Dr. DeJesus, DO, MPH, FACOS, FACS

ACA 2026 is all about the people. ❤️ From longtime members and new faces to mentors, colleagues, friends and osteopathic surgeons from across the country, it’s the people who make this meeting so special. We’re celebrating the conversations, connections, shared experiences and moments happening throughout the Annual Clinical Assembly. Here’s a look at some of the people who are making ACA 2026 one to remember! #ACOSACA2026 #LightingTheFire

🎤 Leading the way at ACA 2026! ACOS President Nelayda Fonte, D.O., DFACOS, FICS, addresses members during the ACOS Annual Members Meeting in New Orleans, providing important updates on the College, its initiatives, and the work underway to support the osteopathic surgical community. Thank you Dr. Fonte for keeping our members informed and sharing your vision for the future of ACOS. Learn more at facos.org/aca and follow along with #ACOSACA2026 and #LightingTheFire.

At ACA 2026, Zachary W. Brown, D.O., FACOS will take the stage to examine what large-scale combat operations could mean for civilian healthcare—and whether our medical systems are prepared for what comes next. Drawing on current global conflicts and emerging threats, Brown will explore what the future of mass casualty events could look like and what healthcare systems can do to better prepare for the challenges ahead. For osteopathic surgeons and the broader medical community, his session offers an opportunity to consider how we can strengthen preparedness, adapt to emerging challenges and be ready to respond when the unexpected happens. Join us October 1–4 in New Orleans for his session: When the War Comes to You. 🔥 Register today: facos.org/aca #ACOSACA2026 #LightingTheFire

🔥 The countdown to ACA 2026 is on! In just over a month, osteopathic surgeons from across the country will come together in New Orleans to learn, connect and shape the future of osteopathic surgery. This year’s theme, “Lighting the Fire: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation of Osteopathic Surgeons,” celebrates the knowledge, experience and values that have shaped our profession—and the responsibility we share to carry them forward. There’s still time to plan your ACA experience. Explore the schedule, connect with colleagues, discover new insights and earn up to 40 CME credits. 📍 October 1- 4 | New Orleans, LA Register today: facos.org/ACA #ACOSACA2026 #LightingTheFire

Incoming surgery interns, congratulations on matching into surgery programs across the country. 🎉 Current residents are sharing the advice that helped them get through intern year, from staying organized and being reliable to learning from every patient encounter and building strong friendships with co-residents. If you are about to start intern year, this video is for you. 🎥 Watch now for practical tips, encouragement, and reminders from residents who have been in your shoes.

❤️ February is Heart Month ❤️ This month, we proudly recognize the lifesaving work of our Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Discipline. From complex open-heart procedures to advanced vascular interventions, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons stand at the forefront of innovation and precision. They care for patients during some of the most critical and vulnerable moments of their lives, restoring circulation, repairing damaged vessels, and giving hearts a second chance to beat stronger. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. During Heart Month, we are reminded that prevention, early detection, and expert surgical care all play vital roles in improving outcomes. Our osteopathic cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons bring a whole-person philosophy to this highly specialized field, combining technical excellence with compassionate, patient-centered care. Pictured are the current officers of the ACOS Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Discipline, whose leadership helps advance education, collaboration, and excellence within this specialty. Join us in recognizing the impact of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons this Heart Month and in recommitting to heart health for our patients and our communities. Drop a comment to recognize a surgeon who has impacted your life or training. #HeartMonth #CardiothoracicSurgery #VascularSurgery #OsteopathicMedicine