What Does FACS Mean and How Can You Become a Fellow of the ACS? (with Dr. Dan Hawkins)

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is dedicated to improving the care of surgical patients as well as safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment. As a surgeon, ACS membership forms an integral part of your profession, and becoming a fellow allows you to draw on an abundance of professional development resources, educational opportunities, and community connections to help you succeed. In today’s episode, Dr. Dan Hawkins, an oral maxillofacial surgeon and assistant professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, sheds some light on what it takes for single- and dual-degree surgeons to become Fellows of the ACS (FACS) and what the practical benefits are, including continued interdisciplinary collaboration with other surgical specialties. We also discuss the importance of seizing every opportunity to learn and keeping an open mind when deciding whether to go into private practice or academics, plus so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief overview of Dan’s training and his current practice setup.
• What the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is and what is required to become a fellow.
• Three reasons that Dan joined the ACS and how you can benefit from FACS.
• Advice for young surgical residents deciding what to do with their careers.
• Why Dan suggests keeping an open mind about going into academics.
• Pros and cons of the academic setting for oral maxillofacial surgeons.
• Recommended reads, daily practices that benefit Dan as a surgeon, his preferred surgical instruments, and more!
• How being a lifelong learner can be advantageous for your career.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry — https://dentistry.vcu.edu/

Dr. Daniel Hawkins Email — hawkinsdaniel45@gmail.com

American College of Surgeons — https://www.facs.org/

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) —  https://www.aaoms.org/

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Financial Freedom Rx: The Physician’s Guide to Achieving Financial Independence — https://financialfreedomrx.org/

Yellowstone — https://www.paramountnetwork.com/shows/yellowstone

Dr. Stucki's Favorite KLS Martin Instruments — https://www.klsmartin.com/dr-stucki-instruments

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059