Georgios Tsoulfas, MD, PhD, FICS, FACS, MAMSE, a transplant surgeon from Thessaloniki, Greece. is among a group of 103 esteemed surgeon educators inducted into membership in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators® on September 19, 2025, during a program event in Chicago. This is the eighth cohort of members inducted into this distinguished Academy. 

Dr.Tsoulfas was inducted as Member of this highly coveted Academy. He is the current Professor and Chief of the Department of Transplantation Surgery at the Aristotle University School of Medicine and Director of the Center for Research and Innovation in Solid Organ Transplantation.

Dr.Tsoulfas is a dedicated surgeon educator whose experience in the field includes general surgery residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, as well as a transplant research fellowship at the Starzl Transplant Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, and then a two-year transplantation surgery fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and then joined the Division of Solid Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center as an Assistant Professor of Surgery. He moved back to Greece in 2008. Clinical and research interests include hepatobiliary surgery, primary and secondary hepatic malignancies, ischemia/reperfusion injury, solid organ transplantation, as well as medical/surgical education and the use of technology, including applications of artificial technology and 3D printing in surgery. In 2024 he was instrumental in the development of the Center for Research and Innovation in Solid Organ Transplantation, which allowed improved organization and coordination of research initiatives, increased competitiveness for research funding, as well as the promotion and development of more synergies and collaborations with other Greek and international centers, in both the academic and industry areas. 

His other honors and awards received as a surgeon educator include the Edward E. Mason award for excellence in patient care and education, he is a member of a number of professional organizations including the Society of Surgical Oncology, the TTS, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, Association for Academic Surgery, International College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, International Liver Transplantation Society, SLS, IHPBA, AHPBA.  Also the recipient of the American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarship, and has served as a member of multiple committees, including the International Relations Committee of the American College of Surgeons and the International Relations Committee of the AHPBA.  He has served as World President of the International College of Surgeons and Chair of the International Relations Committee of the American College of Surgeons, and member of multiple committees of several surgical associations. He is also a member of the Executive Council of the Hellenic Surgical Society and President of the Hellenic Transplantation Society. Currently, he is also serving as the Vice-President of the Aristotle University School of Medicine.

The ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators® works to advance the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties. Individuals are selected as Members, Associate Members, or Affiliate Members following a stringent peer review process. This year’s class includes Members (56 Inductees), Associate Members (42 Inductees), and Affiliate Members (5 Inductees). The first inaugural class was inducted in 2018 and the Academy has since grown to include 458 Members, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members who represent thirteen surgical specialties other than general surgery. Inductees are from 32 states and the District of Columbia. They come from nine countries in addition to those from the United States.

Once inducted, Academy members actively engage in advancing the Academy’s programs and goals, which are to advance the science and practice of innovative lifelong surgical education, training, and scholarship in the changing milieu of health care; foster the exchange of creative ideas and collaboration; support the development and recognition of faculty; underscore the importance of lifelong surgical education and training; positively impact quality and patient safety through lifelong surgical education and training; disseminate advances in education and training to all surgeons; and offer mentorship to surgeon educators throughout their professional careers.

“This year, we celebrate another cohort of distinguished surgeon educators who are pushing the frontiers of surgical education and making outstanding contributions to our field,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, MAMSE, Senior Vice President of the ACS Division of Education and Co-Chair of the Academy. “As we welcome these new members, we are excited to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in surgical education. Together, we will define the future of surgical education and inspire the next generation of educators to advance patient care and professional practice through impactful education.” 

Academy members collaborate on and publish significant works of scholarship and participate in fireside chats, Grand Rounds Series, and the Academy Symposium, an annual conference that brings together Academy members to exchange best practices and discuss critical topics in surgical education. The Academy continues to focus on outreach and mentorship to surgeon educators from across the globe, with a special emphasis on engaging surgeon educators from low-middle income countries. With this year’s induction ceremony, the Academy will include 64 international members, representing 25 countries outside of the U.S.

“The Academy of Master Surgeon Educators continues to be a dynamic force, driving the evolution of surgical education through the dedication and expertise of its members,” said L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCS(Glasg)(Hon), MAMSE, Past President of the ACS, and Co-Chair of the Academy. “As we welcome the 2025 class of exceptional educators, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of surgical training and setting new educational benchmarks that ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes.” 

To learn more about the Academy of Master Surgeon Educations, please visit the Academy’s homepage.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that 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 significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.