Academy of Clerkship Directors

The role of Surgical Clerkship Director is challenging, important and deserving of special recognition. The ASE Academy of Clerkship Directors (ACD) was established in 2015 to recognize Surgery Clerkship Directors for their commitment to excellence in undergraduate surgical education. This is demonstrated by membership and involvement in the ASE, participation in faculty development around undergraduate education, years involved in surgical education and scholarly activity. In addition, receiving “Fellow” Certification may allow Clerkship Directors to obtain more resources and other support for educational endeavors, improving the overall quality of surgical education. Certification and Membership attests to leadership, experience and expertise while Academy Mentor designation recognizes those educators who demonstrate additional commitment to serve as role-models and mentors to other clerkship directors and surgical educators.

Verification of credentials for Academy membership will be determined by an Oversight Committee (OC) under the direction of the ASE Board of Directors (BOD). The OC will be composed of the current CDC Chair and Vice-Chair, and a BOD Representative, currently the ASE Secretary. Once verification by the OC that all criteria are met, “Fellow” status is conveyed to the member. Certificates documenting Fellowship in the Academy of Clerkship Directors will be awarded at the CD Committee meetings held during the ASE Annual Meeting.

After 5 years, for those who are still Clerkship Directors, or still directly related to teaching students, AND want to continue in the Academy, submit a 0.5-1 page summary of their current role, to be reviewed by the CD Chair and Vice Chair to change their designation to “Master.” For those who have moved on to other roles, but are still interested in mentoring others, submit a 0.5  page summary of their current role(s) and change their designation to “Emeritus.” For those who are no longer interested in the Academy, please let the ASE office know so that you may be removed from the contact list.

Academy members are encouraged to participate as speakers for the Trouble Shooting Your Clerkship Course and engage in other activities (workshops at ASE annual meeting, collaboration with the ACS, selected projects) of the Clerkship Directors Committee and the ASE.