Dr. Thomas A. Hagerty was among 1,512 Initiates from around the world who became Fellows of the American College of Surgeons during convocation ceremonies at the College's recent 88th annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco, CA

The American College of Surgeons is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. By meeting the College's stringent membership requirements, Fellows of the College have earned the distinguished right to use the designation of "F.A.C.S." (Fellow, American College of Surgeons, after their names. An applicant for Fellowship must be a graduate of an approved medical school; must have completed advanced training in one of the 14 surgical specialties recognized by the College; and must have been in practice in the same geographical location for at least one year at the time of his or her application. Before admission into the Fellowship, the surgeon must further demonstrate ethical fitness and professional proficiency, and his or her acceptance as a fellow of the College must be approved by three-fourths of it Board of Regents.

The convocation ceremony was the highlight of the five-day Congress. The Congress also featured reports on research-in-progress, postgraduate courses, panel discussions, symposia, and scientific and industrial exhibits. Total estimated attendance at the Congress was more than 15,400, including over 8.700 physicians. Allied health professionals and members of the scientific and consumer media also attended the meeting.

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 to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 64,500 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.