FLS co-chair Dr. Melissa Hanson is not one to shy away from big committee projects, including spearheading the re-design of the FLS didactic curriculum.
“The new modules are built around the EPA blueprint, ensuring they’re relevant, comprehensive, and aligned with current surgical practices and competencies,” says Dr. Hanson. “This shift enhances the learning experience and better prepares trainees for real-world challenges. The 10 redesigned modules take the learner from the pre-operative clinical assessment through to the management of intra-operative and post operative complications. The value is that much of this content is not explicitly taught in surgical programs.”
In addition to FLS, Dr. Hanson has worked closely Drs. Liane Feldman and Horacio Asbun, respective chairs of the Reimaging the Practice of Surgery Task Force (RPS) exploring “joy in surgery.”
As part of this initiative, she led a series of qualitative research studies exploring how surgeons experience joy, connection, and meaning in their work. These conversations—with surgeons across practice settings and career stages—helped surface core themes around identity, community, resilience, and purpose in surgery. The resulting papers on “The Joy of Surgery” reflect not only academic inquiry, but also a broader cultural shift toward valuing the emotional and human dimensions of our profession. This work has been presented at SAGES, sparking rich dialogue about how to create environments where joy is not accidental or rare, but intentional and sustainable.
Of her involvement in these two committees, Dr. Hanson says, “I’ve been so inspired by Dr. Horacio Asbun, whose passion for surgeon well-being and changing the culture of our field is contagious. And I’m especially grateful to Dr. Neal Seymour, who believed in me and gave me the chance to co-chair the FLS committee. His mentorship has meant a lot, and that opportunity really helped me find my voice.”
Like so many others, she most loves SAGES strong sense of community. “There’s this unique mix of innovation, inclusivity, and academic curiosity that really sets it apart. SAGES is always looking ahead—whether it’s embracing new technology, improving how we train, or putting surgeon well-being front and center. It feels like a space where big ideas are welcomed, and people genuinely want to support each other. It’s not just about the sessions or the science; it’s the hallway conversations, the laughs at dinner, the feeling of being part of something bigger.”
“Over time, those quick chats and shared experiences have turned into real friendships and mentorships. You start to feel like you’ve found your people—those who inspire you, challenge you, and genuinely care about you thriving in this field. That sense of connection and belonging is what’s made my time with SAGES so memorable.
Dr. Hanson initially joined SAGES as a candidate member during her MIS Fellowship at McGill University, and counts among her mentors Drs. Melina Vassiliou, Liane Feldman and Gerry Fried, “generous leaders” who’ve had a big impact on her growth.
Dr. Hanson plans to continue contributing to the society’s educational initiatives, particularly in surgical training and assessment. She adds, “I’m also excited about the potential for ongoing leadership roles within SAGES committees and working to create meaningful change in areas like how to maintain a sustainable but joyful surgical career, gender equity, laparoscopic surgery education and innovation.”
When she’s not in the OR, Dr. Hanson is spending time with her husband, their two kids, and new puppy camping, canoeing and paddleboarding; calling their lives “full, often loud and messy, but mostly joyful.”
She also offers some important thoughts about work-life balance. “Balance implies a constant risk of falling, of something crashing down if we misstep. I like to think of it differently. Work and life aren’t opposing forces on a scale. They’re an orchestra. There are times when certain instruments need to play louder, when your career takes center stage, pushing everything else into the background. And sometimes, one part of your life must take a solo. But an orchestra isn’t just about the loudest section. The quiet moments matter too, the background harmonies, and the instruments waiting for their time to come back in.
True harmony isn’t about forcing everything to play at once. It’s about knowing when to lead, when to support, and when to pause so that the music never stops.”
