ACS Past Presidents and Executive Directors

Presidential Addresses

Inaugural and Retiring

J.M.T. Finney, MD, FACS, was the first President to address the American College of Surgeons when he assumed office in 1913. Apparently, Dr. Finney delivered no other address during the rest of his term. The second address as incoming College President was by George Crile, MD, FACS, in 1916. No presidential address was delivered until 1919 when William J. Mayo, MD, FACS, became President of the combined American College of Surgeons and Clinical Congress.

The address of the incoming College President was at the convocation at the end of each Clinical Congress week until 1936, at which time it was discontinued. Thereafter, each President made one address upon retiring from office, until 1953. At that time, the retiring President, Harold Foss, MD, FACS, delivered his presidential address on Monday evening, and Fred Rankin, MD, FACS, gave an address as incoming President on Friday evening. Since then, each College President has made his single address at the convocation.

For full text of any of the Presidential Addresses, contact the ACS Archives.

2010-2021 Addresses

2021

Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), DFSVS

#SurgeonsSowingHope: Enhanced postoperative recovery and elevated healing

Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2021 (Dec) 12-19

2020

J. Wayne Meredith, MD, FACS

Lessons for a Rewarding Career Learned Along the Way to This Podium

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2021 (Jan) 17-22

2019

Rusch, Valerie W.

The Joys of Learning, Collaborating, and Giving Back

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2019 (Dec) 16–21

2018

Ronald V. Maier, MD, FACS, FRCSED(Hon), FCSHK(Hon), FCCS(Hon)

For Our Patients

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2018 (Dec) 10–18

2017

Barbara Lee Bass, MD, FACS, FRCSENG(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCOSESCA(Hon)

The Joy and Privilege of a Surgical Career

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2017 (Dec) 11–17

2016

Courtney M. Townsend Jr., MD, FACS

Do What’s Right for the Patient: Franklin H. Martin and the American College of Surgeons

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2016 (Dec) 13–21

2015

J. David Richardson, MD, FACS

Challenges for the Second Century

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2015 (Dec) 9-13

2014

Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS

Achieving Our Personal Best: Back to the Future of The American College of Surgeons

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2014 (Dec) 9–18

2013

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon)

The Surgeon of the Future: Anchoring Innovation and Science with Moral Values

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2013 (Dec) 8–14

2012

Brent A. Eastman, MD, FACS

The Next Hundred Years

PDF | Online

J Am Coll Surg
2013 (Feb) 177–183

2011

Patricia J. Numann, MD, FACS

Stewardship of Our Profession

PDF

Bull Am Coll Surg
2011 (Dec) 24-28

2010

L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon)

The American College of Surgeons: A Legacy of
Leadership

PDF | Online

Bull Am Coll Surg
2010 (Dec) 15–16

2000-2009 Addresses

2009

McGinnis, LaMar S., Jr.

Professionalism in the 21st century

Bull Am Coll Surg
2009 (Dec) 8–18

2008

Cameron, John L

John Miller Turpin Finney: The First President of the American College of Surgeons

J Am Coll Surg
2009 (Mar) 327–332

2007

Healy, Gerald B.

Competence, Safety, Quality: The Path of the 21st Century

Bull Am Coll Surg
2007 (Dec) 8–13

2006

Copeland, Edward M.

The Role of a Mentor in Creating a Surgical Way of Life

Bull Am Coll Surg
2006 (Dec) 8–13

2005

Anderson, Kathryn D.

Crises in Humanity

Bull Am Coll Surg
2005 (Dec) 10–16

2004

Laws, Edward R.

Harvey Cushing and the Unity of Surgery

Bull Am Coll Surg
2004 (Dec) 8–12

2003

Organ, Claude H., Jr.

You Can Make a Difference

Bull Am Coll Surg
2003 (Dec) 8–12

2002

Sabo, Richard R.

The Challenge of Emerging Surgical Technology: The College Can Help

Bull Am Coll Surg
2002 (Dec) 8–14

2001

Jones, R. Scott

Medicine, Government, and Capitalism

J Am Coll Surg
2002 (Feb) 111–120

2000

Bender, Harvey W., Jr.

