Medical Student Committee

Medical Student Committee Mission Statement:

The Florida Chapter, American College of Surgeons is a non-profit medical association whose mission is to support and improve the practice of surgery in the state of Florida. Our student committee aims to educate and engage Florida Medical Students in the practice of surgery.

Our Vision:

The Florida Chapter, American College of Surgeons offers a professional home for Florida surgeons interested in protecting patients and the profession of surgery. We provide opportunities for medical students to participate in state and national chapters of the FACS, and aim to create educational and professional surgical opportunities. These opportunities include education in numerous surgical fields, networking opportunities, and the development of personal relationships of the highest quality.

Committee Goals:

Membership: Recruit and retain passionate members, offer students professional and networking opportunities. Provide students with the opportunity to meet with program directors, faculty, and staff who assist with residency applications and surgical career planning
Programming: Host and support events at Florida medical school campuses to educate students interested in pursuing a career in surgery. Provide opportunities for students to learn more about the many subspecialties in surgery, including necessary skills to succeed. Educate students on important basic surgical techniques and proper surgical etiquette.
Mentorship: Offer guidance to all Florida medical students interested in surgery. Assist these students in making an educated decision about pursuing a surgical career. Provide student and resident advice, as well as current information on statewide and national surgical issues.

Committee Members:

Medical Student Chair:
William Glover, 3rd Year Student - Florida State University College of Medicine

What drew you to the FCACS?
I first heard about FCACS through our Surgery and Anesthesiology Interest Group at FSU’s College of Medicine. As president of the group I was invited to participate in the Advocacy Days in Tallahassee. I was immediately intrigued by the passion and ambition the surgeons within the advocacy team had for their patient’s and fellow physicians. I always knew that I wanted to become involved in the care of patients outside the typical scope of a medical student, and I saw FCACS as the perfect opportunity to fulfill that goal.
What has been you’re favorite experience with FCACS?
While I have a lot of great experiences through joining FCACS, including participating in membership meetings and attending the annual conference in Orlando, my favorite experience has been advocating for patients, surgeons, and medical students at the Capitol in Tallahassee. We spent the day discussing issues in medicine from Prior Authorization to Scope of Practice to State Funding for Bleeding control kits. Meeting with state representatives to help form policy in a way that could have a far-reaching affect for patient’s health in our state was an opportunity that most medical students would never get to experience.
How do you think participating at FCACS as a student will affect your future career as a physician?
The amount of knowledge about the world of surgery I have gained through interacting with the physicians of FCACS has been immeasurable. It has allowed me to step back as a medical student and see the bigger picture of medicine as a whole. FCACS has shown me the opportunities that are available such as sub-specialties, residencies, and research. Whether it’s networking, out-reach, or just learning more about the field of surgery, FCACS is an excellent opportunity for medical students to become active participants in their endless pursuit of medical knowledge.

Medical Student Vice Chair:
Cassandra Schuster, 2nd Year Student, Florida State College of Medicine

What drew you to FCACS?
I had the privilege of serving as Vice President for our Surgery and Anesthesiology Interest group at the Florida State University College of Medicine. During my first year, I was able to attend the Annual Meeting where my passion for surgery, developing mentorships, and continuing to explore this realm of medicine grew. The opportunity to network with physicians throughout the state of Florida and in diverse specialties is what drew me to FCACS.

What has been your favorite experience with FCACS?
My favorite experience with FCACS so far has been attending the Annual Meeting in Orlando last year. That was my first exposure to this organization and opened my eyes to the opportunities available for medical students to make an impact on medicine at a statewide level. My classmates and I were able to interact with residents, learn surgical techniques, and listen to novel research being conducted among physicians in FCACS. I have also thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on the Medical Student and Women in Surgery sub-committee.

How do you think participating at FCACS as a student will affect your career as a physician?
I am extremely appreciative of my time at FCACS so far as I have been able to foster mentorships, collaborate with current physicians, and gain valuable experience that is not available in a medical school setting. FCACS has shown me the importance in remaining actively involved in this organization as a practicing physician and helping shape the next generation of doctors.

Membership

Membership in the Florida Chapter – Medical Student is automatic for medical student members of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.