Ask Your Doctors About Their Medical Education And Certifications

In these days of a changing healthcare system, it is important for you to be your own medical advocate and make sure you get the best care possible. Do not hesitate to ask your doctors about their medical education and certifications. You can also check to verify the doctor’s credentials and board certification.

What Do The Initials F.A.C.S. Following M.D. Stand For?

The letters stand for Fellow, American College of Surgeons. The ACS is the largest professional surgeon’s organization in the world, with more than 74,000 members. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients.

The ACS says when it grants a surgeon the initials, F.A.C.S., “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.”

An F.A.C.S. means, with a few exceptions, that the surgeon has completed three to eight years of residency training in the specialty of surgery at an accredited residency program. Most F.A.C.S. surgeons are also board-certified in surgery, having completed residency and passed the exams developed for the specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

For more information about the American College of Surgeons, visit www.facs.org.