Evaluation of Applications for Fellowship

The evaluation of an applicant for Fellowship is based on comprehensive information relating to the applicant's surgical judgment and experience, professional competence, ethical conduct, professional standing in the local community, and attitude toward the basic tenets of the College. Such information is obtained from appointed College committees, references named by the applicant, and others.

1. The College Credentials Division reviews each application for completeness and prepares a summary of the biographical information and other pertinent information for review by the appointed committees of the College in evaluating the application. If the applicant's practice situation changes and it is determined that additional practice time is required, further processing of the application is deferred until the applicant has met all the requirements.
2. In many areas a Committee on Applicants interviews each applicant and reports to the Division of Member Services its findings regarding the applicant's eligibility for Fellowship.
3. The Credentials Committees of the College appraise information and recommendations from all sources relating to Fellowship applications and make recommendations to the Board of Regents. The Member Services Liaison Committee evaluates unusual practice situations to determine if the requirements for Fellowship have been met and recommends an action to the Board of Regents.
4. After review and evaluation of all information, the Board of Regents makes one of three decisions:
• Approved for Fellowship--In order to attain Fellowship, each applicant must receive the approval of three-fourths of the Board of Regents.
• Postponed (for one or two years)--An applicant's postponement is not considered as a denial of application. It is designed to give the applicant an opportunity to acquire further knowledge or additional experience or to develop professionally. It also provides the College with an additional period for observation, investigation, and further evaluation of the applicant's eligibility for Fellowship.