1st Workshop on Surgical Publishing of International College of Surgeons (ICS) – US Chapter Led by Prof Rifat Latifi, President of KCS

April 10, 2025, Charleston, SC

Prof. Rifat Latifi, President of the Kosova College of Surgeons,  and FICS, led the 1st Workshop on Surgical Publishing, titled “Building a Legacy: Advancing Surgical Practice Through Publication” held at the 86th Annual Meeting of the ICS-US Chapter, in Charleston, South Carolina. This workshop that was well attended, aimed to empower surgeons by providing valuable insights into the publishing process, encouraging them to document their experiences and knowledge. Through expert guidance, attendees learned how to identify impactful topics, effectively structure their manuscripts, and navigate various publishing options. By emphasizing the importance of writing at pivotal moments in their careers, the workshop fostered a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the surgical community.

The “1st Workshop on Surgical Publishing: From an Idea to Publication,” held at the 86th Annual Meeting of the ICS-US Chapter, in Charleston, SC aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the surgical publishing landscape, guiding them meticulously from conception to completion. Moderated by Dr. Rifat Latifi, author and editor of more than 20 books, this workshop brought together a distinguished panel of experts, including Kristopher King, Executive Editor of Clinical Medicine Books at Springer Nature, Dr. Rainer Gruessner, Professor and Former Chairman at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and Dr. Elliott Haut, Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University.

The primary objective was to equip attendees with the tools necessary to identify relevant and impactful topics for surgical publications. Through a combination of lectures and interactive discussions, participants learned how to structure their manuscripts effectively, ensuring clarity and coherence while addressing complex surgical topics. The panel shed light on the intricacies of the publishing process, from developing a compelling manuscript to submitting it for peer review. By demystifying the often-opaque world of academic publishing, attendees gained the confidence to navigate the complexities of publication.

A significant emphasis was placed on understanding the various publishing options available today. The panelists explored traditional publishing avenues, self-publishing opportunities, and open-access models, allowing participants to make informed decisions that align with their professional objectives. Dr. Latifi focused on the importance of not only writing and editing but also publishing surgical books that resonate with both practitioners and patients, underscoring the potential impact of well-crafted literature.

Dr. Gruessner posed the critical question of whether publishing in surgery remains worthwhile in today’s rapidly evolving medical environment. This discussion prompted a lively dialogue about the changing landscape of medical literature, highlighting the challenges and rewards associated with maintaining a presence in scholarly publishing.

Additionally, Dr. Haut provided insights from a journal editor’s perspective, emphasizing the critical role of peer review in upholding the quality and credibility of surgical literature. His perspective served to remind participants of the meticulous standards expected in submissions and the essential nature of constructive feedback in maintaining rigorous academic discourse. Mr. Spring, spoke on publishing process from a large publishing company perspective.

By the end of the workshop, participants emerged with actionable insights, including strategies for marketing their surgical books and building effective author platforms. The workshop also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the attendees, encouraging them to share their experiences and support one another in their publishing endeavors. Overall, this workshop aimed to cultivate a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration within the surgical community, enhancing its collective wisdom. By actively participating in the publishing process, attendees were encouraged to document their experiences, contribute to the surgical literature, and ultimately shape the knowledge landscape for current and future practitioners. The panelists emphasized and concluded that “If it wasn’t documented, if it hasn’t been published, it never happened.”

Dr. Gruessner, Mr. King, Dr. Haut and Dr. Latifi

Rifat Latifi, Eliot Haut, Shariq Nezir, President of ICS-US Chapter, Rainer Gruesnner, Kristopher King and Siva Vithiananthan immediate past president of ICS-US Chapter, Co moderator.