Derek's lab coat shows his post-nominals, including FACS
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, often listed as "FACS", is a post-nominal title used to indicate that 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 said College. In order to apply for membership, a surgeon typically must be certified by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Notable Members
- Richard Webber, M.D., F.A.C.S. (general surgeon)
- Preston Burke, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Derek Shepherd, M.D., F.A.C.S. (neurosurgeon)
- Addison Forbes Montgomery, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.G. (OB/GYN and fetal-neonatal surgeon)
- Mark Sloan, M.D., F.A.C.S. (plastic surgeon/ENT)
- Erica Hahn, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Owen Hunt, M.D., F.A.C.S. (trauma surgeon)
- Arizona Robbins, M.D., F.A.C.S. (pediatric surgeon)
- Teddy Altman, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Virginia Dixon, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Jim Nelson, M.D., F.A.C.S. (neurosurgeon)
- Jordan Kenley, M.D., F.A.C.S. (pediatric surgeon)
- Margaret Campbell, M.D., F.A.C.S. (general surgeon)
- Rebecca Swender, M.D., F.A.C.S. (surgical oncologist)
- Catherine Avery, M.D., F.A.C.S. (urologist)
- Robert Stark, M.D., F.A.C.S. (pediatric surgeon)
- Julia Canner, M.D., F.A.C.S. (ophthalmologist)
- Jeff Russell, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Craig Thomas, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon
- Darren Parker, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Mel Barnett, M.D., F.A.C.S. (pediatric surgeon)
- Dr. Ramsey, M.D., F.A.C.S. (neurosurgeon)
- Lauren Boswell, M.D., F.A.C.S. (craniofacial surgeon)
- T. Thomas, M.D., F.A.C.S. (obstetrician-gynecologist)
- Amelia Shepherd, M.D., F.A.C.S. (neurosurgery)
- Dr. Krieger, M.D., F.A.C.S. (unknown specialty)
- Maggie Pierce, M.D., F.A.C.S. (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Meredith Grey, M.D., F.A.C.S. (general surgeon)
- Alex Karev, M.D., F.A.C.S. (pediatric surgeon)
- Jackson Avery, M.D., F.A.C.S. (plastic surgeon)
- Miranda Bailey, M.D., F.A.C.S. (general surgeon)
- April Kepner, M.D., F.A.C.S. (trauma surgeon)
- William Thorpe, M.D., F.A.C.S. (surgical oncology)
- Nathan Riggs, M.D., F.A.C.S (cardiothoracic surgeon)
- Emily Vaughn, M.D., F.A.C.S. (trauma surgeon)
- Joel Miller, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Eliza Minnick, M.D., F.A.C.S. (sports medicine orthopedic surgeon)
- Paul Stadler, M.D., PhD., F.A.C.S.
Notes and Trivia
- This title isn't automatically gained and must be applied for once certified by a surgical board post-residency.
- Membership is confirmed by the doctor's lab coat embroidery and ID badge.
- Because membership to the American College of Surgeons is optional and voluntary, not every surgeon will have the FACS title.
- Callie Torres is the only board-certified surgeon in the Season 12 main cast to not be a member.
- According to @ZoanneClack's Twitter, FACS is often just associated with general surgeons although some ortho surgeons are members.
- Eliza Minnick is an example of a FACS-titled ortho surgeon as she took ortho surgery as a fellowship and trained in general surgery.