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.

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.

How Can I Get Free Meeting Registration?

The AAS Membership Committee has created a friendly competition to encourage membership recruitment.  We will reward the member who recruits the most applicants with free registration to the 2010 ASC Meeting.  The second place winner will receive a free year of membership dues.

The competition has already begun – the membership application asks for recruiter information.  Make sure to invite lots of people to join and make sure they credit you with the referral.

July and August means that new residents will be coming to your institution.  Please take a moment to introduce them to the Association, tell them about the Fall Courses, the February ASC Meeting and, of course, Membership. 

We hope that you enjoy our friendly recruitment competition.  The winners will be announced in December.  Happy recruiting!

Encourage Your Colleagues to Join the AAS!

What

As a member of the Association for Academic Surgery, you have demonstrated your commitment to surgical education and improved patient care. The AAS Membership Committee invites you to participate in the growth of our society by encouraging your colleagues to join us as we advance the field of academic surgery.

The AAS Membership Process

The application process requires all applicants to do the following:

• Fill out an online application form
• Submit a current CV
• Obtain a letter of support from their Department (Program) Chair

In keeping with our goal of being a paperless society, all documents may be e-mailed to the Membership Coordinator. The Membership Committee reviews applications on a quarterly basis.

These Support Materials Will Help You:

Downloadable membership brochure and membership posters are available on our web site for your use. Please feel free to use the membership recruitment material to encourage your colleagues to join the society.

• Download a Membership Brochure (PDF Format)
• Download a Membership Poster (PDF Format)

Benefits of AAS Membership

TANGIBLE BENEFITS

• Active and Candidate members are eligible to apply for annual and biannual research grants awarded by the society. These grants not only provide substantive funding for current research, the results may earn larger awards from other entities.
• All members are eligible for discounts on registration fees at the annual meetings.
• A subscription to the Journal of Surgical Research is included in the membership fees for Active members and available at a reduced price to Candidate and Senior members.
• Members have access to a searchable membership database available online.
• A quarterly email newsletter is sent via email to all members.
• Candidate members may attend the "Fundamentals of Surgical Research," for a very low registration fee. This one-day course provides a blueprint for developing a successful research career as well as networking opportunities for participants.
• The AAS Executive Council is working on additional benefits such as a research registry, a leadership course, etc.

INTANGIBLE BENEFITS

• Annual meetings are structured to maximize interactions between colleagues and professionals. Surgeon scientists in all levels of their career attend the meeting, where networking is truly enjoyable as well as educational.
• Active members are eligible to become involved in the leadership of the society immediately, allowing members to acquire the necessary skills for association leadership.

For more information regarding AAS Membership, please contact Membership Services or call 310-437-1606

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

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 Membership Services
• 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.

     Fill out an online application form