ENT Credentials 101
What “FACS” and “FAAO-HNS” Actually Mean
Today’s patients are smart, and they make sure to take on a more active role when it comes to their health. And part of being an active participant in their health is taking the time to research and consider potential healthcare providers. When evaluating healthcare providers, some patients find it helpful to review credentials alongside other factors such as clinical focus, experience, communication style, insurance participation, and patient reviews.
This guide from Jacksonville Breathe Free aims to help patients in Jacksonville, FL, understand the basics of ENT credentials and how they can use them to choose their next ENT care provider.
What Is FACS?
In the medical field, FACS stands for “Fellow of the American College of Surgeons”, and indicates that a surgeon has passed membership requirements–such as board certification, peer review, professional qualifications, and ethical standards–as set by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS is a professional society for medical surgeons practicing in the United States.
FACS is a professional fellowship designation and signifies that a surgeon is in good standing with the ACS. The designation does not signify board certification.
The FACS designation may indicate that a surgeon:
✔️ Has met the eligibility requirements established by the American College of Surgeons, including board certification in their specialty
✔️ Has completed accredited surgical training in their field
✔️ Has undergone a peer-review process and been accepted into the ACS
✔️ Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education, professional standards, and ethical surgical practice
What Is FAAO-HNS?
FAAO-HNS stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Otolaryngology is the medical specialty focused on conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is one of the leading professional organizations dedicated to this specialty.
Physicians who use the FAAO-HNS designation are active participants in the specialty and maintain membership in the organization. While the designation is separate from board certification, it reflects ongoing professional involvement within the field of ENT medicine.
For patients, the FAAO-HNS credential provides additional context about a physician’s engagement within their specialty, alongside other important factors such as training, experience, board certification, clinical focus, and patient reviews.
The FAAO-HNS designation may indicate that an ENT physician:
✔️ Has completed specialty training in otolaryngology
✔️ Maintains active involvement within a leading professional organization for ENT physicians
✔️ Participates in ongoing professional education and specialty-related activities
✔️ Demonstrates continued engagement within the field of ear, nose, and throat medicine
FACS vs FAAO-HNS: How Are They Different?
Let’s break down the major differences between FACS and FAAO-HNS:
Moreover:
- Both the FACS and the FAAO-HNS are voluntary memberships to professional societies, but neither is equal to board certification.
- An FACS professional fellowship designation encompasses all medical specialties, which includes ENT, while an FAAO-HNS professional fellowship designation indicates professional involvement specifically in the ENT medical field.
- An FACS designation reflects an ENT surgeon’s adherence to the ACS’s professional and ethical membership standards.
A Highly Recognized ENT Credential: Board Certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
It’s common for many ENT specialists to have both the FACS and FAAO-HNS credentials attached to their names. In addition to those two, another widely recognized credential is board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Board certification, unlike a medical license, is not a legal requirement to practice medicine in the United States. It is a voluntary credential that indicates that a physician has completed specialty training and successfully met the certification requirements established by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS).
Board-certified ENTs may choose to pursue further specialty training in other subspecialties, including complex pediatric otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and neurotology.
Frequently Asked Questions About ENT Credentialing in Jacksonville, FL
Is “ENT” and “otolaryngologist” the same?
“ENT” and “otolaryngologist” both refer to the same medical specialist, who diagnoses and treats conditions of the ears, nose, throat, neck, and related facial structures.
While “ENT” is the more commonly used term because it’s easier to remember, “otolaryngologist” is the official medical term used in most medical settings, and also recognizes that these specialists treat more than just the ears, nose, and throat (ENT).
What is the difference between a licensed and board-certified physician?
In the United States, a physician must acquire a medical license to legally provide medical care in their state or jurisdiction. Unlike a medical license, board certification is not required by law, but rather a voluntary credential they may pursue to demonstrate expertise in their field of specialty.
All board-certified physicians are licensed, but not all licensed physicians are board-certified.
Are all otolaryngologists board-certified?
No, not all otolaryngologists are board-certified. They are, however, all licensed, as a medical license is a legal requirement to practice medicine in the United States.
Conclusion: Looking for an ENT Clinic in Jacksonville, FL
We encourage patients to conduct independent research and choose an ENT care provider according to their individual healthcare needs and concerns.
Jacksonville Breathe Free provides ear, nose, and throat care services in Jacksonville and the nearby Florida communities. Visit our provider page to learn more about our team or contact us directly for more information about ENT services near you.
