THE SURGICAL OUTCOMES CLUB ("SOC") IS A CONSORTIUM OF SURGEONS AND SCIENTISTS COMMITTED TO UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING THE PRACTICE OF SURGERY. DESPITE REMARKABLE ADVANCES IN THE FIELD OF SURGERY, THE PROFESSION FACES MANY ONGOING CHALLENGES. THESE INCLUDE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND PROLIFERATION IN AN ERA OF TIGHTENING CONSTRAINTS ON SPENDING; CONCERNS ABOUT DISPARITIES IN PATIENT ACCESS AND OUTCOMES; AND VARIATIONS IN SURGICAL QUALITY ACROSS BOTH HOSPITALS AND SURGEONS.SOC'S MISSION IS TO HELP DEVELOP THE KNOWLEDGE BASE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR MEETING THESE CHALLENGES. TOWARD THIS END, SOC PROVIDES A FORUM FOR THE SHARING OF IDEAS, FACILITATE NETWORKING AMONG RESEARCHERS, AND HELP DEVELOP THE OUTCOMES RESEARCH LEADERS OF THE FUTURE.