Transformative. Inspirational. The highlight of my career. These are all words that Fellows of the American College of Surgeons have used to describe their induction into the College.

On Sunday, October 16, the ACS will welcome a record 2,355 new Fellows from 77 countries. It will be the first time since 2019 that Convocation will be held in-person, so initiates from 2020 and 2021 will also be recognized.

“To be welcomed into the ACS is a major milestone for any surgeon. We look forward to celebrating each of them, and the future of surgery itself,” said E. Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS, who will be installed as the 2022-2023 ACS President. Dr. Ellison is the Robert M. Zollinger Professor of Surgery Emeritus at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus, OH.

As the newly installed President, Dr. Ellison will offer his thoughts on the ACS, his goals for the coming year, and words of advice to the new Fellows. “It is a great honor to be in a position to address the initiates,” he said.

His theme for the coming year will be Surgeons United. “The challenges we have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, demonstrate that we are much better when we work together rather than apart,” said Dr. Ellison.

In addition to conferral of fellowship and the Presidential Address, the initiate classes from 1972 and 1997 will be recognized, honorary fellowships will be granted to 12 individuals, and three significant ACS awards will be presented.

This year’s Distinguished Service Award, the highest individual honor granted by the College, will be given to Mark A. Malangoni, MD, FACS, from Lyndhurst, OH. The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award will be bestowed upon Ernestine Hambrick, MD, FACS, from Stanley, VA, and the Owen H. Wangensteen Scientific Forum Award will be presented to Henri R. Ford, MD, FACS, from Miami, FL.

All Clinical Congress attendees are welcome to attend Convocation in-person at the San Diego Convention Center or watch live via the meeting platform. Following Convocation, a reception will be held in the Sails Pavilion of the convention center.