Brian Smith, MD

PCSA Member: 15 years

Biographical Information: 

As a career-long academician, surgical educator, and public servant, I am humbled by this nomination to and the prospect of leading the Pacific Coast Surgical Association (PCSA) as president. My first PCSA meeting was in 2008 when I presented my work as a research resident with my senior mentor and then-president Dr. Bruce Stabile. I was in awe at the quality of the research presented as well as the caliber of the members—many of the giants in surgery. I have served as a formal member of the society since 2011, my first year eligible after fellowship, and have presented subsequent research on multiple occasions. This society represents the very best of a regional meeting, including advancement of surgical outcomes, surgical education, and fellowship. The community of PCSA is unique and the meeting often feels like an annual gathering of close friends. As president, I would work tirelessly to preserve our heritage, grow our membership, increase our sponsorship, and support our members throughout the continuum of their careers.

I have been a member of the Department of Surgery at UC Irvine for nearly 19 years, starting from fellowship through my current roles as Professor of Surgery, General Surgery Residency Program Director, Co-Director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, and Chair of the UCI Wellbeing and Professionalism Committee. I also hold a joint appointment at the VA Long Beach where I have served as Chief of Surgery since 2016 along with two prior tours as acting Chief Medical Officer for the consolidated network of 8 VA hospitals throughout the Southwest. From leveraging personnel and supplies between facilities, to creative and diversified resource standardization, to supporting and protecting front line staff through the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding access to care through novel virtual care approaches, I have learned how to be resourceful and bring people together during difficult times. It is these skills I would bring to PCSA if elected president, along with meaningful leadership experience, a collaborative spirit, and an open mind to furthering the footprint and role of PCSA in the American surgical community. I would draw on my prior experiences leading the California Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the Southern California Chapter of the American College of Surgeons (SoCal ACS), and the Association of VA Surgeons (AVAS; president-elect). Thank you in advance for your consideration of this wonderful opportunity.

Leadership roles within PCSA:

• Committee on Relationships with Industry
  Panel member of the Trainee's Symposium, February 5, 2023