Information about Membership in the AAS -- Association for Academic Surgery

Membership in the Association

WHO ARE WE?

The Association for Academic Surgery was founded in 1967 and has grown significantly over the years being widely recognized as an inclusive surgical organization with over 2,500 member surgeons.
Active members have traditionally held faculty appointments at a recognized academic center. Active membership is also available to senior/chief residents and fellows in approved training programs in general surgery and the surgical specialties. The impetus of the membership remains research-based academic surgery.
The period of active membership lasts for 10 years. Any senior, chief resident or fellow applying for active membership shall be allowed to serve as an Active member for 10 years after their first academic appointment.
Leaders within the Association have traditionally been responsible for maintaining active laboratories at their institutions, and the Mission of the Association remains promotion of a shared vision of research and academic pursuits through the exchange of ideas between senior surgical residents, junior faculty and established academic surgical professors.

MEMBERSHIP

Medical Student Membership

The Association for Academic Surgery created Medical Student membership in 2007. Annual dues for Medical Student Members are $15.00, but do not include a subscription to the Journal of Surgical Research.
A medical student interested in pursuing a career in academic surgery is eligible for medical student membership. When the student becomes a surgical resident, the individual may elect to apply for candidate membership.
Medical Student Members may subscribe to the Journal of Surgical Research at a reduced rate. Medical Student Members may participate fully in all the activities of the Association with the exception of voting at the Annual Business Meeting.

Candidate Membership

The Association for Academic Surgery created Candidate membership in 1985 for surgical residents and fellows. Annual dues for Candidate Members are $15.00, but do not include a subscription to the Journal of Surgical Research.
Candidate Members may subscribe to the Journal of Surgical Research at a reduced rate. Candidate Members may participate fully in all the activities of the Association with the exception of voting at the Annual Business Meeting. The Secretary sends Candidate Members letters at the start of their Chief Residency / Final Fellowship year concerning the mechanism for converting to Active Membership.

Active Membership

Please note that the AAS Executive Council has approved a rate increase for Active member dues beginning 2009. Dues have been raised from $190.00 to $230.00.

Individuals become eligible for Active membership in the Association at the Chief Resident / Fellowship level of training, or upon accepting a full-time faculty position in a recognized academic surgery center.
To upgrade to Active Member status the AAS Membership committee must review a letter of support from your Department Chair. The letter of support can be sent to Elaine Henninger
Active membership continues for 10 years, providing the member remains in a full-time academic position as defined by the rules of the member's own institution. Annual dues for Active members are $230.00 and include a subscription to the Journal of Surgical Research. Active Members are automatically superannuated to Senior Membership after 10 years.

Senior Membership

Senior memberships may begin either at the end of their Active membership or upon application for applicants over 42 years of age. Annual dues for Senior Members are $80.00 and do not include a subscription to the Journal of Surgical Research, but Senior Members may subscribe to the Journal at a reduced rate.
Senior Members may attend the Annual Meeting of the Association and discuss papers. They have no vote, and may not hold appointed or elective office unless completing a term of office for which election occurred as an Active Member or serving on the Executive Council in the capacity of Past President.

All Members

All members are invited to participate actively in all of the Association's functions by submitting abstracts for scientific presentation, attending the Annual Meetings, and discussing papers presented at meetings in their area of interest. Members also receive a semi-annual Newsletter describing activities of the Association, as well as additional information on other pertinent issues before the Association and surgery.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis in January, April, July and October. To ensure you will be included in the next review, please make sure that you have submitted your application, CV & letter of recommendation to the AAS office no later than the following deadlines:

Applicant Deadline for January review: December 15th
Applicant Deadline for April review: March 15th
Applicant Deadline for July review: June 15th
Applicant Deadline for October review: September 15th

To upgrade from Candidate Membership to Active Membership, please submit a letter of support from your Department Chair to: Elaine Henninger

If there are any problems or questions about the application process please contact the Association office.

Apply for Membership On-Line