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Membership : ASGS Brochure
A Message for General Surgeon Specialists
Are you losing
your —
Access to patients...?
Professional Status...?
Competitive edge...?
Turf...? Income...?
Career appeal...?
Facing Realities and Telling It Like It Is
The economic, educational, political and scientific status of the entire
medical profession has experienced numerous setbacks in recent times.
As a result, all medical specialists have suffered, and General Surgeon
Specialists have suffered the most.
The status of the Specialty of General Surgery has
been challenged and its existence threatened. For example, who would
have
thought that the government would set our fees? Who would have thought
that the vanguard of all surgical specialties would receive unfair and
unequal treatment as compared to other surgical specialties?
Do you wonder why this has happened to your specialty?
And why we are being pushed to the fringes of surgical practice? This
scenario is all too real and sets the stage as a principal reason why
you should join the American Society of General Surgeons.
Benefits of a Strong Voice for General Surgeon Specialists
The American Society of General Surgeons (ASGS) is the only national
surgical specialty society exclusively representing General
Surgeon Specialists. ASGS is your voice in national policy-making. Inevitably,
policies favor specialties having a strong representation.
We can no longer be relegated to a passive role in
defending our surgical practices and our care of surgical patients. This
substantive description offers yet another reason why you should join
and support the American Society of General Surgeons.
A Leading Society for Leading General Surgeon Specialists
The ASGS is an independent, national organization of General Surgeon Specialists
that speaks exclusively for the Specialty of General Surgery.
Our society is like any other national surgical society
in that we are all represented by the umbrella of the American College
of Surgeons. But until the ASGS was formed, the Specialty of General Surgery
had no independent forum where issues that directly involve General Surgeon
Specialists and their patients could be discussed and acted upon.
ASGS has established that forum and has an annual
meeting to democratically establish policy in the national arena.
We are committed to strengthen, enhance and protect
our identity and our professional and public image. General Surgeon Specialists
now have an organization to fight for what we must do rather than what
we are told to do. More reasons why you should join the American Society
of General Surgeons.
A Learning and Educational Resource
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The ASGS provides cutting edge “how to” scientific sessions
involving new surgical techniques and procedures. These sessions
help General
Surgeon Specialists remain competitive.
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The ASGS facilitates debate on what's best for the Specialty of General
Surgery and will help your specialty plan for the future. Surgical practice
parameters are an integral part of this debate as is your scope of practice
and credentialing based on training, education and experience.
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Access to the ASGS Internet Home Page keeps members informed of the
latest news and events in the Specialty of General Surgery.
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Surgfax, the ASGS communication link with members, regularly updates
members on current political, economic and social events affecting General
Surgeon Specialists, surgical services and surgical patient care.
A Presence and a Voice in Washington
No other profession comes under more scrutiny by national law- makers
than the medical profession. That is why ASGS maintains a constant presence
in the nation's capital through skilled, knowledgeable and well-acquainted
professional representatives.
The ASGS fights to safeguard the quality of patient
care and the economic well-being of General Surgeon Specialists. In an
era of shrinking resources, the ASGS is the only voice speaking solely
for the Specialty of General Surgery. In a very real sense, the ASGS offers
members the best chance to take a hand in controlling and directing their
own destiny. Take part and join the American Society of General Surgeons.
Why Your Membership Is Important
To remain strong and to present your views, the ASGS must have the support
and participation of all actively practicing General Surgeon Specialists.
Your membership increases our chance of survival in today's competitive
medical field and reduces further erosion of your economic, social and
professional status.
Your membership and participation will strengthen
the principles for which we all stand. You can bring new ideas and leadership
to further broaden the scope of our organization and its commitment to
the Specialty of General Surgery in the surgical profession.
These vital considerations provide solid evidence
on why you should join the American Society of General Surgeons.
Together We Are Stronger
We must stand together to retain the scope of our practice and resist
intrusions by others who may be less trained to perform the Specialty
of General Surgery. We must remain competitive and viable in the marketplace;
we must fight to regain and protect access to our patients.
But we can't do it alone. We must do it together
and we need your support and participation. It is not too late.
The ASGS assures you a voice at the national policy-making
level on issues that affect your ability to provide quality surgical care.
The qualifications of most practicing General Surgeon Specialists can
meet ASGS membership requirements. Annual active membership dues are $125.
The ASGS is your organization. So please join us
and participate in the American Society of General Surgeons.
Membership — Are You Eligible?
Active Membership
Surgeons who have been certified by the American Board of Surgery, and,
in the opinion of the Board of Trustees and peers in the community, have
the requisite training, experience and ethical qualities, and are recognized
specialists in General Surgery. Dues: $125 annually.
Associate Membership
Surgeons who have not been certified by the American Board of Surgery,
but, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees and peers in the community,
have the requisite training, experience and ethical qualities, and are
recognized specialists in General Surgery. Dues: $125
annually.
Candidate Membership
General Surgeon Specialists who have completed an approved residency
and are Board eligible, but who have not yet been certified by the American
Board of Surgery. Candidate members may remain in this membership category
until they have become certified. In the event a Candidate member is
not
certified within three (3) years, Candidates are eligible to apply for
Associate Membership. Dues: $50 annually.
Corresponding Membership
General Surgeon Specialists who are not residing in the United States
of America, its territories or commonwealths, and who have the requisite
training, experience, ethical qualities, and limit their practice to
the
Specialty of General Surgery. Dues: $50 annually.
Resident Membership
Residents who are enrolled in at least their first year of postgraduate
training counting towards certification in the Specialty of General Surgery
and who, by their interest, training and high moral standard, may be
expected
to qualify subsequently for Active Membership. Resident members may remain
in this membership category for the duration of their residency and fellowship,
if applicable, and shall have not longer than one (1) year after completing
their training to apply for Candidate or Active Membership. Dues: $25 annually (no application processing fee).
Senior Membership
General Surgeon Specialists meeting all the requirements of Active Membership,
but who are not in the active practice of surgery, or who are confronted
by unusual personal extenuating circumstances, as judged by the Board
of Trustees, will be eligible for this class of membership. Dues: None, or a $100 annual voluntary contribution to defray membership
expenses.
Membership Application
(PDF, 17k)
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