Societies & Communities
The Long Table
Professional societies have been foundational to my development — connecting me with mentors, expanding my sense of what is possible, and shaping the kind of culture I am committed to building for those who come after me.
"When you have more than you need,
build a longer table, not a higher fence."
My exposure to and participation in professional medical and surgical societies has been foundational to my development. From attending my first AMSA conference before I was even formally a medical student to engaging early with surgical meetings, these spaces have consistently opened doors. They have connected me with mentors, expanded my sense of what is possible, and helped shape a clear vision of the surgeon I am becoming — and the kind of culture I am committed to building for those who come after me.
Throughout my training, I often relied on the generosity of others — mentors, peers, and colleagues who shared their hotel rooms and created space for me to attend meetings and conferences I otherwise could not have accessed. Those experiences shaped not only my career, but my understanding of what it means to build community in medicine.
If you are a student or trainee hoping to attend a conference and facing barriers, including not having a place to stay, I hope you will reach out. I am committed to paying that forward and creating the same opportunities that once opened doors for me. I’m confident we can figure something out.
Core Surgical Organizations
Foundational societies that anchor surgical training, practice, and education.
Association for Academic Surgery (AAS)
Association for Surgical Education (ASE)
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
Burn, Trauma & Critical Care
Societies focused on the care of patients in moments of acute and life-threatening illness and injury.
American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST)
American Burn Association (ABA)
Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST)
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
Identity, Representation & Belonging
Societies that center community, mentorship, and representation within surgery.
Association of Out Surgeons (AOS)
International Association of Women Surgeons (IAWS)
Society of Indian Academic Surgeons (SIAS)
Student Leadership & Advocacy
Organizations where students and trainees can build leadership, advocacy, and a wider vision of medicine.
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
Actively engaged in advocacy and education initiatives throughout medical school, with a focus on expanding access to medical education and opening pathways into surgery for future trainees.
Weight & Size Equity in Medicine
Organizations working to advance compassionate, evidence-based care for people across the weight spectrum — and to address weight bias and stigma at every level of medicine and medical training.
Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
A patient-centered nonprofit dedicated to elevating and empowering people affected by weight-related health conditions through education, advocacy, and community — with a particular focus on reducing weight bias and stigma in healthcare and beyond.
Association for Weight and Size Inclusive Medicine (AWSIM)
Advances weight-inclusive approaches to healthcare — shifting the clinical frame from weight loss as a primary goal toward health, wellbeing, and equitable care for patients of all sizes.
Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)
The leading professional society for clinicians who specialize in weight-related medicine — providing education, certification, and community for those committed to evidence-based, compassionate care.
Medical Students for Size Inclusivity (MSSI)
A student-led organization advocating for size-inclusive care in medical education and clinical practice — working to address weight bias and ensure equitable, respectful treatment for patients of all sizes.
This list is a starting point. If there is a society that has shaped your path in surgery or medicine that is not listed here, please let me know — I want this to remain a living, collaborative resource.