reduced injury severity, and that state helmet laws significantly influence helmet usage among motorcyclists. Disclosure Information: Drs Erdahl, Jensen, and Christmas, speakers, have nothing to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Jensen, Stephanie M MD, MPH; Ricker, Ansley MD; Sing, Ronald F DO, FACS; Ross, Sam MD, MPH, FACS; Cunningham, Kyle W MD, MPH, FACS; Christmas, A Britton MD, MBA, FACS. Association of State Helmet Laws with Helmet Use and Injury Outcomes in Motorcycle Crashes. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 241(3):p 418-425, September 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001400 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

E34: Evaluating Outcomes of Initial Site Visits Across American College of Surgeons Accreditation Programs

In this episode, Tom Varghese, MD, FACS, is joined by Brett Johnson, MD, and Clifford Ko, MD, FACS, from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). They discuss the recent article by Drs Johnson and Ko, “Evaluating Outcomes of Initial Site Visits Across American College of Surgeons Accreditation Programs,” in which the authors found that ACS accreditation identifies significant gaps in hospital quality, with only 61% of hospitals passing on their initial attempt. However, most ultimately succeed after remediation. These findings highlight that ACS accreditation both validates hospitals meeting rigorous standards and drives quality improvement in those that initially fall short. Disclosure Information: Drs Varghese, speaker, has no relevant financial conflicts to disclose. Drs Johnson and Ko, speakers, are employees of the American College of Surgeons. Johnson, Brett A MD, MS, MS; Hobika, Geoffrey G MD; McNamara, Erica J MPH, MM; Ko, Clifford Y MD, MS, MSHS, FACS. Evaluating Initial Site Visit Pass Rate Across American College of Surgeons Accreditation Programs. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 241(4):p 594-600, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001441 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E33: Limited or Lasting: Is Preoperative Weight Loss as Part of Prehabilitation Maintained after Open Ventral Hernia Repair?

In this episode, Tom Varghese, MD, FACS, is joined by Todd Heniford, MD, FACS, and Alexis Holland, MD, from the Carolinas Medical Center. They discuss the recent article by Drs Heniford and Holland, “Limited or Lasting: Is Preoperative Weight Loss as Part of Prehabilitation Maintained after Open Ventral Hernia Repair?” This study supports the implementation of preoperative optimization and weight loss before hernia surgery, which remains controversial. Long-term maintenance of preoperative weight loss before abdominal wall reconstruction is achievable and sustainable. Disclosure Information: Drs Varghese and Holland have nothing to disclose. Dr Heniford is a surgical research grant recipient and receives speaking honoraria from WL Gore. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Holland, Alexis M MD; Lorenz, William R MD; Ayuso, Sullivan A MD; Katzen, Michael M MD; Kundu, Souma MD, MPH; Rosas, David A MD, MBA; Mead, Brittany S MD; Scarola, Gregory T MS; Augenstein, Vedra A MD, FACS; Heniford, B Todd MD, FACS. Limited or Lasting: Is Preoperative Weight Loss as Part of Prehabilitation Maintained after Open Ventral Hernia Repair?. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 241(2):p 171-179, August 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001348 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E32: Validation of Artificial Intelligence-Based POTTER Calculator in Emergency General Surgery Patients Undergoing Laparotomy: Prospective, Bi-Institutional Study

In this episode, Tom Varghese, MD, FACS, is joined by Haytham Kaafarani, MD, MPH, FACS, and Vahe Panossian, MD, from the Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. They discuss the recent article by Drs Kaafarani and Panossian, “Validation of Artificial Intelligence-Based POTTER Calculator in Emergency General Surgery Patients Undergoing Laparotomy: Prospective, Bi-Institutional Study.” This study found that POTTER accurately predicts mortality and postoperative complication, and the superior accuracy, user-friendliness, and interpretability of POTTER make it a useful bedside tool for preoperative counseling. Disclosure Information: Drs Varghese and Panossian have nothing to disclose. Dr Kaafarani receives honoraria payments from UpToDate. The POTTER calculator is available online for free, and Dr Kaafarani has not been compensated for the development or ongoing use of the calculator. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Panossian, Vahe S MD; Argandykov, Dias MD; Arnold, Suzanne C MD; Gebran, Anthony MD; Paranjape, Charudutt N MD, FACS; Hwabejire, John O MD, MPH, FACS; DeWane, Michael P MD; Velmahos, George C MD, PhD, FACS; Kaafarani, Haytham MA MD, MPH, FACS; for the POTTER Validation Group. Validation of Artificial Intelligence-Based POTTER Calculator in Emergency General Surgery Patients Undergoing Laparotomy: Prospective, Bi-Institutional Study. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 240(3):p 254-262, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001234 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E31: American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs Annual Report from 2021 Participant User File

