American College of Surgeons (ACS)

“The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. From 2012 to 2013, the College observed a year-long commemoration of its Centennial, “100 Years of Inspiring Quality.”

Mission Statement

The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.

Membership

Members of the ACS are referred to as “Fellows.” The letters FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon’s name mean that the surgeon’s education and 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.

There is also another category of membership known as “Associate Fellow.” This category was established to provide an opportunity for surgeons who are beginning surgical practice and who meet specific requirements to assume an active role in the College at an early stage in their careers.

In addition, there are categories of membership for surgical residents, medical students, and members of the surgical team.

The College currently has more than 82,000 members, including more than 6,600 Fellows in other countries, making it the largest organization of surgeons in the world. There are presently more than 3,200 Associate Fellows” (ACS website).

Dr. Patricia L. Turner Assumes Role as ACS Executive Director

Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, formally assumed the role of ACS Executive Director on January 1, ushering in a new era of leadership for the world’s premier educational and professional society for surgeons.

“The ACS represents the entire House of Surgery, and it’s an honor to steer this incredible organization with a rich history of leadership in our field, especially at this critical time in healthcare,” said Dr. Turner, who is a general surgeon and specializes in minimally invasive surgery. “As surgeons, we thrive on innovation, collaboration, creativity, and—above all—caring for our patients. I look forward to applying the skills and work ethic I developed in the operating room to the organization that is so important to our members and the millions of patients we care for every year.”

As part of her role as Executive Director, Dr. Turner will author the “Executive Director’s Update” column in the monthly Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons. You are invited to read her inaugural column, in which she provides additional thoughts on her role, the challenges of today and tomorrow, and how the ACS can lead the way to a brighter future for surgery.

Watch Dr. Turner discuss her career journey, as well as her commitment to working with and for ACS Fellows for the betterment of the House of Surgery, in the following brief video message.