NPSA History
In the annals of medical history in the Pacific Northwest the foundations of medical meetings is the illustrious North Pacific Surgical Association. Born of collective ambition and shared expertise, its genesis sparkled in the city of Portland on that auspicious day of March 6, 1912. Yet, it was in the vibrant heart of Seattle, on the storied date of May 12 of the same year, where the symphony of organization reached its crescendo.
From those inaugural moments of unity and purpose, the NPSA has unfurled its banner of excellence that traverses the tapestry of the Pacific Northwest. With each passing year, this esteemed assembly rotates gracefully between the urban jewels of the region, enriching the medical landscape and forging bonds that stand as monuments to the relentless pursuit of surgical excellence.
NPSA Annual Meeting 2025
November 20-22, 2025
Submit Abstract until deadline August 3, 2025
2025 North Pacific Surgical Society President is Dr. Chad Geoffrey Ball. Dr. Ball is a Clinical Professor of Surgery and Oncology at the University of Calgary. He currently practices Hepatobiliary, Pancreas, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery at the Foothills Medical. Link to Bio.
Theme for the meeting is Military Influences on Surgical Training and the Invited Guest Lecturer is Coronel Martin A. Schreiber, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C.M. Dr. Schreiber’s special areas of interest are trauma surgery and surgical critical care. He received his medical degree in 1988 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Schreiber completed his internship at Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, WA., and his residency training at the University of Washington in Seattle. His trauma and critical care fellowship was completed at the University of Washington.
NPSA Council
The office of President rotates through these caucus regions at the time when the annual meeting is in that area. NPSA’s council members represent the caucus regions as described in the bylaws.
President
Chad G. Ball, MD
Clinical Professor of Surgery and Oncology, University of Calgary
Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Surgery and Evidence-Based Reviews in Surgery Program
Past President
Timothy W. Bax, MD
Providence General and Specialty Surgery Spokane, WA
Trauma Medical Director for Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital
President Elect
Thomas Biehl, MD
Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle, WA
Secretary Treasurer
Flavio Rocha, MD, FACS, FSSO
Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, OHSU School of Medicine
Hugh Hedinger and Georgeina Hedinger Chair of Surgical Oncology, Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine
Recorder
Laszlo N. Kiraly, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Professor of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery
Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Medicine
Vancouver Caucus Leader
Elaine C. McKevitt, BSc MEd MD FRCSC
Clinical Professor Director of Surgical Education, Mount St Joseph Hospital, Vancouver, B.C.