The House of Surgery

Responsible Use of AI in Surgery 29.05.2026 19min

In this episode, Dr. Ali Mohamed and Dr. Brandon Lucke-Wold speak with Dr. Daniel Donoho, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s National Hospital and founder of the Surgical Data Science Collective, about artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery. The conversation explores how surgeons can help guide the ethical and responsible use of AI, including its role in clinical practice, research, prior authorization, patient advocacy, and the future surgical workforce. Ali Mohamed, MD – Mayo Clinic Florida Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD, PhD – University of Florida Daniel Donoho, MD – Children’s National Hospital Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery Copyright © 2026 by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). All rights reserved. The contents of this podcast 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.

Operating While Pregnant: Practical Guidance for Surgeons and OR Teams 15.05.2026 21min

In this episode of The House of Surgery, Drs. Katrin Arnolds and Ana Pena discuss the realities of operating while pregnant. Drawing from their own experiences as surgeons and mothers, they share practical tips for staying safe and comfortable in the OR, managing prenatal appointments, navigating workplace expectations, and reducing exposure to radiation, anesthesia gases, surgical smoke, chemotherapy agents, and other potential hazards. This conversation offers valuable insight for pregnant surgeons, trainees, and anyone working alongside pregnant members of the surgical team. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery Katrin Arnolds, MD, is a board-certified minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida Ana Pena, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida Copyright © 2026 by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). All rights reserved. The contents of this podcast 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.

ACS Releases New Framework of Workplace Standards for Surgeons 18.03.2026 28min

To help support sustainable surgical careers, the American College of Surgeons recently released a framework of workplace standards that can be customized by surgical discipline. This episode features Douglas E. Wood, MD, FACS, FRCSEd, Vice-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents, and Philip R. Wolinsky, MD, FACS, ACS Regent, discussing the standards, as well as new resources on surgeon unionization. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery Douglas E. Wood, MD, FACS, FRCSEd, is the Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle Philip R. Wolinsky, MD, FACS, is the Division Chief of orthopaedic trauma and a professor of orthopaedics at Dartmouth University in Lebanon, New Hampshire Copyright © 2026 by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). All rights reserved. The contents of this podcast 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.

2025 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Lecture • Unraveling the Metabolic Syndrome 20.02.2026 48min

This episode features one of the fathers of metabolic surgery, Walter J. Pories, MD, FACS,from Greenville, North Carolina. In his lecture delivered at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress in Chicago, Dr. Pories will discuss his research and insights into underlying molecular biology, with particular attention to fat storage, energy production, and lactic acid levels. He also will focus on how research into bariatric surgery has led to data-driven clarifications of the pathophysiology of obesity and related conditions. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery.

2025 Oncology Lecture – Promising Future of Cancer Therapeutics and Care 13.02.2026 56min

This episode features Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, a pancreatic cancer surgeon andpresident and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. During theAmerican College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Oncology Lecture at ClinicalCongress 2025, Dr. Vickers discussed a transformative era in cancer care, where scientificbreakthroughs are reshaping cancer therapeutics and redefining the role of surgeons. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

2025 International Society of Surgery Lecture – Global Quality Improvement for Breast Cancer Patients 23.01.2026 51min

This episode features Kerstin Sandelin, MD, PhD, FACS(Hon), FRCS, a breast surgeon from Stockholm, Sweden, who gave the Distinguished Lecture of the International Society of Surgery during the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago. In her lecture, Dr. Sandelin addressed the gaps in breast cancer care throughout the world and offered information about how low- and middle-income countries will benefit from global standardization. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

2025 Jonasson Lecture – Pay It Forward 16.01.2026 43min

This episode features Jennifer S. Lawton, MD, FACS, a cardiothoracic surgeon from Baltimore, Maryland, who gave the Olga Jonasson Lecture during the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago. In her lecture, “Pay It Forward—The Enduring Impact of Mentors,” Dr. Lawton discussed how the support of mentors is vital for early career surgeons and also pays dividends for experienced surgeons. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

TQIP 2025 Opening 02.01.2026 57min

This episode features Avery B. Nathens, MD, PhD, FACS, Medical Director for Trauma Quality Programs for the American College of Surgeons (ACS), as he welcomed attendees to the 2025 Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) Annual Conference, which marked TQIP’s 15th anniversary. Dr. Nathens offered an overview of the significant improvements in trauma care that have been made over the years, described what’s new and what’s on the horizon for ACS Trauma Programs, and explained what slime molds, starlings, and seals have in common to high-performing trauma teams. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

2025 Scudder Oration on Trauma – Improving Trauma and Burn Care for Children 19.12.2025 56min

This episode features Mary E. Fallat, MD, FACS, a pediatric surgeon from Louisville, Kentucky, who delivered the Scudder Oration on Trauma during the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago. In her lecture, “Optimizing Strategies to Improve Trauma and Burn Care for Children,” Dr. Fallat talked about the need to build a coordinated system that prepares pre-hospital care clinicians and emergency departments with the supplies, education, and training needed to deliver high-quality trauma and burn care this vulnerable population. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

2025 Churchill Lecture – Need for National Trauma Readiness 12.12.2025 1h 3min

This episode features C. William Schwab, MD, FACS, FRCS, a retired US Navy Commander from Philadelphia, who is among the growing number of trauma surgeons urging national trauma readiness. During the Edward D. Churchill Lecture at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago, Dr. Schwab said that the US healthcare system’s ability to respond to mass casualty events, including warfare-related injuries, is predicated on the preparedness of every surgeon and hospital system. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery.

