On February 1, Michael J. Sutherland, MD, FACS, became the Director of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services, where he now leads the division’s efforts to provide value to ACS Fellows and members and help position the College as a leading voice in the House of Surgery. Dr. Sutherland succeeds Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, who became ACS Executive Director earlier this year. Dr. Sutherland is a trauma, critical care, and general surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and professor of surgery at The Ohio State University, Columbus.
As Director of the division, Dr. Sutherland leads the delivery of an impactful membership experience for the College’s Fellows and members at every career stage, from medical school through retirement, from around the world, and from all subspecialties. He helps ensure members realize the full value of benefits that support their professional development and practice.
“Dr. Sutherland is a committed ACS Fellow, who is very familiar with College programs and activities. As he takes over my previous role as Director of Member Services, I am confident that he will use his knowledge and experience with the College to help grow and support membership across all practice settings and specialties,” Dr. Turner said.
Dr. Sutherland became a Resident Member of the ACS in 1998 and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) in 2006. His extensive involvement with the ACS spans several years. He served as Chair (2005–2006) and Vice-Chair (2004–2005) of the Resident and Associate Society, Chair (2014–2015) and Vice-Chair (2013–2014) of the Young Fellows Association, State Provincial Chair of the Committee on Trauma (COT) Regional State Committees (2016–2022), COT Arkansas State Chair (2016–2018), and Chair of the ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC Board (2015–2016).“I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new role at the ACS. Having spent years working in multiple roles with the Division of Member Services, I am prepared to continue and grow the exciting work that Dr. Turner has led over the last 10 years. My goal is for the ACS to provide a valuable experience for all members of the College—regardless of where they are in their career—and to deliver exceptional service that benefits the whole surgical community and the patients we serve,” Dr. Sutherland said.
He is a strong advocate for improving access to trauma care, participating in COT advocacy, patient safety, and performance improvement activities, and the Trauma Quality Improvement Program. He serves on the ACS General Surgery Coding and Reimbursement Committee and Heath Policy and Advocacy Council. He also is Alternate Delegate to the American Medical Association Relative Update Committee.
He served in the US Air Force Medical Corps from 1998 to 2008, during which he was the Military Consultant to the Surgeon General for Thoracic Surgery (2007–2008), Specialty Consultant for Thoracic Surgery–Iraqi Theater of Operations (2005), and Treasurer of the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons (2004–2008).
Dr. Sutherland has received many awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Surgical Educator (2005–2006), President of Keesler Medical Center House Staff Council (2002–2003), and the Surgeon General’s Award, Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons (2001).
