ACS Past-President Dr. J. Wayne Meredith Supports the Future of Surgery

As the 101st President of the American College of Surgeons, former Chair and Medical Director of the ACS’ Committee on Trauma (COT), and recipient of the College’s Distinguished Service Award, J. Wayne Meredith, MD, FACS, MCCM, has advanced the surgical profession through the ACS in myriad ways.

His dedication to the surgeon and patient is why he has been a consistent donor to the ACS Foundation since its inception in 2005. “The American College of Surgeons is the most impactful organization to affect the future of surgery in America,” says Dr. Meredith. “Whether that’s training future generations, updating current generations—it’s just unbelievable what the College does. And supporting it through the ACS Foundation makes a difference—and is gratifying.”

Some of Dr. Meredith’s most significant work as a donor came through a major gift in support of the Future Trauma Leaders (FTL) program. The FTL program offers in-depth training and mentoring opportunities to early-career trauma and acute care surgeons. Thanks to the contributions of Dr. Meredith and others who have supported FTL through the ACS Foundation, 40 emerging surgeons have received funding to complete the two-year program over the past decade, engaging them with COT leaders and providing invaluable career experience. “The ACS is without question the most impactful trauma organization in the world,” says Dr. Meredith. “It’s amazing what the College does to get trainees and med students interested in surgery.”

In all, Dr. Meredith sums up his passion for philanthropy succinctly: “You want to do something really gratifying? Then give to something you care about. And for me, that’s been the American College of Surgeons.”