Spring 2024 Newsletter
Summer Meeting Reminder
As summer approaches, so does our highly anticipated annual summer meeting! Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with and gain valuable insights from surgical peers, quality improvement leaders, and industry partners.
Highlights include Wisconsin Surgical Society President Dr. Ben Jarman interviewing Commissioner Nathan Houdek on the changing landscape of healthcare in Wisconsin, Dr. Gretchen Schwarze discussing her work on Better Conversations for Better Informed Consent, Dr. John LoGiudice giving a plastic surgery update, and a panel presentation on pain management in the midst of the opioid epidemic. The afternoon includes smaller breakout sessions for focused discussion of enhanced recovery protocols, breast cancer surgery, colonoscopy quality, and hernia repair.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Date: Saturday, August 10
- Location: Heidel House Hotel, Green Lake, WI
- Registration is free
Registration is still open, but rooms at the hotel are limited and filling up quickly. Secure your spot today!
Available Performance Reports
If you missed the recent performance report announcement in early May, the following reports are available to view and download in the Learning Management System (LMS):
Reducing Unnecessary Breast Cancer Surgeries
July 2022 – June 2023
- These breast cancer surgery reports highlight 60-day re-excision rates, mastectomy rates and the number of repeat procedures after lumpectomy, with comparisons to the averages at your hospital and across Wisconsin.
Enhanced Recovery Protocols for Colorectal Surgery
July 2022 – June 2023
- These reports feature postop length of stay, clinical factors associated with 30-day readmissions, and patient characteristics, with comparisons to hospital and statewide averages.
Coming soon! The July 2022 – June 2023 performance reports on Opioid Stewardship for Surgical Patients will be ready in July, just before the summer meeting.
QI Update: Opioid Stewardship for Surgical Patients
Led by Dr. Rebecca Busch and Dr. Tudor Borza, the Opioid Stewardship for Surgical Patients initiative shared several updates in May. This work has been supported by Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services and the Joint Committee on Finance.
You can learn more about the new, free CME opportunities, updated cards with postoperative prescribing recommendations, and a statewide initiative to distribute opioid disposal pouches (launching this Fall).
Interested in Research Study Participation?
Are you interested in participating in a research study to advance health outcomes? UW-Madison faculty, Dr. Sarah Jung and Dr. Jacqueline Kruser, are seeking physician participation in the following studies:
Dr. Jung is conducting a research study about recognition of discrimination against trainees in the surgical workplace, feelings about intervening, and potential facilitators and barriers to intervention. You are being asked to participate as a practicing surgeon by completing a 15-min survey and will be offered $50 as compensation for your participation.
Dr. Kruser invites you to participate in a research study called “Improving ICU Care for Older Adults with Serious Illness.” Critical care physicians are invited to join a study about how patients, families, and clinicians understand and discuss difficult decisions for critically ill patients. Your participation would involve one 60-min interview or focus group that will be audio recorded. In appreciation for your participation, you will receive a $50 gift card.
Disclaimer: The Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin is not affiliated with these studies, although we understand they may be of interest to our members.