In this Journal Review episode, the Hernia Content Team from Carolinas Medical Center reviews the definition and meaning of a hernia center. In a subspecialty field that is in its relative infancy, the specialization of care at hernia centers is a relatively new concept. The team reviews two relevant publications on hernia centers that help to provide guidance on this topic for the hernia community.

Hosts:
- Dr. Sullivan “Sully” Ayuso, Chief Resident, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC), @SAyusoMD (Twitter)
- Dr. Todd Heniford, Chief of GI & MIS, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC), @THeniford (Twitter)
- Dr. Vedra Augenstein, Professor of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC), @VedraAugenstein (Twitter)
- Dr. Monica Polcz, Attending Surgeon, Baptist Health (Miami, FL), No Twitter handle
- Dr. Brittany Mead, GI & MIS Fellow, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC), No Twitter handle

References: 
-Shulkin et al, Characterizing Hernia Centers in the United States: What Defines a Hernia Center?, Hernia, 2022
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33871743/ 

-Köckerling et al, Accreditation and Certification Requirements for Hernia Centers and Surgeons: the ACCESS Project, Hernia, 2019
 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33871743/

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