University of Cincinnati Hosts Black Academic Surgeons Meeting

CINCINNATI—The University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Surgery will host nearly 100 prominent African American surgeons from across the United States at the 16^th annual scientific meeting of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS).

The meeting, in Cincinnati for the first time, will be held April 6–8 at the UC Academic Health Center and Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.

“Many important national figures in academic surgery belong to this prestigious group, and we’re proud to show them what Cincinnati has to offer,” said Kenneth Davis, MD, professor of surgery and chair for the local meeting. “This is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase the innovative research and real-world improvements to patient care taking place at UC.”

On Friday, April 7, UC’s host surgeons will share information about key research and surgical projects­—including the recent renovation of the surgical amphitheater and telesurgery experiments through the Center for Surgical Innovation. Scientific presentations will take place in the afternoon.

Attendees will also learn more about Cincinnati’s role in the Underground Railroad, including tours of several historic abolitionist homes and a visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Friday. Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory will attend as an honored guest. 

Saturday evening UC Bearcats basketball legend Oscar Robinson will give a keynote address on the importance of organ donation.  

Founded in 1989, the SBAS was created to mentor and inspire young surgeons and medical students to pursue academic careers. Each year the society partners with a leading department of surgery to hold a scientific meeting to share information about new scientific research and surgical advances.

According the American Medical Association, only about 2 percent of U.S. physicians are black.