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Become a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Discover the benefits of ACS Fellowship, what the FACS designation means, eligibility requirements, and how to apply to become a Fellow.

Become a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Your Next Chapter as a Surgeon Starts with FACS

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) recognizes your commitment to high standards of surgical care and connects you with opportunities to grow professionally, contribute to the field, and help shape the future of surgery.

Check Your Eligibility

Already an ACS Associate Fellow or Resident Member? Your application fee will be waived.

What Does It Mean to Be an ACS Fellow?

FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. It is a professional distinction awarded to surgeons who meet the ACS standards for professional qualifications, surgical practice, and ethical conduct.

Beyond the designation, Fellowship connects you to the ACS, the House of Surgery®, and a community committed to advancing surgical care.

Apply for Fellowship Apply for International Fellowship

FACS Is More Than a Credential

Your professional goals evolve throughout your career. Whether you're navigating the realities of practice, preparing for greater responsibility, or looking to contribute beyond your own institution, Fellowship can help you pursue what matters most.

Navigate your practice with confidence
Access practical resources to help you make informed decisions about employment, compensation, contracts, coding, and the business of surgery.

Keep advancing your career
Strengthen your knowledge, develop leadership skills, and build professional relationships through ACS education, conferences, and opportunities to get involved.

Make a broader contribution to surgery
Take part in initiatives that advance surgical quality, strengthen the profession, and support the next generation of surgeons through advocacy, mentorship, and leadership.

Benefits of Becoming an ACS Fellow

Fellowship combines professional recognition with access to the broader resources of the ACS.

Professional recognition

Earn the right to use the FACS designation after Fellowship is conferred, reflecting your commitment to the professional and ethical standards of the College.

Education and lifelong learning

Access the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), CME opportunities, professional development programs, and member pricing for eligible ACS educational activities.

Professional community and leadership

Connect with surgical colleagues through ACS Chapters, Clinical Congress, committees, professional communities, and leadership opportunities.

Advocacy for surgeons and patients

Stay informed and involved in ACS efforts to address the policies and challenges affecting surgical practice and patient care. US members can also participate in ACS grassroots advocacy activities.

Practical Benefits that Support Your Work and Life

Beyond professional recognition and development, ACS membership provides valuable resources for your practice, career, and personal life.

Insurance options and potential savings

Explore ACS member insurance programs, including life and disability insurance. Eligible members may also qualify for medical liability insurance discounts through The Doctors Company.

Career opportunities

Find your next professional opportunity through ACS Career Connection, with job listings and employment resources for surgeons.

Employment and practice support

Access contract review resources, compensation data, financial guidance, and coding tools to help you navigate the business side of surgery. Some services carry additional fees.

Travel discounts

Take advantage of member savings through participating partners.

Resources when you need them

Stay connected to surgical research, professional news, educational resources, and ACS activities through member platforms, publications, and MyACS Mobile App.

A professional home that extends beyond your specialty

The ACS brings surgeons together across specialties, practice settings, and career stages to address challenges affecting the entire profession.

Are You Eligible for Fellowship?

Eligibility depends on your training, board certification, surgical practice, and professional standing.

US and Canada

Applicants must:

  • Have completed at least 1 year of independent surgical practice after formal training.
  • Hold certification from an accepted surgical specialty board.
  • Have held a current surgical appointment for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Hold a full, unrestricted medical license.
Apply Requirements

Outside US and Canada

Applicants must:

  • Have completed at least 3 years of independent surgical practice after formal training.
  • Hold certification from a recognized surgical specialty board.
  • Have held a current surgical appointment for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Hold a full, unrestricted medical license.

Additional criteria and waiver pathways may apply.

Apply Requirements

Benefits vary by membership category, location, eligibility, and program. Some services and insurance products require additional fees. Many of these resources are also available to other ACS member categories.

How Do You Apply for ACS Fellowship

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Review the Fellowship requirements for your country and surgical specialty.

Do you need a waiver? You must request a waiver before applying if you fall into any of the following: 

  • You were internationally trained and lack US board certification
  • You are a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon without ABMS certification
  • You are a single-degree (DDS/DMD) oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Submit a Petition of Waiver.

Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather your professional credentials, current CV, surgical case list from the past 12 months, and three professional references, including two current ACS Fellows and your chief of surgery.

Step 3: Submit your application
Complete the online application and provide the required supporting information.

Step 4: Complete the review process
The ACS reviews each application. Interviews may be required before Fellowship is approved.

View our step-by-step guides for how to apply.

US & Canada Outside US & Canada

Fees and Dues

Application Fees

Application fees and dues are based on the World Bank income categories for each country.

  • Current dues-paying ACS members: FREE
  • US and Canada: $200
  • High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries: $100
  • Lower-Middle-Income Countries: $50
  • Low-Income Countries: $25

Annual Dues

  • US: $742
  • Canada: $527
  • High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries: $252
  • Lower-Middle-Income Countries: $126
  • Low-Income Countries: $63

Initiate Fee

A one-time initiation fee is charged when you’re approved to become an initiate.

Frequently Asked Questions about ACS Fellowship

How is ACS Fellowship different from ACS membership?

ACS membership provides access to professional resources, education, and community. Fellowship is an additional professional distinction awarded to eligible surgeons following a formal review process. Fellows may use the FACS designation once Fellowship is conferred.

Can international surgeons apply for ACS Fellowship?

Yes. The ACS offers Fellowship pathways for qualified surgeons outside the United States and Canada. Requirements vary by country, including recognized certification and independent practice experience.

What documents are needed for an ACS Fellowship application?

Applicants generally need a current CV, a surgical case list covering the preceding 12 months, professional references, and information about their training, certification, license, and current surgical appointment.

How much does ACS Fellowship cost?

Application fees, initiation fees, and annual dues may apply. Amounts and applicable discounts or waivers vary by membership status and location. Review the current ACS fees and dues before applying.

When is the deadline to apply for ACS Fellowship?

The standard ACS Fellowship application deadline is December 1 for consideration in the following year's induction cycle. Applicants should check current deadlines and any extensions before submitting.

When can I begin using the FACS designation?

The FACS designation may be used only after the ACS has approved and conferred Fellowship. Submitting an application does not confer the designation.

What happens after I apply?

Once you apply:

  • You'll become an Associate Fellow member of the College while your application is being processed. (You cannot use the FACS designation in this category.) More details will be sent once you submit your application.
  • The Fellowship application process can take up to 1 year.
  • You will be contacted throughout the application process to:
    • Provide any missing information and updates on your application status.
    • Participate in an interview with a College committee in your local area. Please note: You cannot proceed to the interview stage if any documentation requested or your surgical list is outstanding and we have not received responses from your references.

Applicants are approved as Initiates in July and become Fellows at the Convocation Ceremony held at the annual Clinical Congress. 

Need Help?

US and Canada

Email: facsapplications@facs.org
Call: 1-800-293-9623

International

Email: intlapp@facs.org 
Call or WhatsApp: 1-312-520-8580

If your Fellowship has lapsed and you want to reinstate, contact dues@facs.org.