Paula M. Termuhlen, MD, Regional Dean, Duluth Campus, and Professor of Surgery for the University of Minnesota Medical School, is among a group of 91 esteemed surgeons from seven countries selected into membership or associate membership in the new American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™. The Academy’s first induction ceremony occurred on October 3, 2018, at the John B. Murphy Memorial auditorium in Chicago.

Dr. Termuhlen was inducted as an Associate Member of this prestigious Academy. She is a distinguished surgical educator whose experience in the field includes medical education, surgical training, and surgical oncology specializing in breast cancer and melanoma.

Dr. Termuhlen’s recognition received as a surgical educator also include serving as Vice Chair for the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Surgery and as President for the Association of Program Directors in Surgery. She has received Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.

“The American College of Surgeons serves all surgeons in their quest to provide the highest quality patient care,” Dr. Termuhlen said. “It is an honor to be named into this inaugural group who have been recognized for the role we play in supporting surgeons in their education.”

Developed under the auspices of the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members or Associate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety.

"Dr. Termuhlen is known for combining good sense and cool intelligence," said Jakub Tolar, MD, Ph.D., Dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School. "She is an expert surgeon and an enlightened Regional Dean. We are delighted that she has been honored with membership in the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators."

In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. “Moving forward, we plan to pursue the Academy’s goals with great enthusiasm,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, Director of the ACS Division of Education and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy. “To start, small groups of Members and Associate Members will be assembled to work on addressing these goals. We also plan to publish an annual publication, Proceedings of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators that will be launched in late 2019.”

“With highest quality patient care through education being the paramount theme of the American College of Surgeons, the establishment of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is an important new chapter for the ACS, the world's largest organization for surgeons," explained L.D.Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCS(Glasg)(Hon), past president of the ACS, and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.

“This is an important time in medicine for such an accomplished and innovative group of surgeon educators to come together. Underscoring the critical importance of surgical education in a changing health care environment will be one major focus for the work of the Academy,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS. “We congratulate and welcome all members and associate members of the inaugural class.”

Academy membership is conferred in two categories, Member and Associate Member. For a listing of all surgeons honored with selection into the Academy visit: https://www.facs.org/education/academy/2018selection.

About the American College of Surgeons: 
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 80,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.

About the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus:
The University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus was founded in 1972 with a mission to be a leader in educating physicians dedicated to family medicine, to serve the needs of rural Minnesota and Native American communities. The Medical School, Duluth Campus is a branch campus of the University of Minnesota Medical School, based in the Twin Cities. For more information visit www.med.umn.edu/about/duluth-campus.