On September 26, Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor at WashU Medicine, was installed as the 107th president of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Eberlein was elected ACS president-elect in 2025 and officially assumed the organization’s highest office upon his installation during the ACS Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C. He succeeds Anton N. Sidway, MD, MPH, who served as ACS president from 2025-26.
Eberlein is founding director of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and senior associate dean for cancer programs at WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He also served as the Bixby Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine for more than 24 years. Eberlein has been active in the ACS for more than 30 years, including service as a member of the Board of Governors, chair of the Board of Regents and editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons from 2004-25.
“I am humbled to serve the college and our fellows with this appointment” said Eberlein. “I look forward to listening, learning and working with all specialties to make The House of Surgery stronger.”
For his presidential year, Eberlein has chosen the theme “The House of Surgery: Stronger Together,” reflecting a focus on collaboration across surgical disciplines. Following his installation, he delivered his presidential address, outlining his vision for his year as ACS president.
The ACS was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The college is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have established it as an important advocate for surgical patients. The college has approximately 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.