{"id":4599,"date":"2026-04-23T04:59:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T04:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cosmeticsurgery.org\/fellowships\/?page_id=4599"},"modified":"2026-04-28T17:28:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T17:28:29","slug":"midcareer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cosmeticsurgery.org\/fellowships\/midcareer\/","title":{"rendered":"AACS Certified Fellowships – MidCareer"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n\n

FOR PRACTICING PHYSICIANS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You didn\u2019t train this hard
to spend your career burning out.<\/em><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a version of your career where you control the schedule, own the practice, and do work that is rewarding every day. The AACS Certified Fellowship is the structured, accredited way to get there \u2014 in one year.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\nApply Now<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n\n\n\nRequest More Info<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/span>+<\/span><\/div>
Procedures as primary surgeon
or first assist<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>
Months of structured
clinical training<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>
Tracks \u2014 General &
Facial Cosmetic Surgery<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/span>+<\/span><\/div>
Years training physicians
across specialties<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

WHY PHYSICIANS MAKE THE SWITCH<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A career that works for you \u2014 not against you.<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cosmetic surgery is one of the few specialties where you control your schedule, your patients, and your income. The AACS Fellowship is how established physicians make the transition the right way.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Own Your Schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No more overnight calls, weekend shifts, or hospital politics. Cosmetic surgery is elective \u2014 you set the calendar, you control the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A More Rewarding Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elective procedures, direct-pay patients, no insurance battles. Cosmetic surgery runs on a fundamentally different model \u2014 and a more lucrative one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s Not Too Late<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The AACS Fellowship is open to practicing physicians regardless of how long ago you completed residency. Your experience is the foundation \u2014 this builds on it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

WHAT THE FELLOWSHIP GIVES YOU<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

300+ procedures. 12 months. A completely different career.<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Building cosmetic surgery case volume on your own takes years and carries risk. The fellowship compresses that into one structured year \u2014 supervised,
accredited, and with a credential at the end.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Hands-On Cosmetic Surgery Training<\/h3><\/div>

300+ procedures as primary surgeon or first assist. Body, breast, facial, and non-surgical \u2014 real cases under direct supervision of AACS-certified surgeons.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/div>

Complications & Post-Operative Care<\/h3><\/div>

Recognize, manage, and document complications in a cosmetic setting. Protocols that protect your
patients and your practice<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/div>

The Elective Patient Experience<\/h3><\/div>

Elective patients are different. Learn how to consult, set expectations, and build the patient relationships that drive a cosmetic practice \u2014 not a hospital.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/div>

How the Practice Model Actually Works<\/h3><\/div>

Fee structures, direct-pay patients, consultations, marketing your practice \u2014 your fellowship director walks you through a practice that is already doing it well.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cIf you are going to make this transition, this is the right way to make it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Testimonials from Fellows<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
“My AACS fellowship has met my expectations and exceeded them in many ways. The business of medicine is not easily taught, and usually learned over years of making difficult mistakes in private practice. This part of my fellowship has smoothed the transition into private practice with a confidence not gained through primary residency training”<\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
Jason Nealy<\/span>DO<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
“My Fellowship has been very hands-on. That’s what makes it such a unique and challenging training opportunity. I believe that cosmetic surgery helps enhance a person’s self-confidence and their sense of well-being. I feel grateful to play a part in that transformation.”<\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
Hardeep Dhalwiwal<\/span>DMD, MD<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
“If you are passionate about the field of cosmetic surgery\u2026 I highly recommend an AACS fellowship to get the most comprehensive educational experience. Not only did I gain these valuable skills, but I was also equipped with the knowledge and experience that allowed me to operate my own cosmetic surgery practice directly out of fellowship.”<\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
Jessica West<\/span>DO<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
“Completing this fellowship has been one of the best decisions I\u2019ve ever made and I\u2019m grateful for the experience and for the academy.”<\/div>
\"Jennifer<\/div><\/div>
Jennifer Palacio<\/span>MD<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
\n

PATH TO BOARD CERTIFICATION<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The fellowship also opens the door to ABCS & ABFCS certification.<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An AACS Certified Fellowship is the required first step toward board certification \u2014 through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) for the General track, or the American Board of Facial Cosmetic surgery (ABFCS) for the Facial track. Many mid-career fellows pursue it on their own timeline after completing the program.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
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Qualifying Residency<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Already completed. Your existing training counts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\nYOU ARE HERE<\/span>\n\n\n\n

