Welcome to the Senior Fellows Society (SFS), a membership benefit of the ACS. This group includes surgeons preparing for retirement, transitioning to retirement, fully retired, or continuing practice later in their careers. Although membership is typically associated with age 65, any interested surgeon is welcome to join.
I retired on June 1, 2025, and I frequently speak with surgeons at a similar stage of life. Many of us share common experiences. One is how long it takes to stop waking in the middle of the night, convinced you need to see a patient. Another is recognizing how much stress we absorbed each day—and how liberating it is to no longer carry that burden. At the same time, many retired surgeons remain highly driven, seeking ways to keep their minds engaged.
I miss the OR, but I do not miss the constant stress or the lack of sleep inherent in active surgical practice.
Still, stepping away completely is both unsettling and rewarding. My first call shift was at age 17, shortly after graduating from high school, when I began working as an assistant to a local orthopaedic surgeon, David K. Selby, MD. From that point until age 72, my life was centered on becoming—and being—a surgeon. Like many of you, I spent more time in hospitals and clinics than at home. My closest colleagues ranged from hospital staff to some of the most respected leaders in surgery. Each day carried purpose, often requiring dozens of critical decisions.
And then, suddenly, it did not.
With retirement comes freedom—but also uncertainty. My financial position is stable, and my health is reasonable for someone who has spent decades standing at the operating table. Still, complete freedom can be daunting. I am learning how to be retired without becoming disengaged.
One of the greatest changes is the morning. For decades, mornings were defined by urgency—rounds, cases, and responsibilities. Now, I wake without immediate demands. I read the news, have coffee, eat breakfast, and take time to think and write. It is a simple shift, but one of the greatest luxuries I have experienced.
I am honored to serve as Chair of the Senior Fellows Society, alongside Vice-Chair Joseph A. Corrado, MD, FACS, a longtime colleague and friend. As I reflect on this role, it is clear that we all have valuable perspectives on this transition—what we anticipated, what surprised us, and what we wish we had known. We also miss the daily interactions with colleagues that defined our professional lives.
With more than 30,000 surgeons in the SFS, there is a meaningful opportunity to stay connected. By sharing experiences, we can continue to learn from one another and remain engaged in the profession that has shaped our lives. The purpose of the SFS is to support this continued engagement, fostering connection, sharing insights, and offering to our colleagues across all career stages the perspective that comes with experience.
I encourage you to share your stories, ideas, and reflections so we can build this community together. Send your stories, ideas, or comments to sfs@facs.org.
Yours,
Tyler
