PREAMBLE
Founded to provide opportunities for the continuing
education of surgeons, the American College of Surgeons has had a deep and effective concern for the
improvement of patient care and for the ethical practice of medicine. The ethical practice of medicine
establishes and ensures an environment in which all
individuals are treated with respect and tolerance.
Discrimination or harassment on the basis of age,
sexual preference, gender, race, disease, disability,
or religion, are proscribed as being inconsistent with
the ideals and principles of the American College
of Surgeons.
Applicants for Fellowship are evaluated for professional conduct, established reputation, and ethical
standing. At the organizational meeting of the College in 1913, the assemblage strongly endorsed a
resolution that Fellows of the College must practice
in strict honesty and must avoid any and all forms
of fee splitting. Since then, applicants have been
denied Fellowship because of unacceptable financial
practices or other unethical behavior. Furthermore,
Fellows have been disciplined or expelled for violation of the Fellowship Pledge and the Bylaws of
the College.
FELLOWSHIP PLEDGE
Recognizing that the American College of Surgeons
seeks to exemplify and develop the highest traditions
of our ancient profession, I hereby pledge myself, as
a condition of Fellowship in the College, to live in
strict accordance with the College’s principles and
regulations.
I pledge to pursue the practice of surgery with
honesty and to place the welfare and the rights of
my patient above all else. I promise to deal with each
patient as I would wish to be dealt with if I was in
the patient’s position, and I will respect the patient’s
autonomy and individuality.
I further pledge to affirm and support the social
contract of the surgical profession with my community and society.
I will take no part in any arrangement or improper
financial dealings that induce referral, treatment, or
withholding of treatment for reasons other than the
patient’s welfare.
Upon my honor, I declare that I will advance my
knowledge and skills, will respect my colleagues, and
will seek their counsel when in doubt about my own
abilities. In turn, I will willingly help my colleagues
when requested.
I recognize the interdependency of all health care
professionals and will treat each with respect and
consideration.
Finally, by my Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, I solemnly pledge to abide by the
Code of Professional Conduct and to cooperate in
advancing the art and science of surgery.
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