ACP Facts

Background

The American College of Physicians (ACP) is a national organization of internists -- physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses in adults. Internists are major providers of primary care in the United States. They are especially well-trained in the diagnosis of puzzling medical problems, in the ongoing care of complicated illnesses, and in caring for patients with more than one disease. Internists also specialize in health promotion and disease prevention.

History and Mission

The ACP mission is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine. The organization was founded in 1915 to promote the science and practice of medicine and has been based in Philadelphia since 1926. In 1998, ACP merged with the American Society of Internal Medicine (ASIM), which was established in 1956 to study economic aspects of medicine.

Membership

With 126,000 members, ACP is the largest medical specialty organization and second-largest physician group in the United States. ACP provides information and advocacy for its members as they practice internal medicine and related subspecialties such as cardiology and gastroenterology. ACP members are also involved in medical education, research, and administration.

Levels of ACP membership are Medical Student, Associate, Member, Fellow ("FACP"), Honorary Fellow, and Master ("MACP.") Fellowship and Mastership recognize achievements in internal medicine. Masters are selected for outstanding contributions to medicine.

Internists and Subspecialists

A physician who completes an internal medicine residency program lasting a minimum of three years is an internist. A primary care internist, who provides comprehensive care to adult patients, is also known as a general internist. The general internist is an expert in the general care of the adult but also may have special areas of expertise. A subspecialty internist completes one to three years of additional training. A subspecialist’s practice may be limited entirely or in large part to the care of patients with selected diseases (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology). Some internists practice a combination of both general and subspecialty medicine, and some, called hospitalists, provide general medical care for hospitalized patients. Both general and subspecialty internists, regardless of practice setting, share common training in a discipline known for a detailed approach to problems.

Publications

Annals of Internal Medicine, published by ACP twice-monthly, is one of the top medical journals in the world. ACP Journal Club PLUS summarizes the most important medical articles from more than 100 journals. ACP Internist is an award-winning newspaper for internists, while ACP Hospitalist is published for those in hospital practice. ACP Medicine is a continually updated reference for internal medicine. ACP Press publishes books about clinical medicine and the humanities.

Activities

The ACP Washington, D.C., office monitors and responds to policy issues that affect public health and the practice of medicine. Activities include development of policy statements and communication with legislative and administrative sectors of government.

The Center for Ethics and Professionalism seeks to advance physician and public understanding of ethics and professionalism issues in the practice of medicine, in order to enhance patient care by promoting the highest ethical standards. The ACP Foundation, working with internists, health literacy, and communication experts, creates innovative health information tools to help patients better understand and manage their health.

Education and Information Resources

ACP’s continuing medical education programs for internists include its annual scientific meeting. Internal Medicine 2009 will be held in Philadelphia, April 23-25. ACP produces the Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP), now in its 14th edition; postgraduate board review courses; recertification courses; and chapter/regional meetings. For future internists, ACP provides education and career information, produces MKSAP for Students, and administers an In-Training Examination for residents.

ACP Electronic information resources include PIER (Physicians’ Information and Education Resource), a Web-based decision-support tool. Other resources include MKSAP 14 CD-ROM and MKSAP 14 Update, a PDA Portal, and Clinical Skills Teaching Modules. The Center for Practice Improvement and Innovation (CPII) helps internal medicine practices achieve quality performance while succeeding in a demanding practice environment.

The Medical Laboratory Evaluation Program (MLE) offers proficiency testing for laboratories in the United States and abroad.

ACP provides patient education brochures and videos/DVDs for physicians who wish to raise awareness and educate their patients and communities.

Structure

ACP is governed by an elected Board of Regents. The Board is advised by a network of ACP committees and by the ACP Board of Governors, which is composed of 78 elected Governors in chapters and regions of the United States, Canada, Central and South America, and Japan. ACP sponsors the Council of Subspecialty Societies, which represents 25 subspecialty societies and internal medicine organizations. ACP is represented in the American Medical Association, the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, and other organizations.

Officer and Staff Spokespersons

  • 2008-2009 President: Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, FACP, Millwood, Va.
  • 2008-2009 Chair, Board of Regents: William B. Applegate, MD, MPH, FACP, Winston-Salem, N.C.
  • 2008-2009 President-elect: Joseph W. Stubbs, MD, FACP, Albany, Ga.*
  • 2008-2009 Chair-elect, Board of Regents: Frederick E. Turton, MD, MBA, FACP, Sarasota, Fla.*
  • Executive Vice President and CEO: John Tooker, MD, MBA, FACP, Philadelphia

*to take office as President, and Chair, Board of Regents, 4/25/09

Page updated: 07-17-08