The Association for Academic Surgery is the world's largest organization dedicated exclusively to the promotion of surgical research.
[1] Its annual meeting is the association's main forum to communicate scientific progress in surgery.
In recent years, the association has increased its international involvement and taken a role in policy development.
Surgeons interested in academic research may join the association even before they have completed their surgical training.
A majority of members attends the annual Academic Surgical Congress each February where new research papers presented and discussed.
Topics include surgical career planning, running an academic program, achieving work/life balance, etc.