Benjamin Lam, DO, RES ’00, has built a career defined by authenticity, exploration, and a commitment to giving back to future physicians. As president-elect of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), Dr. Lam is preparing to lead the organization while continuing to impart his knowledge to residents and medical students.
Dr. Lam’s path to surgery was far from linear. Originally training in anesthesiology, he found himself increasingly drawn to the “opposite side of the curtain” —asking questions, observing and learning from attending surgeons the technical side of procedures.
While anesthesiology offered stability, surgery remained at the forefront of his mind. “It was gnawing at me bit by bit, and I kept asking myself, ‘what if?’” After witnessing surgeons operate firsthand during his anesthesiology residency, his interest in the specialty grew stronger with each case. “ It almost seemed like the mystical forces of the universe was trying to talk to me” Dr. Lam joked as a chance encounter with a palm reader agreed with the pursuit of this new opportunity.
Dr. Lam ultimately left his anesthesiology residency to pursue training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He went on to establish a private practice, publish in national peer-reviewed publications, and educate future physicians. As program director for PCOM’s former plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship, mentorship became central to his work. “It became a passion of mine to see these residents succeed,” he said.
Education remains a cornerstone of Dr. Lam’s career. Drawing from his own experiences, he fosters a culture of humility and accessibility. “Many of the surgeons while I was in training were not open to mentorship, so I aimed to be the opposite for my residents,” he explained.
These experiences led him to ACOS, which he first joined as a resident member. As his involvement grew, he became active in the plastic surgery sector and helped implement educational initiatives supporting future osteopathic plastic surgeons. “ACOS’s values really aligned with my own,” he noted.
Reflecting on his early career, Dr. Lam described the challenges once faced by osteopathic surgeons. “Being a DO surgeon felt like you were on an island alone,” he said, noting that surgical residencies and physicians. Through the ACOS, he found both community and connection.
After years of service in the organization, the unexpected came knocking: an offer for the presidency position of the entire ACOS organization. “I was in complete shock and awe. I was so humbled by this opportunity,” he recalled.
Before offcially assuming the presidency in the fall, Dr. Lam is traveling to medical schools and speaking with MS1 and MS2 students —a full circle moment. “I feel like I’m on a rockstar tour,” he laughed. “But truly, it is amazing to speak to these students and get this interest and passion for medicine reflected back at me. It is so rewarding!”
During his one-year term as ACOS president, Dr. Lam will advance his predecessor’s initiatives while initiating some of his own to propel and enhance the organization’s future. “This is it – the pinnacle, the highest you can go, so I plan just to continue to be myself and aid ACOS in shaping the future of physicians,” he shared.
For Dr. Lam, his journey in medicine and within ACOS has been grounded in community, transparency, and passion. “When you are honest and strive to always do the right thing, it will reflect in the work you do,” he shared. “I hope to move forward in life knowing I have done my part and given my contribution back to the field of medicine.”
