Just the FACS

The American College of Surgeons was founded in 1913 with the goal of improving the quality of care of patients by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.  Members of the American College of Surgeons are referred to as “Fellows”.  The letters FACS after a surgeon’s name stand for Fellow, American College of Surgeons.
In order to become a Fellow, a surgeon’s education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct must pass a rigorous evaluation and be found consistent with the high standards demanded by the College.  This process includes written and oral examinations, a lengthly period of candidacy while the surgeon’s cases and outcomes are scrutinized, and peer review.
I am happy to announce that as of this month I am now a Fellow, American College of Surgeons.  As I reflect on my path that started as an intern on the surgical service at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2000, and has led me to plastic surgery on Boston’s South Shore, I am reminded of the many mentors and patients along the way.
To all of you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have taught me, your patience, and for letting me share in a part of your journey as I took mine.  In return for your faith in me, I take up the pledge for Fellowship:
“To pursue the practice of surgery with honesty and to place the welfare and the rights of my patient above all else, to deal with each patient as I would wish to be dealt with if I was in the patient’s position, and to respect the patient’s autonomy and individuality.”
Cheers.