FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC SURGEONS
Your Service to This Profession Has a Name.
The FACOS designation is conferred upon ACOS members, honorary members, life and retired members in recognition of their voluntary activities and service to advance osteopathic medicine and surgery.
- Your Recognition
- Your Credentials
- Your Legacy
Should You Apply?
The ACOS wants to recognize you for your commitment to the osteopathic profession. Review the criteria below—if these reflect your career, your application is ready to begin.
You Should Apply for the FACOS Designation If You…
- Are certified by an AOA-approved or ABMS-recognized certifying board.
- Have proven a commitment to the College through continued ACOS membership, participation on committees, and educational programs.
- Have demonstrated a commitment to the profession through participation on hospital, local, state, and national surgical society committees and in surgical residency programs.
- Have demonstrated a continued pursuit of knowledge through participation in CME programs.
- Have demonstrated adherence to the professional and ethical standards established by the profession.
- Are in one of these eligible member categories: Active Members, Honorary Members, Life Members, and Retired Members in good standing of the ACOS.
- Understand that FACOS is the prerequisite for the Distinguished Fellow (DFACOS) designation—the College’s highest honor. After 10 years as a Fellow, members who meet the additional criteria may apply.
Start Your Application → Application deadline: November 16, 2026 · $650 nonrefundable processing fee
Application deadline
Applications open September 1, 2026 · Deadline: November 16, 2026
70 Total Points Required
Applicants must have earned a minimum of 70 points across three activity categories. Points accumulate from the year you became an ACOS Resident Member.
- Min. 20 pts — Category I (ACOS/AOA appointments)
- Min. 25 pts — Category II or III
- Activity demonstrated in both Cat. II and III
- Points accrue from Resident Member & Full Member years
- Contact the Membership Team to discuss your eligibility or request a review of your point total before applying.
Fellow Benefits
- Recognition of Excellence & Service: Honors your commitment through voluntary service, leadership, teaching, and engagement with the College and the profession.
- Hooding Ceremony: Fellows are hooded at the Ceremonial Conclave during the 2027 Annual Clinical Assembly — the College’s Centennial year — with a presenter of your choosing.
- Professional & Ethical Standing: Signals to peers, institutions, and patients that you uphold the core values of the osteopathic surgical profession.
- Leadership & Career Visibility: Elevates your influence locally, regionally, and nationally — and opens the door to leadership roles within the College.
- Community of Surgical Leaders: Join a distinguished network committed to excellence, mentorship, and advancing osteopathic surgery.
- Path to DFACOS: FACOS is the prerequisite for the Distinguished Fellow designation.
- Applications 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 licensing boards and federal data banks. Applicants are notified of the outcome following that process.
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 of the application, including board certification, ACOS membership years (Resident and Full Member), and activity records.
- Download & Review the Rating Guide: Download the FACOS Rating Guide and calculate your points across all three categories before applying. A tally column is included.
- Gather Two Letters of Recommendation: Both letters must come from ACOS Fellows attesting to your qualifications as a surgeon and your professional and ethical standing.
- Include Hospital Endorsements: Include a signed endorsement from each hospital medical staff administrator verifying the committee participation listed on page 6, if applicable.
How to Submit Your Application
- Submit the Complete Application Package
Email your completed application, CV, letters of recommendation, and all supporting materials as a single package to membership@facos.org. Use “FACOS Application — [Last Name], [First Name]” as your subject line. Letters of recommendation may be submitted directly by recommenders to the same email address 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.
Note: 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 licensing boards and federal data banks. Applicants are notified of the outcome following that process.
FACOS Fellow Logo
Upon induction, Fellows receive a limited license to use the registered FACOS Fellow logo on professional materials, websites, and communications. All uses must comply with ACOS trademark guidelines and the AOA Code of Ethics.
In His Own Words
“If you are interested in obtaining your fellowship designation (FACOS) in the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, I definitely encourage it. My FACOS designation means I am a qualified vascular surgeon and have performed at the highest academic level. My professionalism is not an act and it is different than being a good surgeon. I have shown my commitment to supporting my College, the profession, and my community at the local, state, and national level. From a leadership development perspective, your FACOS opens the door for you to become a leader in the College and shape the future of this organization.”
— J. Franklin Oaks, Jr., D.O., MHA, FACOS
Vascular Surgery
Fellow · 2013
- 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