The American College of Surgeons
Posted July 04, 2010 in Home, Patient Safety, Plastic Surgery Societies
Just the FACS Ma’am
Ever wonder why some doctors have FACS after their name? It means they are members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). FACS stands for: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. To be a member, a surgeon’s education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College.
The American College of Surgeons
Established in Chicago, in 1913, the society has 73,000 American Surgeons and more than 4,000 surgeons from other countries. The college’s main activities include the:
- Annual Clinical Congress and other sponsored continuing medical activities
- Commission on Cancer to improve the care of cancer patients
- Committee on Trauma to improve the management and prevention of injuries
- Division of Advocacy and Health Policy monitors legislative and regulatory issues affecting the field of surgery
- Sponsoring of the Residency Review Committee for Surgery and the Surgical Specialties including Plastic Surgery
- Office of Public Information provides general information about surgeons and surgical care
- Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP) a resource for surgeons lifelong learning, and to prepare for Board Certification
- Selected Publications:
So if you are a patient, the letters FACS after a surgeons name mean the American College of Surgeons has independently evaluated and accepted their qualifications.