American Board of Surgery

American Board of Surgery (ABS) is a non-profit organization and an independent, autonomous body within the field of surgery in the United States. It was established to certify surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge. The ABS is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which is recognized as the leading entity for certifying medical specialists in the U.S.

History

The American Board of Surgery was founded in 1937 with the primary goal of improving the quality of surgical care by establishing standards for the education and training of surgeons. Since its inception, the ABS has evolved to include not only general surgery but also several subspecialties within the field.

Certification Process

The certification process by the ABS involves a combination of written and oral examinations designed to assess a candidate's knowledge, skills, and judgment in the field of surgery. Candidates must first complete a residency training program in surgery that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) before they are eligible to sit for the exams.

Initial Certification

Initial certification in general surgery requires successful completion of both a qualifying (written) exam and a certifying (oral) exam. The qualifying exam covers a broad range of topics in general surgery, while the certifying exam focuses on clinical judgment and decision-making skills.

Subspecialty Certification

In addition to general surgery, the ABS offers certification in several surgical subspecialties, including:

• Vascular Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgical Critical Care
• Complex General Surgical Oncology
• Hand Surgery (in conjunction with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery)

Candidates seeking subspecialty certification must first be certified in general surgery and then complete additional training and examination requirements specific to their chosen subspecialty.

Maintenance of Certification

The ABS also requires certified surgeons to participate in its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. This program is designed to promote lifelong learning and the continuous improvement of clinical skills. The MOC process involves periodic self-assessment and education, as well as a secure examination to assess knowledge and practice-related updates.

Role and Impact

The ABS plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of surgical care by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. Certification by the ABS is recognized as a significant achievement and is often required by hospitals and other healthcare institutions for surgical staff appointments.

Controversies and Challenges

Like many certifying boards, the ABS has faced criticism over the years regarding the cost, relevance, and burden of its certification and MOC processes. In response, the ABS has made efforts to update its programs to be more relevant and less burdensome to practicing surgeons while maintaining the integrity of its certification standards.

See Also

• Surgery
• Medical education in the United States
• Board certification