We hope that you and your families are well and are continuing to navigate through this crisis as safely as possible. Due to the continued uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to protect the health and safety of everyone involved with our annual conference, the Canadian Surgery Forum (CSF) Steering Committee has made the decision to hold the 2021 CSF virtually. Although September 2021 is many months away, making this decision now enables us to safely participate in the CSF and to design an engaging virtual program to meet the needs of all our stakeholders.

New Program Structure
The virtual program has been designed specifically to optimize delegates’ time online. Delegates will see fewer competing sessions, world renowned speakers and strategic networking opportunities. The conference will also conclude on Friday instead of Saturday. In addition to participation in the live event, all attendees will have access to on-demand recordings following the conference.
For now, we ask that you save the dates of September 21-24, 2021 with exciting information to follow in the near future.

While we share your disappointment in not being able to meet in person, we hope you share our excitement about this opportunity to create for you an innovative and interactive virtual experience. Beyond that, a virtual experience provides unique opportunities to engage a broader audience of surgical professionals, reach more surgeons in remote areas of practice, reduce our environmental impact and keep everyone safe including our patients who still urgently need our care.

We look forward to welcoming you online this September. For up to date information, please visit www.CanadianSurgeryForum.com.

If you have questions of require additional information, please contact CSF Manager; Karen Norris knorris@cags-accg.ca

Please stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,
Mark Walsh, MSc, MD, FRCSC, FACS

President, The Canadian Association of General Surgeons
On behalf of the 2021 Canadian Surgery Forum Steering Committee

We understand that cancelling the 2020 CSF resulted in a missed opportunity for delegates to present their research. Therefore, we have offered twice as much time in the 2021 program to present abstracts. This is your opportunity to share your research with other national and international surgical professionals and to contribute to the educational content of the Forum.

This year’s Canadian Surgery Forum will be taking place September 21-24, virtually from the comfort of your own home, office or hospital. We’re currently working on unique ways for abstracts presenters to virtually connect with their audiences to expand their research networks and continue the conversations. 

Abstracts and videos can be submitted HERE. Kindly review abstract and video guidelines before submitting. The deadline for submissions is March 25, 2021.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Karen Norris
Canadian Surgery Forum Manager
knorris@cags-accg.ca
www.canadiansurgeryforum.com