The American College of Surgeons (ACS), founded in 1913 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a professional and educational organization for surgeons. It is the largest organization of surgeons in the world, with a membership of more than 90,000 individuals globally. The organization's work centers on improving surgical care and safeguarding standards of practice.
A core function of the ACS is establishing and maintaining quality standards for surgical care. This is carried out through comprehensive quality programs, accreditation initiatives, and verification processes that set benchmarks for hospitals and surgical centers across the United States. The organization also maintains data registries designed to enable continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
The ACS supports surgeons at every career stage through ongoing surgical education, including courses and resources. It facilitates professional exchange through its annual Clinical Congress, which brings together surgeons worldwide for education and collaboration. The organization also publishes the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a monthly peer-reviewed journal contributing to surgical science.