American College of Surgeons backtracks on decision to strip HK medical lawmaker of membership

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has withdrawn its previous decision to strip Hong Kong medical lawmaker David Lam Tzit-yuen of his status as an International Fellow of the medical organization over his residency in China.

On September 23, Lam published a post on Facebook showing a letter from ACS to inform him he would not be continually offered Fellowship or other membership status due to his Chinese residency. 

However, ACS published a statement on Thursday that follow-up letters were sent to individuals who received that correspondence “to clarify that there has been no change to their membership or their status with the College”.

ACS did not mention the reason for the backtrack on the decision.

It added, “we look forward to our continued collaboration with members in Hong Kong as we continue to advance the field of surgery to deliver the best possible care to our patients”.