Fellows (US and Canada)

The application deadline is December 1 for induction in October 2025.

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.

Joining as a Fellow provides you with more than $1,000 in annual savings on these primary benefits of membership:

• Access to the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and other publications.
• Deep discounts on educational products and courses to support lifelong learning.
• Opportunities for engagement at the annual Clinical Congress, Leadership & Advocacy Summit, Quality and Safety Conference, your local Chapter, and through the ACS Online Communities.
• Resources to support your patients and your practice.
• Advocacy that supports the interests of surgeons.
• Members-only discount programs.

To learn more about these and other benefits, view the Fellow membership brochure.

Applicants for Fellowship must have been in practice for a minimum of one year and be board certified. International surgeons, please visit the International Fellows page to apply. For more details, review the Fellowship Requirements.

Please note: If you are an internationally trained surgeon practicing in the United States or Canada or an oral maxillofacial surgeon, you must request a waiver BEFORE you apply. Read additional information about Waivers for ACS Fellowship.

Complete the online Application for Fellowship. If you are an existing ACS member or created a log in from a prior purchase, use your log in to access the application. Otherwise you will need to create a log in.

Before you begin your application, have the following information accessible:

• Information about your medical education, residency, and any surgical training beyond residency.
• Details about your medical license.
• Certification by an American Surgical Specialty Board, which is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or an American Osteopathic Surgical Specialty Board, or an appropriate specialty certification by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.
• A current appointment on the surgical staff of a hospital.
• The names of three references, at least two must be active Fellows of the College, and one your chief of surgical services of your primary hospital. To ensure a smooth application process, it is highly recommended you obtain verbal assurance from these individuals of their willingness to support you before submitting their names
• A current Curriculum Vitae (upload as a PDF).

Here's an outline of what you need to know when applying for ACS fellowship.

Application Fee: $200
Application fee FREE for Associate Fellows

Annual Dues for US: $720 (due January 31)
Annual Dues for Canada: $512 (due January 31)
If your Fellowship has lapsed and you want to reinstate, contact dues@facs.org.

Regulations Pertaining to Fellowship Dues and Fees

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 one year.
• You will be contacted throughout the application process to:
  
  • Provide any missing information and update you on your application status.
  • Provide a 12-month list of your surgical cases (see additional instructions).
  • 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 in October. Initiates are charged a $500 fee.

For questions or to request your login information, contact facsapplications@facs.org or call 1-800-293-9623.