Common Questions

What does FACS mean?
FACS designates a “Fellow” in the American College of Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons was founded in 1913 as a scientific and educational association of surgeons. Their goal is to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. It is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

Members of the American College of Surgeons are referred to as “Fellows.” The letters FACS in a surgeons title reflect that the surgeon’s education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College.

What does “Board Certified” mean?
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inc. functions to serve the best interests of the public and of the medical profession by establishing educational standards for orthopaedic residents and by evaluating the initial and continuing qualifications and knowledge of orthopaedic surgeons.

Certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery means that the orthopaedic surgeon has met the specified educational, evaluation and examination requirements of the Board. Since 1986 the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery has issued time limited certificates. Those orthopaedic surgeons who were certified in 1986 and thereafter must maintain their certification by completing 120 hours of pertinent continuing education, undergoing a stringent peer review process to make certain they are respected by their peers and practicing ethical orthopaedic surgery, and taking and passing a written or oral examination. This maintenance of certification process must be performed every seven to ten years.

Dr. Ginther has maintained his board certification throughout his career. His most recent re-certification was issued in January 2003 for 10 years.

What is a Physician Assistant?
Physician assistants (PA) are mid-level health practitioners who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of the physician/PA team, PA’s exercise autonomy in diagnosing and treating illnesses. They deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. In orthopaedics, a PA provides care to new and post-op patients, first assists in surgery, casts and splints, interprets x-rays, performs history and physicals for surgical clearance, and rounds on inpatients at the hospital. They can prescribe medicine in 48 of the 50 states. PA’s educational background/training is a bachelor or masters degree taught under the medical model like physicians. A physician assistant who has passed the national certification exam will have the title, PA-C (Physician Assistant-Certified) after their name. Overall, a physician/physician assistant team promotes patient education, greater time with a health care provider and overall patient care.