Major Awards at Clinical Congress 2026

Since the first Clinical Congress in 1910, the conference has stood for the rigorous advancement of quality in surgical care. In addition to cutting-edge educational sessions, professional development, and networking opportunities, the meeting includes an annual presentation of awards to surgeons who exemplify excellence in surgery.

These honors recognize surgeons who have made outstanding contributions to patient care, science, leadership, and education. In addition to their professional achievements, the recipients have demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication to scientific progress, and commitment to doing their utmost for others.

Award presentations will begin on Saturday, September 26, during Convocation. During the ceremony, the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor of the College, will be bestowed upon an ACS Fellow who has demonstrated a career of exceptional service. The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award will recognize a surgeon who has advanced the status of women in surgery. The ceremony begins at 5:45 pm and will be livestreamed at facs.org/convocation.

On Sunday, September 27, from 12:45 to 2:15 pm, the ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Award recipients will share their insights at the Panel Session, “Humanitarian Surgical Outreach at Home and Abroad.” These annual honors spotlight ACS Fellows and members who have made a positive impact through their efforts to provide surgical care, leadership, education, and research worldwide. The awards will be presented at the annual Board of Governors dinner on Monday, September 28.

Finally, the Wangensteen Scientific Forum Award will be presented on Tuesday, September 29, from 12:45 to 2:15 pm. This recognition is named after pioneering surgeon Owen Wangensteen, MD, PhD, FACS (1898–1981). It honors an academic surgeon whose career has demonstrated excellence in clinical, educational, and research pursuits.

For more information and to register for Clinical Congress, visit facs.org/clincon2026.