Omnibus per artem fedemaque prodesse: To Serve All with Skill and Fidelity

Bull Am Coll Surg
2000 (Dec)8–13

1990-1999 Addresses

1999

Thompson, James C.

Contribution of Surgical Research to Patients and Surgeons

J Am Coll Surg
2000 (Apr) 391–403

1998

Sheldon, George F.

Professionalism, Managed Care, and the Human Rights Movement

Bull Am Coll Surg
1998 (Dec) 13–33

1997

Schwartz, Seymour I.

Credo, Conduct, and Credibility

Bull Am Coll Surg
1997 (Dec) 8–13

1996

Murray, David G.

"Some of the King's Horses..."

Bull Am Coll Surg
1996 (Dec) 12–17

1995

Leffall, LaSalle D., Jr.

Reaffirmation of fealty—To serve all

Bull Am Coll Surg
1995 (Dec) 11–21

1994

Walt, Alexander J.

The uniqueness of American Surgical Education and Its Preservation

Bull Am Coll Surg
1994 (Dec) 8–20

1993

MacLean, Lloyd D.

Wangensteen's Surgical Forum: A Legacy of Research

Bull Am Coll Surg
1993 (Dec) 8–16

1992

Austen, W. Gerald

Surgery is a Great Career

Bull Am Coll Surg
1992 (Dec) 6–22

1991

Straffon, Ralph A.

To Think and Act as a Unit

Bull Am Coll Surg
1991 (Nov) 6–15

1990

Spencer, Frank C.

The Vital Role in Medicine of Commitment to the Patient

Bull Am Coll Surg
1990 (Nov) 6–19

1980-1989 Addresses

1989

Jurkiewicz, M.J.

The College, General Surgery, and Fragmentation

Bull Am Coll Surg
1989 (Nov) 11–17

1988

Beahrs, Oliver H.

The Physician, Patient, & Third Party

Bull Am Coll Surg
1988 (Nov) 4–9

1987

Hanlon, C. Rollins

The Assurance of Quality

Bull Am Coll Surg
1987 (Dec) 5–11

1986

Warren, W. Dean

Can One Person Make a Difference?

Bull Am Coll Surg
1986 (Dec) 8–10

1985

Sabiston, David C., Jr.

Professional Liability in the 1980s: Problems and Solutions

Bull Am Coll Surg
1985 (Dec) 6–11

1984

Drake, Charles G.

Fellowship: The Benchmark for American Surgery

Bull Am Coll Surg
1984 (Dec) 6–10

1983

Bahnson, Henry T.

Challenges

Bull Am Coll Surg
1983 (Dec) 6–10

1982

Beal, John M.

Unity of Purpose

Bull Am Coll Surg
1982 (Dec) 14–17

1981

Shires, G. Tom

The Ongoing Pursuit of High Quality

Bull Am Coll Surg
1981 (Dec) 12–18

1980

Hardy, James D.

The President's Reflections on the American College of Surgeons

Bull Am Coll Surg
1980 (Dec) 18–23

1970-1979 Addresses

1979

Muller, William H., Jr.

Quality Health Care in a Regulated Society

Bull Am Coll Surg
1979 (Dec) 7–12

1978

Altemeier, William A.

Quality Care: Ongoing or Outgoing?

Bull Am Coll Surg
1978 (Dec) 12–19

1977

Stinchfield, Frank E.

A Call for Unity

Bull Am Coll Surg
1977 (Nov) 7–13

1976

Dunlop, George R.

Medical Costs—Our Common Dilemma

Bull Am Coll Surg
1976 (Nov) 7–11

1975

Scott, H. William

Professional Liability—The Crisis and Approaches to the Solution

Bull Am Coll Surg
1975 (Nov) 7–15

1974

McLaughlin, Charles W. Jr.

Here Dwells Our Strength

Bull Am Coll Surg
1974 (Nov) 7–13

1973

Welch, C.E.

Quality Care, Quasi-care and Quackery

Bull Am Coll Surg
1973 (Nov) 7–12

1972

Longmire, W.P., Jr.

