This annual event provides current MIS and Bariatric fellows from around the country with career and personal development advice from practicing general and bariatric surgeons. We invite past society presidents, program directors, and thought leaders from private, hospital, and academic practices to share their wisdom, experiences, and good humor. Talks are on a variety of topics, including finding a job, negotiating your worth, choosing an academic vs. private practice, work/life balance, and learning from your mistakes. Our course provides a unique opportunity to meet with leaders in MIS and bariatric and truly welcome our fellows to the MIS and bariatric communities.

After completing this educational activity, the participant will:

• Have gained knowledge on creating a successful and fulfilling practice.
• Be able to identify basic techniques of structuring an academic practice, including performing meaningful studies, writing papers and presenting at national meetings.
• Be able to discuss the different surgical practice opportunities and the potential benefits of each environment.

This year, the Fellows Career Development Course will be hosted at the Intercontinental Cleveland Hotel & Conference Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

2023 Fellows Career Development Course Schedule

Thursday, October 5^th: Faculty and Fellow Welcome Reception and Dinner at 6:30 pm

Friday, October 6^th: Didactic course from 7:30am to 5:00pm; Faculty & Fellows Dinner & Fun at the Punch Bowl, 6:00 pm

Saturday, October 7^th: Didactic course from 7:30am to 1:00pm

Saturday, October 7^th: Optional Hands-on lab at Case Western Reserve University from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

• Limited to 24 participants
• Robotic and Laparoscopic tracks available
• Registration and track choice is on a first come/first serve basis

Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own ground transportation to the hotel. Shuttles to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will be provided on Saturday, October 7th following both the course and the lab.

Air Travel: Fellows will be granted up to $200 toward travel to Cleveland, Ohio. Any remaining travel expense is the responsibility of the fellow. The recommended airport is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Instructions on how to make flight arrangements will be outlined in the registration confirmation email that is sent once registration is completed.

Hotel:  Hotel rooms will be provided for the nights of Thursday, October 5th and Friday, October 6th. Any other room nights will be the responsibility of the fellow. Fellows will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. Fellows may elect to have their own room at an additional cost.

Meals: There is a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel on Thursday, October 5^th at 6:30pm – please make your incoming travel arrangements so that you can attend this dinner. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided on October 6^th and 7^th. There is a social event with dinner on October 6th (transportation will be provided).

View the Preliminary 2023 Course Agenda

Registration: This course is open only to 1st or 2nd year fellows in the 2023-2024 academic year. Registration is limited to the first 50 registrants. SAGES Candidate Membership (or the submission of a completed SAGES membership application) is mandatory for acceptance.  To join SAGES, click here.

Please note that registrants will be charged a refundable $100 fee.  This will be refunded after the full completion of the course (and lab, if registered to attend).

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE 

Should you have any questions, please contact [email protected].