Kelly Hewitt, Active Member
Breast Surgical Oncology
Vanderbilt University
I worked as a rural general surgeon, later pursued fellowship and am now an academic breast surgical oncologist. The mission of the AAS is to "inspire and develop young academic surgeons." I would argue that an important part of that development is providing an understanding of the practice and challenges of non-academic surgeons as well. The AAS will be a better organization if we also aim to recruit members in rural and community practice. The perspective on clinical care as well as real-world applicability of novel treatments is invaluable, and these surgeons can act as mentors, sponsors and sparks for innovation for the next generation of academic surgeons. If we are able to broaden our scope through increased membership and enhanced communication, then the AAS will have an even larger reach and impact.
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