What Does “FACS” Mean? A Closer Look at Dr. Richard Harding’s Surgical Excellence Credentials
- Richard Harding, MD, FACS
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever seen the letters “FACS” following Dr. Richard Harding’s name—Richard Harding, MD, FACS—you might have wondered what they stand for. At Arizona Endocrine Surgery, we believe in helping patients make informed decisions by understanding the credentials behind their care. So, what exactly does “FACS” mean, and why is it important?
FACS: A Mark of Surgical Excellence
"FACS" stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a prestigious designation awarded to surgeons who meet the highest standards of surgical skill, ethical conduct, and professional integrity. It’s not just a title—it’s a rigorous credential that reflects a surgeon’s commitment to excellence in patient care.
To become a FACS surgeon, one must complete an extensive educational and professional journey, including:
A bachelor’s degree with pre-medical coursework
Graduation from an accredited medical school (MD or DO)
Completion of a surgical residency (typically 5–7 years)
Board certification in their surgical specialty
A comprehensive peer-reviewed application and evaluation by the American College of Surgeons
This process ensures that FACS surgeons are not only technically skilled but also uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in their practice.
Why It Matters to Patients
When you choose a surgeon with the FACS designation, you’re choosing someone who has been thoroughly vetted by their peers and recognized for their dedication to safe, effective, and ethical surgical care. Hospitals and healthcare institutions across the country—and around the world—recognize FACS as a symbol of trust and credibility.
For patients, this means peace of mind. It means your surgeon is committed to ongoing education, continuous improvement, and delivering the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Richard Harding, MD, FACS: A Leader in Surgical Innovation
Dr. Richard Harding exemplifies what it means to be a FACS surgeon. As a board-certified general surgeon with advanced training in endocrine and minimally invasive surgery, he has earned national recognition for his expertise and innovation.
He holds faculty appointments at both the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Creighton University School of Medicine, where he trains future surgeons in advanced techniques. He was the first surgeon in Arizona to perform thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and is a national instructor in scarless transoral thyroidectomy.
Dr. Harding also extends his commitment to excellence beyond the operating room. Through his work with Kenya Relief, he has participated in surgical missions to underserved communities, providing life-changing care and training local medical teams.
The Bottom Line
The FACS designation is more than a credential—it’s a promise. It tells you that your surgeon has met the highest standards in surgical care and continues to uphold them every day. At Arizona Endocrine Surgery, we’re proud to have Dr. Richard Harding, MD, FACS, leading our team with the skill, compassion, and integrity that this title represents.
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