2025 Ravdin Lecture – Future of Artificial Heart Innovation 05.12.2025 56min

This episode features William E. Cohn, MD, FACS, a cardiothoracic surgeon from Houston, Texas, who delivered the I. S. Ravdin Lecture during the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago. In his lecture, “The Past, Present, and Future of the Total Artificial Heart,” Dr. Cohn not only explored the history of artificial heart innovation but also the paradigm-shifting work that may finally bring a permanent solution for end-stage heart failure. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

How Military Surgery Helped Shape Modern Surgical Practice 28.11.2025 47min

This episode provides a new perspective on how modern surgical practice has been shaped by military surgical history and how history can provide surgeons with a deepened appreciation for the events that have transformed patient care. Colonel (Ret.) Jeremy W. Cannon, MD, SM, FACS, leads the discussion that includes a medical student, junior faculty member, and senior surgeon/historian. Dr. Cannon’s guests are Gordon L. Telford, MD, FACS, Justin Barr, MD, PhD, and Karina Hiroshige. HOSTColonel (Ret.) Jeremy W. Cannon, MD, SM, FACS, USAF Reserve, MC, trauma surgeon at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia and Past President of the Excelsior Surgical Society GUESTSGordon L. Telford, MD, FACS, retired general surgeon from the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee Justin Barr, MD, PhD, transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, LA Karina Hiroshige, MD/MBA Candidate at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, NY, and Research Fellow in Trauma, Surgical Critical Care & Emergency Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

2025 Martin Memorial Lecture – Looking Forward Together in Uncertain Times 14.11.2025 27min

This episode features David J. Skorton, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, DC, who delivered the Martin Memorial Lecture during the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in Chicago. In his lecture, Dr. Skorton explained how navigating the exponential growth of scientific knowledge necessitates an integrated approach, the importance of being data-driven, and listening to the needs and ideas of patients, their families, and the communities in which we live. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

Fireside Chat with Dr. Gerald B. Healy 07.11.2025 53min

This episode features a fireside chat with Gerald B. Healy, MD, FACS, an otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon, with a long career of service to the ACS, including as President of the Massachusetts Chapter, Chair of the Board of Regents, and ACS president. The program host is Mohsen M. Shabahang, MD, PhD, FACS, for the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery.

2025 Presidential Address • Surgeon Unity 24.10.2025 26min

This episode features Anton N. Sidawy, MD, MPH, FACS, who was installed during Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 106th President. Shortly afterward, he delivered his Presidential Address, urging unity across all surgical disciplines and calling the ACS “The House of Surgery: A Home for All Surgeons.” Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery.

Fireside Chat with Dr. Ajit Sachdeva 17.10.2025 1h 1min

This episode features a fireside chat with Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, who led the ACS Division of Education for more than 24 years. Dr. Sachdeva describes his early career as a surgeon, his practice in Philadelphia, and his long tenure creating innovative educational programming for surgeons around the world. The program host is Mohsen M. Shabahang, MD, PhD, FACS, for the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery.

New ACS Surgeon Leaders Focus on Engagement, Health Policy Research 07.08.2025 44min

The ACS welcomed two new medical directors in June—Thomas C. Tsai, MD, MPH, FACS, is the Medical Director for Health Policy Research and Margaret “Megan” C. Tracci, MD, JD, FACS, is the Medical Director for Surgeon Engagement. In this episode, Steven D. Wexner, MD, PhD(Hon), FACS, talks with Drs. Tsai and Tracci about their new roles, including their current projects and strategies to advance the profession. Steven D. Wexner, MD, PhD(Hon), FACS, is a colorectal surgeon from the Cleveland Clinic in Florida Thomas C. Tsai, MD, MPH, FACS, is a minimally invasive gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston Margaret “Megan” C. Tracci, MD, JD, FACS, is an endovascular surgeon at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

Fireside Chat with Dr. Barbara Lee Bass 27.06.2025 56min

This episode features a fireside chat with Barbara Lee Bass, MD, FACS, who is the vice president for health affairs, dean of the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, DC, and a past president of the ACS. Dr. Bass talks about what drove her into surgery at a time when very few women were in the profession, why she joined the Army, what it was like to perform her last operation, and why it’s essential to be authentic as the leader of a large institution. The program host is Dr. Mohsen Shabahang for the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery.

Summit Drives Home Importance of Surgeon Leadership and Advocacy 02.05.2025 31min

This episode offers an overview of the recent ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit, held in Washington, DC, including popular sessions on knowing your worth as a surgical leader and learning how to lead at every level. Michael J. Sutherland, MD, MBA, FACS, Senior Vice President of ACS Member Services, discusses these sessions and more with Kimberly M. Lumpkins, MD, MBA, FACS, the Dr. J. Laurance Hill Endowed Professor in Pediatric Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, and Joshua M. V. Mammen, MD, PhD, FACS,  the Merle M. Musselman Centennial Professor of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. HOST: Michael J. Sutherland, MD, MBA, FACS, Senior Vice President, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL GUESTS: Kimberly M. Lumpkins, MD, MBA, FACS, Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital and the Dr. J. Laurance Hill Endowed Professor in Pediatric Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD Joshua M. V. Mammen, MD, PhD, FACS, Merle M. Musselman Centennial Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Department of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery

Takeaways from the 2025 Committee on Trauma Annual Meeting 11.04.2025 29min

In this episode, ACS Committee on Trauma (COT) Chair Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, and Rural Trauma Committee Program Lead Michael Person, MD, FACS, discuss key takeaways and lessons learned from the recent COT Annual Meeting in Chicago. They talk about the 10th anniversary of the Future Trauma Leaders Program, pre-hospital blood protocols, the importance of a rural trauma system, and trauma readiness in the United States in the event of a mass population event. PARTICIPANTS:Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, Chair of the ACS Committee on Trauma, Birmingham, Alabama Michael Person, MD, FACS, COT Region Chief, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Talk about the podcast on social media using the hashtag #HouseofSurgery