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Judy Boughey, MD, FACS, from the Mayo Clinic Rochester Department of Surgery. They discuss Dr Boughey’s recent article, “American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs Annual Report from 2021 Participant User File.” This inaugural annual report from the National Cancer Database describes the 2021 adult participant user files (PUF) as a whole, as well as the PUFs for breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer in more detail. It summarizes new observations and recent trends of cancer diagnoses, patient demographics, and treatment trends. Disclosure Information: Drs Erdahl has nothing to disclose. Dr Boughey receives funding paid to her institution from Eli Lilly and SymBioSis; sits on the Data Safety Monitoring Committee of CairnsSurgical; and has received honoraria from PER, PeerView, OncLive, EndoMag, and UpToDate. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Habermann, Elizabeth B PhD, MPH; Day, Courtney N MS; Palis, Bryan E MA; Plichta, Jennifer K MD, FACS; Wasif, Nabil MD, FACS; Weigel, Ronald J MD, FACS, PhD, MBA; Boughey, Judy C MD, FACS. American College of Surgeons Cancer Program Annual Report from 2021 Participant User File. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 240(1):p 95-110, January 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001214 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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E30: Cost-Effectiveness of Nonoperative Management vs Upfront Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Pediatric Uncomplicated Appendicitis Over 1 Year

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Peter C Minneci, MD, FACS, MHSc, from the Department of Surgery, Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley. They discuss Dr Minneci’s recent article, “Cost-Effectiveness of Nonoperative Management vs Upfront Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Pediatric Uncomplicated Appendicitis Over 1 Year,” in which the authors found that cost-effectiveness of management of pediatric appendicitis is sensitive to changes in utilities achieved by nonoperative management. Further studies should investigate reasons for treatment failure and the importance of shared decision-making in choosing treatment. Disclosure Information: Drs Erdahl and Minneci have nothing to disclose. This research was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI ID CER-1507-31325) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (grant UL1TR001070). To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Gil, Lindsay A MD, MPH; Asti, Lindsey MPH, PhD; Chen, Huey-Fen MHA, PhD; Saito, Jacqueline M MD, FACS, MSCI, MBA; Pattisapu, Prasanth MD, MPH; Deans, Katherine J MD, FACS, MHSc; Minneci, Peter C MD, FACS, MHSc; for the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium. Cost-Effectiveness of Nonoperative Management vs Upfront Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Pediatric Uncomplicated Appendicitis for 1 Year. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 240(3):p 288-298, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001232 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

E29: Refractory and Recurrent Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Treatment: Adaptive, Randomized Clinical Trial

In this episode, Lillian Erdahl, MD, FACS, is joined by Fatemeh Shojaeian, MD, MPH, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. They discuss Dr Shojaeian’s recent article, “Refractory and Recurrent Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Treatment: Adaptive, Randomized Clinical Trial,” in which the authors found that, for resistant or relapsing patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, combining methotrexate and corticosteroids offers a promising strategy. This integration of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs with corticosteroids not only reduces the necessity for high steroid doses but also effectively alleviates associated side effects. Disclosure Information: Drs Erdahl and Shojaeian have nothing to disclose. To earn 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this episode of the JACS Operative Word Podcast, click here to register for the course and complete the evaluation. Listeners can earn CME credit for this podcast for up to 2 years after the original air date. Shojaeian, Fatemeh MD, MPH; Haghighat, Shahpar MD; Abbasvandi, Fereshteh MD; Houshdar Tehrani, Alireza MD; Najar Najafi, Niki BSc; Zandi, Ashkan PhD; Olfatbakhsh, Asiie MD; Sharifi, Maryam MD; Hashemi, Esmat MD; Nafissi, Nahid MD; Najafi, Safa MD. Refractory and Recurrent Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Treatment: Adaptive, Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 238(6):p 1153-1165, June 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001046 Learn more about the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including scientific articles, collective reviews, experimental investigations, and more. #JACSOperativeWord

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