The College has an honorary society, referred to as the Gillum Society of Master Fellows, to honor highly distinguished osteopathic internists who have achieved recognition through their demonstrated excellence in clinical practice, teaching and/or research. Master Fellows are authorized to use the designation "MACOI" for as long as they remain members of the College in good standing.

Master Fellows are chosen based upon an outstanding and sustained demonstration of engagement and service to the ACOI, as well as exceptional professionalism, integrity and leadership. This honor is bestowed upon the best of our profession.

The recipients of the MACOI designation have demonstrated their commitment to the practice of internal medicine, teaching, authorship of professional papers, and participation in local, state, and national organizations. Recipients have also adhered to the professional and ethical standards established by the ACOI.

Let us recognize your ongoing service and dedication to ACOI: Apply today!

A formal application is required and must be submitted by June 30, 2026.

• Be a Fellow of the ACOI (FACOI) for at least 15 consecutive years.
• Be certified by an AOA or ABMS-recognized certifying board.
• Be an active member in good standing of ACOI with no current medical license restrictions.
• Demonstrate commitment to the practice of medicine through participation in teaching programs and on hospital, local, state, and national society committees.
• Demonstrate a continued pursuit of knowledge through participation in continuing education programs.
• Demonstrate adherence to the professional and ethical standards as established by the ACOI.

A formal application is required and must be submitted by June 30, 2026 to acoi@acoi.org, to be considered in the same year. In addition to completing the application, applicants are required to:

1. Complete the attached application outlining service to ACOI, national, state and hospital committees.
2. Include with the application two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s qualifications, as well as the applicant’s character, professional, and ethical standing. One recommendation letter shall come from a member of the ACOI who has been a Fellow (FACOI) for at least 5 years; and one letter of recommendation may come from someone who can vouch for the skills, achievements, and character of the applicant.
3. Include with the application a personal statement explaining why the applicant deserves to receive the MACOI designation.
4. Pay a $500 non-refundable processing fee.

Applicants who apply by June 30, 2026, will have their applications reviewed and acted upon by August 31, 2026. Applicants are notified whether the application is complete and whether, if necessary, any deficient items must be submitted.

One of the following actions will be taken by ACOI:

1. The application is approved, and the award will be bestowed at the Annual Convention. Please note, candidates must attend the Annual Convention in person to receive the MACOI designation.
2. The application is not approved because the applicant did not fulfill all requirements. Applicants who are not approved may submit a new application one year following the decision to not approve the previous application. Reapplication requires the submission of the $100 processing fee and compliance with all other application requirements. Applicants who are not approved are notified of the requirements that they have not fulfilled.

The MACOI designation is an honor. Completion of the MACOI application does not establish a contract between the applicant and the ACOI. Fulfillment of the requirements for the MACOI designation is determined by use of a rating system, a personal statement from the applicant and two letters of recommendation. ACOI may, at its discretion, consider other criteria in addition to the stated requirements.

Members of the Gillum Society of Master Fellows are recognized at the Convocation of Fellows & Awards Ceremony during the same year following the approval of the application.

All newly elected Members of the Gillum Society of Master Fellows are required to be inducted at the Convocation of Fellows & Awards Ceremony held during the Annual Conference that takes place following notification of the approval of the MACOI designation. If the applicant fails to participate in the ceremony to receive the title, then the pending MACOI designation will be on hold until the candidate is able to appear in person at the Annual Convocation.

Upon discontinuation of ACOI membership, the title of MACOI will be automatically withdrawn.