The Surgeon, the System and Patient Care

Bull Am Coll Surg
1972 (Nov) 9–12

1971

Rhoads, J. E.

National Health Policies for Improving the Care of the Surgical Patient

Bull Am Coll Surg
1971 (Dec) 7–10

1970

Mahorner, Howard

A Surgeon's Career

Bull Am Coll Surg
1970 (Nov) 7–11

1960-1969 Addresses

1969

Baker, Joel Wilson

A Profession Held in Trust

Bull Am Coll Surg
1970 (Jan) 7–11

1968

Wade, Preston A.

Science Alone Is not Enough

Bull Am Coll Surg
1969 (54) 5–9

1967

Nesbit, Reed M.

Heritage and Obligations of Fellowship

Bull Am Coll Surg
1967 (52) 383–389;391–392

1966

MacKenzie, W.C.

Our Destiny Is to Build

Bull Am Coll Surg
1967 (52) 33–36

1965

Patterson, H. A.

This Time Is a Good Time

Bull Am Coll Surg
1966 (51) 87–90;118–119

1964

Priestley, J.T.

The Impossible of Yesterday

Bull Am Coll Surg
1965 (50)5–8;30–31

1963

Dunphy, J.E.

Responsibility and Authority in American Surgery

Bull Am Coll Surg
1964 (49) 9–12

1962

Davis, L.

Credo

Bull Am Coll Surg
1963 (48) 25–28;52

1961

Zollinger, R.M.

Surgical Tithing

Bull Am Coll Surg
1962 (47) 9–12;52

1960

Ravdin, I.S.

Whither Goeth the American Surgeon

Bull Am Coll Surg
1961 (46) 10;26–28

1950-1959 Addresses

1959

Wangensteen, O.H.

Retrospect and Prospect

Bull Am Coll Surg
1960 (45) 23–30;62–66

1958

Philpott, N.W.

Our College in a Changing World

Bull Am Coll Surg
1959 (44) 35–36;48

1957

Estes, W.L., Jr.

Responsibility of Leadership

Bull Am Coll Surg
1958 (43) 45–48;75–76

1956

Elkin, D.E.

But Above All, a Good Doctor

Bull Am Coll Surg
1957 (42) 5–8;30–32

1955

Cole, W.H.

Surgical Philosophy Old and New

Bull Am Coll Surg
1956 (41) 67–71

1954

Blalock, A.

Our Obligations and Opportunities

Bull Am Coll Surg
1955 (40) 83–86;139

1953

Rankin, F.W.

Responsibility of a Heritage

Bull Am Coll Surg
1954 (39) 5–9;59

1953

Foss, H.L.

American College of Surgeons—Its Obligations and Responsibilities Greater Now Than Ever (Retiring Presidential Address)

Bull Am Coll Surg
1954 (39) 23–26

1952

Ochsner, A.

Report to Our Founders

Bull Am Coll Surg
1953 (38) 15–23

1951

Cave, H.W.

General Surgeon in the Changing Era

Bull Am Coll Surg
1951 (36) 348–351

1950

Coller, F.A.

For the Benefit of the Patients

Bull Am Coll Surg
1951 (36) 29–34

1940-1949 Addresses

1949

Phemister, D.C.

Evaluation of Full Time and Group Practice for the Clinical Faculty of a Medical School

Bull Am Coll Surg
1950 (35) 17–21

1948

Allen, A.W.

Looking Forward

Bull Am Coll Surg
1949 (34) 47–50

1947

Abell, I

Spirit of Surgery

Bull Am Coll Surg
1947 (32) 208–211

1946

Gallie, W.E

Ideals in Surgery

SGO
1947 (84) 513–518

1941–1946

None given—War Years

1941

Graham, E.A.

American Surgery in a Changing World

SGO
1942 (74) 273–280

1940

Muller, G.P.

The College and American Surgery

SGO
1941 (72) 529–533

1930-1939 Addresses

1939

Naffziger, H.C.

Metamorphosis of the Surgeon

SGO
1940 (70) 374–378

1938

Besley, F.A.

