Associate Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) interested in pursuing the next level of membership and who meet the criteria for Fellowship are encouraged to start the application process now.
Applications for induction into Fellowship at the ACS Clinical Congress 2023 in Boston, MA, are due December 1, 2022.
More than 100 years ago, the ACS was founded on the principle “To Heal All with Skill and Trust,” and this motto continues to guide the House of Surgery. Central to this motto is the College’s commitment to supporting practicing surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, and other members of the surgical care team across practice settings, specialties, and employment. Regardless of age, racial and gender identification, and geography, an inclusive ACS membership best serves our patients and promotes trust among the public. The ACS welcomes surgeons to our Fellowship who maintain the highest standards of care for their patients and value service to patients.
Surgeons voluntarily submit applications for Fellowship, thereby inviting an evaluation of their practice. In evaluating the eligibility of Fellowship applicants, the College investigates each applicant’s entire surgical practice. Applicants for Fellowship are required to provide all necessary information for the evaluation of their surgical practice.
Criteria for Fellowship
Associate Fellows are encouraged to apply for Fellowship within the first 6 years of their surgical practice. To encourage that transition, Associate Fellowship is limited to surgeons who have been Associates for 6 years or less.
The basic requirements for Fellowship include:
- Certification by an appropriate American Board of Medical Specialties surgical specialty board, an American Osteopathic Association surgical specialty board, or the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada; or certification by the surgical board in your country for international applicants.
- For the US and Canadian applicants: You will need 1 year of surgical practice at one location after completing all formal training (including fellowships).
- For international applicants: You will need 3 years of practice after completing all formal training.
- A current appointment as surgical staff at a primary hospital with no reportable actions pending.
- A complete list of the requirements for US and Canada applicants can be accessed at: facs.org/for-medical-professionals/membership-community/membership-benefits. The list of requirements for the International Fellowship is online at facs.org/for-medical-professionals/membership-community/membership-benefits/international-fellows.
Application Process
You will need your login information to access the application. The Fellowship application requests basic information regarding licensure, certification, education, and hospital affiliations. Applicants also are asked to provide the names of three Fellows of the College, preferably from their current practice location, to serve as references.
All Fellowship applicants must participate in a personal interview by an ACS committee in their local area. Exceptions are made for military applicants.
For more information about the application process, contact facsapplications@facs.org.
