Categories of Membership

United States and Canada

• Active Member: A plastic surgeons who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and/or the Corporation Professionelle des Médecins du Québec. All Active Members must complete one year as a Candidate for Membership, prior to being elevated to Active membership.
  • Also applies to the Active Military category. Requires proof of active military service, such as an active military ID card or the active military service letter.
• Candidate for Membership: A plastic surgeon who has completed formal training and is eligible for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and/or the Corporation Professionelle des Médecins du Québec. All applicants for Active membership must serve as a Candidate for Membership for a minimum of one year.
  • Also applies to the Military Candidate for Membership category. Requires proof of active military service, such as an active military ID card or the active military service letter.
• Resident/Fellow Member: A resident actively engaged in an accredited plastic surgery residency program in the United States or Canada, or a fellow actively engaged in an ACGME-accredited or private fellowship in the United States or Canada. Residents and fellows are invited to join the ASPS Residents and Fellows Forum.
• Medical Student Member: A medical student enrolled in an accredited medical school program. Medical students are invited to join the ASPS Medical Students Forum.
• Associate Member: A physician certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery who contributes to the overall body of knowledge of plastic and reconstructive surgery in their field.
• Allied Health Affiliate Member: A non-physician healthcare professional, such as a nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, research assistant, practice and office administrator and related staff, residency coordinator, surgical technologist and/or assistant, who is employed by or works directly with a member of ASPS.
• Life Active Member: An individual who was an Active Member and has completely retired from the active practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Life Active Members do not pay dues, but do pay an annual fee. They may not hold office, but they have the other rights and privileges of Active Members.
• Life Inactive Member: An individual who was an Active Member and has completely retired from the active practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Life Inactive Members do not pay dues or an annual fee. They have limited rights and privileges, but may not hold office, vote or serve on committees.

International

• International Member: A plastic surgeon who has completed at least three years in practice and is a member of their country's national society.
• Candidate for International Membership: A plastic surgeon who has completed their training, has less than three years in practice and is a member of their country's national society.
• International Trainee Member: A resident, fellow, trainee or apprentice enrolled in a plastic surgery training program.
• International Medical Student Member: A medical student enrolled in an accredited medical school program. Medical students are invited to join the ASPS Medical Student Forum.
• Retired International Member: An individual who was an International Member and has completely retired from the active practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery.