Virginia Chapter The College exerts its influence at the community level through its local chapters. Currently there are 100 chapters of the American College of Surgeons, including two chapters in Canada, three chapters in Mexico, and 30 in countries around the world. Chapter membership is open to all Fellows and Associate Fellows of the College, as well as to Resident and Medical Student Members. Chapters provide for a close association of their common effort to improve the quality of surgical care. They also offer a medium through which surgical experiences may be presented and discussed, and constitute a common ground for specialties in various branches of surgery to communicate with each other. Chapters provide a forum through which young surgeons, who have not yet gained membership in more limited surgical societies, can share their thoughts and experiences with more established surgeons. Finally, it is through the College's chapters that Fellows in the community are able to cooperate with other professionals and with civic groups, third-party carriers, and state government agencies that are concerned with community health care and the socioeconomic and legislative aspects of health care. In addition, Fellows support College activities through local College chapters such as the field force in trauma and the Cancer Liaison Program of the Commission on Cancer. The annual meetings of the Virginia Chapter are held in conjunction with the Virginia Surgical Society. The 2012 annual meeting will be held in Falls Church on April 27 - 29. As always, the meeting program will offer exciting speakers and informative presentations. But, equal in importance, it will be at our annual gathering that we exchange information, form friendships, and solidify our presence in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We urge you to share your thoughts, concerns, issues and ideas with us!