ENT Credentials 101
What “FACS” and “FAAO-HNS” Actually Mean
In the medical field, a physician’s credentials can help patients choose not only a qualified healthcare provider but also one that aligns with their individual health concerns and needs. Because today’s patients are smart and take on a more proactive role, they do not shy away from conducting independent research to weigh their options and make informed decisions.
This guide from St. Louis Sinus Center can help patients in St. Louis, MO, better understand the basics of ENT credentials and what they mean when choosing a healthcare provider.
The Basics: FACS and FAAO-HNS
First, let’s go over what “FACS” and “FAAO-HNS” actually mean in ENT medicine:
What is FACS?
A physician’s credentials can help patients better understand their training, qualifications, and professional involvement when choosing an ENT specialist. FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. It is a professional fellowship designation awarded to surgeons who meet the American College of Surgeons‘ standards for education, ethics, professional qualifications, and board certification eligibility.
An FACS designation means that a surgeon:
✅ Has been peer-reviewed and accepted into the ACS
✅ Has completed accredited surgical training in their field of specialty
✅ Has met board certification requirements in their medical field (e.g., board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery), which is a requirement for FACS eligibility
✅ Demonstrates a commitment to continued education and training on ethical practice and standards of care
An FACS designation is not board certification in itself, but rather signifies that a surgeon is in good standing with the ACS.
What is FAAO-HNS?
In the ENT medical specialty, “FAAO-HNS” stands for “Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery”. Like FACS, FAAO-HNS is a professional fellowship designation rather than a board certification. It recognizes active participation in the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). The AAO-HNS is the main professional organization for practicing ENTs in the United States.
An FAAO-HNS fellowship means that an ENT specialist:
✅ Is in good standing with the AAO-HNS
✅ Has completed accredited specialty training in Otolaryngology
✅ Has met membership requirements as set by the AAO-HNS, which is separate from board certification requirements
✅ Reflects a professional commitment to continued education and training on ethical practice and standards of ENT care
✅ Demonstrates continued professional engagement and participation in the field of ENT medicine
Much like an FACS designation, an FAAO-HNS designation is not board certification itself, but rather signifies membership with a professional society–the AAO-HNS.
The Difference: FACS vs FAAO-HNS
To summarize, the differences and similarities between FACS and FAAO-HNS boil down to this:
✅ Both FACS and FAAO-HNS are voluntary fellowship designations associated with professional organizations—the ACS and the AAO-HNS.
✅ Neither the FACS nor the FAAO-HNS signifies board certification.
✅ An FACS designation encompasses all medical specialties (including ENT medicine), while an FAAO-HNS designation indicates professional involvement in ENT medicine.
✅ An FACS professional designation signifies a surgeon’s adherence to the ACS’s professional and ethical membership standards, while an FAAO-HNS professional designation signifies an ENT specialist’s good-standing membership with the AAO-HNS.
Moreover, here’s a quick look at some more major differences:
Another Widely Recognized ENT Credential: Board Certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
In addition to an FACS and an FAAO-HNS professional designation, which are both common among many ENT specialists, another widely recognized ENT credential is board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Here’s what patients need to know:
- Unlike a medical license, which is required by law to practice medicine in the United States, board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is a voluntary credential.
- Board certification indicates that a certain ENT specialist has completed specialty training in Otolaryngology, passed board certification requirements, and met industry-recognized professional standards, as set by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS).
- The ABOHNS is a nationally recognized certifying organization for practicing otolaryngologists in the United States.
- Board-certified ENTs may choose to pursue additional specialty training, which can include complex pediatric otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and neurotology.
Frequently Asked Questions About ENT Credentials in St. Louis, MO
What is the difference between ENT and otolaryngologist?
“ENT” and “otolaryngologist” refer to the same medical professional.
An otolaryngologist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, neck, and related facial structures. “ENT” is a more widely used term simply because it’s easier to remember, but “otolaryngologist” is the more official term used in most medical settings.
What is the difference between a licensed physician and a board-certified physician?
In the United States, a medical license is required by law for a physician to practice medicine in their state or jurisdiction. Board certification, however, is not a legal requirement, but rather a voluntary and additional credential they may pursue to showcase clinical 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 or ENTs are board-certified. Board certification is not a legal requirement to practice medicine, including ENT.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right ENT Near Me in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Sinus Center provides comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care for patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding communities. Schedule an appointment to learn more about your symptoms and treatment options.