American College of Surgeons in Retrospect and Prospect on its Twenty-Fifth Anniversary

SGO
1939 (68) 419–423

1938

Pool, E.H.

College and the Cultural Aspects of Surgery

SGO
1938 (66) 414–418

1937

Pool, E.H.

Education of a Surgeon—Past and Present

SGO
1937 (64) 570–575

1936

Balfour, D.C.

Function of the American College of Surgeons (Retiring Presidential address)

SGO
1937 (64) 565–569

1935

Balfour, D.C.

The Trend of Surgery

SGO
1936 (62) 402–405

1935

Greenough, R.B.

Conscience of the Surgeon

SGO
1936 (62) 390–394

1934

Greenough, R.B.

Cancer Clinics and Cancer Services in General Hospitals

SGO
1935 (60) 441–446

1934

Haggard, W.D.

Background of the American Surgeon

SGO
1935 (60) 427–431

1933

Haggard, W.D.

Surgeon of the Wilderness: Ephraim McDowell

SGO
1934 (58) 415–419

1933

Squier, J.B.

Hippocratic Code and the New Deal

SGO
1934 (58) 407–408

1932

Squier, J.B.

American College of Surgeons Twenty Years of Ambitious Effort

SGO
1933 (56) 404–409

1932

Kanavel, A.B.

Intangibles in Surgery

SGO
1933 (56) 394–397

1931

Kanavel, A.B.

Program of the College and the Initiates' Responsibilities

SGO
1932 (54) 403–406

1931

Miller, C.J.

Medical Men and Their Lay Critics

SGO
1932 (54) 391–396

1930

Miller, C.J.

Humanities of Medicine

SGO
1931 (52) 488–490

1930

Ireland, M.W.

Military Obligations of the Medical Profession

SGO
1931 (52) 485–487

1913-1929 Addresses

1929

Martin, F.H.

The American College of Surgeons, Past, Present and Future

SGO
1928 (47) 887–896

1928

Martin, F.H.

The Evolution of Clinical Medicine and Surgery

SGO
1928 (47) 736–50

1928

Stewart, G.D.

Ourselves—the College

SGO
1929 (48) 142–144

1927

Stewart, G.D.

Idealism in Medicine

Yearbook
1928: 102–105

1927

Chipman, W.W.

Retiring Address

Copy of Ms.

1926

Chipman, W.W.

Joseph Lister

Yearbook
1927: 103–110

1926

Matas, R.

Surgery and the International Spirit

SGO
1927 (44) 424–432

1926

Matas, R.

Mission and Ideals of the American College of Surgeons

Yearbook
1926 : 71–78

1925

Mayo, C.H.

Hepatic Function in Health and Disease

SGO
1926 (42) 9–14

1924

Mayo, C.H.

Address of the President

SGO
1925 (40) 447–448

1924

Ochsner, A.J.

Cancer Infection

SGO
1925 (40) 336–342

1923

Ochsner, A.J.

Fellowship in the ACS

SGO
1924 (38) 285–286.

1922

Cushing, H.

Surgical and End Results in General

SGO
1923 (36) 303–308

1922

Cushing, H.

The Physician and the Surgeon

SGO
1922 (35) 701–710

1921

Deaver, J.B.

Medical Education

SGO
1922 (34) 177–179

1921

Deaver, J.B.

Old Methods Versus New in Surgical Diagnosis

SGO
1921(33) 605–606

1921

Armstrong, G.E.

Gastric Hemorrhage

SGO
1922 (34) 466–468

1920

Armstrong, G.E.

Immunity in Surgery

SGO
1921 (32) 399–401

1920

Mayo, W.J.

Mortality and End Results in Surgery

SGO
1921 (32) 97–102

1919

Mayo, W.J.

Presidential Address

SGO
1920 (30) 97–99

1918

No address—War year and "Flu" epidemic

1917

Crile, G.W.

Presidential Address

Bull Am Coll Surg
1917 (3) 1–2

1914–1916

No addresses available

1913

Finney, J.M.T.

Presidential Address

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