DISTINGUISHED FELLOWSHIP
The Best of This Profession. Recognized.
The DFACOS designation is the College’s highest honor — conferred upon FACOS members whose outstanding, long-sustained engagement, exceptional leadership, and consummate integrity have set the standard for the specialty.
- Your Recognition
- Your Credentials
- Your Legacy
Should You Apply?
Let us recognize your ongoing service and dedication as an ACOS Fellow. Review these DFACOS requirements and verify they reflect your record. Prerequisite: Must hold the FACOS designation for 10 or more years. A formal application is required and must be submitted by November 16, 2026.
You Should Apply for the DFACOS Designation If You…
- Are a Fellow of the ACOS (FACOS) for 10 years or more [Required]
- Have been an active ACOS committee member, ACOS Mentor, or lecturer for an ACOS educational program within the last 10 years [Required]
- Are certified by an AOA or ABMS-recognized certifying board
- Are a member in good standing of ACOS and local and state osteopathic societies
- Demonstrate commitment to the practice of surgery through participation in teaching programs and on hospital, local, state, and national surgical society committees
- Demonstrate a continued pursuit of knowledge through participation in continuing surgical education programs and adherence to professional and ethical standards as established by the ACOS
Start Your Application → Application deadline: November 16, 2026 · $650 nonrefundable fee
Application deadline
Applications open September 1, 2026 · Deadline: November 16, 2026
300 Total Points Required
Applicants must have earned a minimum of 300 points across three activity categories. Points accumulate from the year you became an ACOS Resident Member, and continue through your Full (Active) Member years.
Important: Upon discontinuation of ACOS membership, the DFACOS title will be automatically withdrawn.
- Min. 100 pts — Category I (ACOS/AOA appointments)
- Activity demonstrated in Cat. II
- Activity demonstrated in Cat. III
- Contact the Membership Team to discuss your eligibility or request a review of your point total before applying.
Distinguished Fellow Benefits
The DFACOS is the College’s highest designation — an honor bestowed upon the best of the profession.
- Professional Mastery: Recognized as one of the profession’s master surgeons — respected for skill, judgment, and ethical standards.
- Bestowal Ceremony: Recognized at the 2027 Annual Clinical Assembly. Choose your escort to the stage. Presentation made by the ACOS President and the Chair of the Membership Committee.
- Leadership & National Impact: Honors those who have shaped policies, guided organizations, and advanced osteopathic surgery at the national level.
- Education, Scholarship & Mentorship: Your influence on learners and colleagues is part of your legacy — DFACOS honors that contribution to the profession.
- Community & State Contributions: Service, compassion, and commitment to community define the osteopathic philosophy — DFACOS recognizes that dedication
- Ethical Excellence: The College recognizes not just what you do, but how you uphold the integrity of the profession throughout your career.
HOW TO APPLY
A formal application is required and must be submitted as a complete package by November 16, 2026. All materials must be submitted together to ensure timely processing.
How to Prepare Your Submission
- Complete the Application: Complete all sections including personal statement, CV, three letters of recommendation, hospital endorsements, and signed release authorization.
- Download & Review the Rating Guide: Download the FACOS Rating Guide and calculate your points. Minimum 300 total with 100 in Category I required.
- Write Your Personal Statement: Explain why you deserve the Distinguished Fellow designation in your own words.
- Gather Three Letters & Endorsements: One letter from a 5+ year FACOS member; two from D.O. or M.D. colleagues. Include hospital endorsements (page 7) and signed release (page 8).
How to Submit Your Application
- Submit the Complete Application Package
Email your completed application, CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and all supporting materials as a single package to membership@facos.org. Use “DFACOS Application — [Last Name], [First Name]” as your subject line. Letters of recommendation may be submitted directly by recommenders using the same subject line format. $650 nonrefundable processing fee must be paid prior to or at the time of submission. - Pay the $650 Application Fee Online
Pay securely through the ACOS Member Store. Log in with your existing member credentials to complete payment.
⚠ This fee is nonrefundable. View all FACOS products in the Member Store.
- Applications received by November 16, 2026 are reviewed by the Membership Committee at its standing meeting. The Membership Committee reviews all applications against the established requirements and submits its recommendations to the Board of Governors, which makes the final decision. ACOS makes inquiries to state.
DFACOS Distinguished Fellow Logo — Download
Upon induction, Distinguished Fellows receive licensed use of the registered DFACOS logo for professional materials, websites, and communications. All uses must comply with ACOS trademark guidelines and the AOA Code of Ethics.
In His Own Words
“I pursued the DFACOS designation because it is an honor bestowed upon “the best of our profession.” After many years of dedication to surgical practice, teaching, and a commitment to leadership and integrity within the College, it was rewarding to be formally recognized. In a field that can often feel thankless, the DFACOS designation provided meaningful appreciation for my professional contributions.”
– Richard K. Schulz, D.O., MBA, FACOS, DFACOS
General Surgery
Distinguished Fellow · 2020
- Your Recognition
- Your Credentials
- Your Legacy
MEMBERSHIP@FACOS.ORG · (800) 888-1312 · Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
Membership Services
membership@facos.org · (800) 888-1312 · Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
1680 Duke Street, Suite 500 · Alexandria, VA 22314