The International College of Surgeons (ICS) is a world federation of general surgeons and surgical specialists. The ICS was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1935 by Dr. Max Thorek and has over 60 organized national Sections around the world with approximately 7,000 members in over 100 countries.

With almost 2,000 members, the United States Section is the largest national chapter. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, members of the US Section speak over 40 languages and are dedicated to the global advancement of surgical excellence and knowledge.

ICS Video Overview

ICS Member Benefits

Continuing Medical Education Meetings
There are many CME meetings held around the world under the auspices of ICS each year. Organized into 6 Federations (North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific), you can find an ICS meeting in almost any destination. In the United States, the largest ICS national section produces an Annual Surgical Update as well as smaller regional programs by several very active state surgical divisions. As an ACCME accredited sponsor of AMA Category 1 CME, the United States Section of ICS offers its members deeply discounted registration fees compared to those of non-members.

Publications
International Surgery is the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the ICS and serves as a forum for the exchange of surgical knowledge throughout the world. (A discounted subscription fee is included in your annual dues.) The International US Surgeon is the official newsletter of the United States Section. Published quarterly, it provides current information regarding upcoming meetings and events; it also addresses relevant issues such as socioeconomic news, changing practice patterns, office management, risk management, managed care and much more.

International Surgical Passport
Once you are a Fellow of ICS, you will receive your International Surgical Passport. It will serve as your credentials to identify you as an ICS Fellow while traveling around the world. ICS can provide contacts all over the world who are willing to assist you during your visit to their country. This unique form of identification may allow you to observe or participate in surgical procedures performed at international hospitals and medical facilities.

Scholarships and Research Grants
The ICS-US Section provides funding through research grants and scholarships to newly trained surgeons, residents and medical students to enable them to increase their surgical experience and keep them on the cutting edge of significant medical developments.

Financial Services
ICS-US works with outside institutions from time to time to assist Fellows in asset protection, retirement planning, estate planning and investments. See the members only section for selected articles on a variety of financial topics.

Travel Protection
Dues paying members of the United States Section are automatically enrolled, free of charge, in the Medical Air Services Association (MASA) program. This benefit provides emergency air ambulance transportation for Fellows and their immediate families while traveling in the US in the event of a medical emergency.

Leadership Opportunities
Help shape the future of surgery by becoming a volunteer leader. Committee posts and leadership opportunities exist for all members from the moment of acceptance.