This annual event provides current MIS, Hernia, Bariatric, Foregut, and Colorectal fellows from around the country with career and personal development advice from practicing surgeons in these subspecialties.  We invite past society presidents, program directors, and thought leaders from private, hospital, and academic practices to share their wisdom, experiences, and good humor. Talks are on a variety of topics, including finding a job, negotiating your worth, choosing an academic vs. private practice, work/life balance, and learning from your mistakes. Our course provides participants a unique opportunity for participants to meet with leaders in their fellowship field and be truly welcomed into the SAGES community.

After completing this educational activity, the participant will:

  • Have gained knowledge on creating a successful and fulfilling practice.
  • Be able to identify basic techniques of structuring an academic practice, including performing meaningful studies, writing papers, and presenting at national meetings.
  • Be able to discuss the different surgical practice opportunities and the potential benefits of each environment.
  • Be better equipped to navigate the stressors of early attending life.
  • Be able to create their niche, including involvement at the local, regional, and national level.

This year, the Fellows Career Development Course will be hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Please note that this course is for the 2026-2027 fellowship year.
Registration is limited to the first 50 registrants.
SAGES Candidate Membership (or the submission of a completed SAGES membership application) is mandatory to participate in the course.

Fee: Registrants will be charged a $100 deposit which will be refunded upon completion of the course. The deposit will not be refunded in the event of a no-show or cancellation.

Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own ground transportation to the hotel. A shuttle to Charlotte Douglas International Airport will be provided on Saturday, August 22.

Air Travel: Fellows will be given a $500 stipend toward travel to Charlotte, North Carolina. The recommended airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Hotel:  Hotel rooms will be provided for the nights of Thursday, August 20 and Friday, August 21.

  • Any other room nights will be the responsibility of the fellow.
  • Fellows will be assigned a roommate of the same gender.

Fellows may elect to have their own rooms at an additional cost (based on availability). Solo room requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the course date.

Meals:

  • August 20: There is a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel at 6:30 pm. (Please make your incoming travel arrangements so that you can attend this dinner.)
  • August 21 and 22: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided.
  • August 21: Social event with dinner (transportation will be provided).

NOTE: You should receive a confirmation email immediately after registering that contains logistic information and your confirmation number. If you don’t see the email, please check your spam folder. If you cannot find it, please contact deborah@sages.org

Cancellation Policy:

  • All cancellations must be received in writing via email to deborah@sages.org or registration@sages.org
  • Cancellation of the course at any time will forfeit all refunds of the registration deposit.