MOULTRIE, Ga – Howard L. Melton, MD, FACS, long-time general surgeon at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, was recently appointed as a Governor-at-Large to the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons.

Founded in 1913, the ACS is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that exists to improve the quality of care for surgical patients by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.

Melton will bring more than 27 years of surgical knowledge and experience and will serve as a direct communications link between the Board of Governors and the members of the ACS. He has also been selected to represent the Georgia chapter of the ACS as president-elect.

“Being appointed to the Board of Governors is an extraordinary honor,” said Melton. “l am looking forward to making a positive impact on the medical community through the important work that the ACS carries out. They offer invaluable resources and educational opportunities to ensure that surgeons are able to provide the highest quality of surgical care.”

A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Melton completed his medical education at the Medical College of Georgia and went on to complete an internship and residency at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

In 1996, Melton began his career as a general surgeon at Colquitt Regional. Since then, he has served in a variety of leadership roles, such as Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery and is currently a member of the Hospital Authority Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Melton has been an integral part of bringing exceptional surgical care to our hospital,” said Jim Matney, Colquitt Regional president and CEO. “His appointment to the Board of Governors will allow him to serve in a greater capacity and continue to share the latest in surgical advancements and safety with our organization.”

Melton has also played an instrumental role in the development of the bariatrics program at Sterling Center Bariatrics, which recently received full accreditation by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as a comprehensive center for the delivery of bariatric services.