AACS Certified Fellowship<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

One year of accredited cosmetic surgery training. Required for American Board of Cosmetic Surgery eligibility; not required for American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, but is an approved path<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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ABCS or ABFCS Candidacy<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Apply for candidacy with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery after fellowship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Board Certified<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

ABCS for General Cosmetic Surgery, or ABFCS for Facial Cosmetic Surgery \u2014 earned on your timeline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

ELIGIBILITY<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Your specialty likely qualifies.<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you completed residency in a qualifying specialty \u2014 years ago or recently \u2014 you are eligible to apply. Board certification or eligibility is required.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

General Cosmetic Surgery Track<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
General Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Plastic Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Otolaryngology<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
OB\/GYN<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Thoracic Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Urology<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Orthopedic Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (MD)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Board certification through ABMS, AOA Bureau
of Osteopathic Specialists, or an ACGME-accredited program is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Facial Cosmetic Surgery Track<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Dermatology<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ophthalmology<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
General Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

OMS applicants must have completed an accredited single or dual degree OMS\/MD program with valid state medical and\/or dental licenses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

2027 FELLOWSHIP MATCH<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The match is open now.<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Programs begin July 1 each year. If you\u2019re considering the switch, these are the dates that matter.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
Open Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

January 1, 2026<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Applications for July 2027 fellowship positions are open and being accepted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
Priority Deadline<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

March 1, 2026<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Applications in by this date go in the first review batch. Earlier applications get more consideration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
Final Deadline<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

 May 15, 2026<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Final cutoff for all applications. Fellowship begins July 1, 2027.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If not now, when?<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The physicians who make this transition don\u2019t wait for the perfect
moment. They apply, complete the fellowship, and build the career
they actually want. The final deadline is May 15, 2026.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\nApply Now<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nRequest More Info<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

AACS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Testimonials from Fellows<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
“My AACS fellowship has met my expectations and exceeded them in many ways. The business of medicine is not easily taught, and usually learned over years of making difficult mistakes in private practice. This part of my fellowship has smoothed the transition into private practice with a confidence not gained through primary residency training”<\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
Jason Nealy<\/span>DO<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
“My Fellowship has been very hands-on. That’s what makes it such a unique and challenging training opportunity. I believe that cosmetic surgery helps enhance a person’s self-confidence and their sense of well-being. I feel grateful to play a part in that transformation.”<\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
Hardeep Dhalwiwal<\/span>DMD, MD<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
“If you are passionate about the field of cosmetic surgery\u2026 I highly recommend an AACS fellowship to get the most comprehensive educational experience. Not only did I gain these valuable skills, but I was also equipped with the knowledge and experience that allowed me to operate my own cosmetic surgery practice directly out of fellowship.”<\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
Jessica West<\/span>DO<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
“Completing this fellowship has been one of the best decisions I\u2019ve ever made and I\u2019m grateful for the experience and for the academy.”<\/div>
\"Jennifer<\/div><\/div>
Jennifer Palacio<\/span>MD<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FOR PRACTICING PHYSICIANS You didn\u2019t train this hardto spend your career burning out. There\u2019s a version of your career where you control the schedule, own the practice, and do work that is rewarding every day. The AACS Certified Fellowship is the structured, accredited way to get there \u2014 in one year. WHY PHYSICIANS MAKE THE … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2941,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Home - Fellowships AACS","_seopress_titles_desc":"Explore AACS Certified Cosmetic Surgery Fellowships for advanced post-residency training, expert mentorship, and hands-on surgical experience.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4599","page","type-page","status-publish"],"spectra_custom_meta":{"_generateblocks_dynamic_css_version":["2.2.1"],"_generate-full-width-content":["true"],"_generate-disable-headline":["true"],"_generatepress_sites_imported_post":["1"],"_edit_lock":["1777399353:2"],"_edit_last":["2"],"_seopress_redirections_type":["301"],"_seopress_redirections_logged_status":["both"],"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":[""],"_seopress_titles_title":["Home - Fellowships AACS"],"_seopress_titles_desc":["Explore AACS Certified Cosmetic Surgery Fellowships for advanced post-residency training, expert mentorship, and hands-on surgical experience."],"_uag_custom_page_level_css":[""],"footnotes":[""],"_oembed_25680bd21a586f3abd614c299bd66b4e":["