ENT Credentials 101: What “FACS” and “FAAO-HNS” Actually Mean

Today’s modern patients are smarter and more critical than ever. Before choosing a healthcare provider to trust for their health issues and concerns, they make sure to do proper research on the available clinic and physician options, including looking into their credentials.

Healthy ears, nose, and throat play an important role in daily communication, productivity, and comfort.

In the medical field, including ENT, credentials confirm that a physician has properly trained and passed all required assessments to legally provide healthcare services to patients. They play a very important role in helping patients choose the right ENT care provider who can help address their health issues and concerns.

This guide was created by Capitol Breathe Free and reflects general information to help patients in Arlington, Woodbridge, and nearby Northern Virginia communities understand the basics of ENT credentials and help them choose the right provider for their needs. It is not a substitute for medical advice or an endorsement of specific providers.

What Exactly Is “FACS”?

In ENT and other surgical medical areas, “FACS” stands for “Fellow of the American College of Surgeons”. FACS is a professional fellowship designation for medical professionals who have passed a set of requirements for education, qualification, and ethics to join the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS is a professional medical association for surgeons and surgical team members.

An FACS fellowship signifies that a physician:

• Has been peer-reviewed and accepted into the ACS
• Has completed an accredited surgical training
• Has met the requirements of board certification in their surgical specialty (such as the Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery)
• Has an ongoing commitment to continuing medical training and education, high standards of surgical and medical care, and ethical practice

In most cases, physicians with FACS have completed accredited surgical training and hold board certification in their specialty. However, it is a professional designation and not a board certification itself.

What Exactly Is “FAAO-HNS”?

In ENT, “FAAO-HNS” stands for “Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery”. FAAO-HNS is a professional fellowship designation for ENT medical professionals who have met the requirements for education, training, and ethics to join the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). The AAO-HNS is one of the world’s largest professional associations for medical specialists and is the main professional organization for ENT specialists in the United States.

An FAAO-HNS fellowship signifies that an ENT care provider:

• Is in good standing with the AAO-HNS
• Has met the academy’s standards for training in the field of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery
• Has completed an accredited surgical training in their area of specialization
• Has an ongoing commitment to ENT education, training, guidelines, and ethics
• Engaged in ENT-specific standard of care, research, and best practices

FACS vs FAAO-HNS: What Is the Difference?

Neither the FACS nor the FAAO-HNS indicates a professional certification, and both are voluntary memberships in professional societies.

The FACS broadly signifies surgical excellence across all specialties, including ENT, and the completion of an accredited surgical training. On the other hand, FAAO-HNS signifies ENT-specific professional involvement.

At a glance, here are the major differences between FACS and FAAO-HNS:

FACS

FAAO-HNS

American College of Surgeons (ACS)

Organization

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)

All surgical specialties

Medical scope

ENT specialty

Surgical competence and work ethics

Focus

Professional involvement in the ENT medical field

Required for eligibility

Board certification

Not required, but common among members

MD, FACS

Credential line

MD, FAAO-HNS

In ENT, FACS indicates an ENT surgeon’s surgical qualifications and commitment to professionalism and ethical standards, while FAAO-HNS indicates an ENT professional’s membership and good standing in the largest professional organization for ENT specialists in the US.

The Most Critical ENT Credential: Board Certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Many experienced ENT professionals have both FACS and FAAO-HNS credentials, but a highly respected credential in ENT care is board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Being a board-certified ENT means that they have undergone rigorous specialty training and have met industry-wide professional standards and requirements set by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), a nationally-recognized certifying body for otolaryngologists in the US.

A board-certified ENT may choose to undergo further training for a subspeciality, including Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology, Neurotology, and Sleep Medicine.

ENT Credentials FAQs in Woodbridge & Arlington, VA

What is an ENT?

An ENT, formally known as an otolaryngologist, is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Some ENT doctors choose to further their expertise to include subspecialties in the head, neck, mouth, and facial structures.

ENT physicians are trained to address a wide variety of ENT concerns, including allergies, chronic sinusitis, ear infections, hearing loss, and sleep-related breathing disorders, using both non-surgical and surgical treatment options.

Is an ENT the same as an otolaryngologist?

Yes, both the terms “ENT” and “otolaryngologist” refer to the same medical provider and specialist.

“ENT” is the more commonly used term because it’s easier to remember for most people, while “otolaryngologist” is the more formal and official term for such care providers.

Most otolaryngologists prefer the latter term because it recognizes that they are trained to address more than just the conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, and could include more complex subspecialties and conditions. “Otolaryngologist” is also more consistent with the name of the practice’s existing board and certification, and is the widely recognized name by most hospitals and clinics.

What do ENTs treat?

While a primary care provider (PCP) can diagnose and address mild ENT concerns, you may be referred to a specialist if you experience certain symptoms, like:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Persistent sore or scratchy throat
• Chronic cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Recurring ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues
• Severe sinus pain and pressure
• Wheezing or hoarseness
• Swollen lymph nodes

Disclaimer: This is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek a physician for a personalized diagnosis and treatment.

What is the difference between a licensed physician and a board-certified physician?

In the United States, all doctors must have a medical license to practice in the state where they work, and this includes ear, nose, and throat care. A board certification is a voluntary program licensed physician may choose to pursue, and includes specialty education and training for their chosen area of specialty (e.g., ENT). Licensing is a legal requirement, while certification is a voluntary pursuit.

Are all otolaryngologists board-certified?

No, not every otolaryngologist is board-certified. In the US, the only requirement to practice medicine, including ENT care, is a medical license in the state in which the physician practices. Board certification entails specialty training, education, and assessment by a higher governing body like the ABOHNS.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right ENT Care Provider in Virginia

If you’re comparing ENT care options, Capitol Breathe Free offers ENT services in Arlington and Woodbridge, VA. Learn more about our ENT services or contact our team directly for any inquiries.