The Surgical Advisory Panel (SAP) was formed in 1996 in order to organize, monitor, and expedite business of the surgical subspecialty sections. SAP serves as the entry point for all new and old business which must receive consideration by the Council on Sections Management Committee (COSMAN), Council on Sections (COS), the AAP Board of Directors, and/or the Advisory Committees. SAP is not a decision-making body, and as such, must make recommendations to COSMAN, COS, or to the appropriate standing board for approval of section business.

The following surgical subspecialties are represented: Anesthesiology, Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Otolaryngology/ Bronchoesophagology, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, Surgery, and Urology. The Chairperson of SAP will act as the Surgical representative of COSMAN.

SAP meets twice a year -- in March, and during the National Conference & Exhibition (NCE)
in the fall.