American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators Admits its Third Class into Membership

CHICAGO (September 28, 2020): Fifty esteemed surgeon educators were recently admitted into the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™ as Members (22 inductees) and Associate Members (28 inductees) during the Academy’s third induction ceremony which occurred the evening of September 25 in a virtual ceremony. New Academy Members who will attend the virtual ACS Clinical Congress 2020 will also be recognized during the annual Convocation on October 4 that precedes the opening of the conference, which is one of the largest educational meetings of surgeons in the world.

The 50 Inductees this year joined those who were inducted in the 2018 inaugural class, as well as those inducted in 2019, bringing the Academy’s membership to 224 Members, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members.

Developed by the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members, Associate Members, or Affiliate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety.

In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. “This Academy of preeminent surgeon educators has been making landmark contributions to surgical education and is introducing many transformational changes in surgical education and training that will endure into the future,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, Director of the ACS Division of Education and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.  “Over the past six months, from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy has been addressing challenges and opportunities in surgery residency training resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and has launched several new programs,” said Dr. Sachdeva. 

“With highest quality patient care through education being the paramount theme of the American College of Surgeons, the growth of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators continues an important emerging chapter for the ACS, the world’s largest organization for surgeons,” explained L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCS(Glasg)(Hon), past president of the ACS, and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.

“One of the Academy’s founding principles is to advance the science and practice of surgical education and training. In the past few months, its members have also shown stellar leadership in another key area. Responding during a crisis. The work the Academy has put forth in identifying novel educational resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to teach and assess surgical trainees during this crucial time is very important and highly commendable,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS.  “We welcome the class of 2020 to this unique group of surgeon educators.”  

For a listing of all surgeons and other professionals honored with selection into the Academy, visit: www.facs.org/education/academy/member-list.

“FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. 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 College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.