Honorary Fellowship (Established 1913)

The awarding of Honorary Fellowships in the American College of Surgeons began in 1913 upon the College’s founding.  The current Bylaws state:

“The Regents may elect as Honorary Fellows, individuals who: (a) possess an international reputation in the field of surgery or medicine and who have spent the majority of their careers practicing outside of the United States, or (b) have rendered distinguished humanitarian services, especially in the field of medical science. Honorary Fellows shall not be required to pay fees or dues but shall enjoy all of the privileges of the Fellows except that they shall not have the right to vote or to hold office. Optimally, Honorary Fellowship should be conferred in person. However, under exceptional or extraordinary circumstances, other methods for presentation may be considered and approved by the Honors Committee.”

The Honors Committee identifies the best candidates from among those who are nominated to recommend Honorary Fellows-Elect to the Board of Regents for confirmation. The Honors Committee welcomes and encourages nominations from all surgical specialties and geographic locations. Honorary Fellows are inducted during the Convocation Ceremony on the Sunday evening prior to the official start of the annual Clinical Congress.

Submit an Honorary Fellow Nomination Form and provide the following information:

• Contact information for the nominator and nominee.
• Upload a minimum of two letters of support which list accomplishments of the nominee and how they meet the criteria for the award or honor.
• Upload a current curriculum vitae of the nominee.
• Upload a short biography of the nominee.
• Please keep the nomination confidential from the proposed nominee.