News & Announcements
July 2020
COVID-19 Updates and Notices - Updated Frequently
An area of the ABS website dedicated to COVID-19 updates and notices relevant to diplomates, trainees and training programs.
July 10, 2020
September 2020 Specialty Exams to be Administered Virtually
The September 2020 ABS PS QE, VS QE, CGSO QE and SCC CE will be taken by candidates remotely, rather than at a testing center.
July 6, 2020
ABS Welcomes Drs. Mellinger and Hines as Chair and Vice Chair of Board of Directors
The ABS is pleased to welcome Dr. John D. Mellinger and Dr. O. Joe Hines as chair and vice chair, respectively, for 2020-21.
July 2, 2020
On the COVID-19 Front Lines: Rebecca M. Minter, M.D.
ABS Director Rebecca M. Minter, M.D. discusses providing surgical oncology care and creating a safe workspace during COVID-19.
June 29, 2020
On the COVID-19 Front Lines: Gary B. Korus, M.D.
ABS Associate Examiner Dr. Gary B. Korus discusses the importance of communication, education and family on the front lines of COVID-19.
June 25, 2020
On the COVID-19 Front Lines: Amy J. Goldberg, M.D.
ABS Director Amy J. Goldberg, M.D. discusses repurposing a Temple University Health System building to care for patients with COVID-19.
June 5, 2020
ABS to Welcome 4 New Councilors
The ABS announces four new councilors who will join the ABS Council as of July 1, 2020.
May 31, 2020
The ABS stands with the medical community to decry the sickness of racism.
May 18, 2020
ABS Announces Academic Pathway to Certification for International Medical Graduates
ABS announces an alternate pathway into the certification process for International Medical Graduates.
May 7, 2020
2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam To Be Administered Virtually
The July 2020 ABS General Surgery Qualifying Examination will be taken by candidates remotely, rather than at a testing center.
Apr. 22, 2020
June General Surgery Certifying Exam Cancelled
The General Surgery Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the June 2020 administration of the General Surgery Certifying Exam.
Apr. 16, 2020
Hardship Modifications to Continuous Certification Reporting Requirements
ABS will make hardship modifications for diplomates to alleviate the impact that COVID-19 may have on completing Continuous Certification Program Requirements.
Apr. 8, 2020
Hardship Modifications to Training Requirements - FAQs
Specialty-specific FAQs pertaining to the global recommendations and hardship modifications announced by ABS in March
Mar. 30, 2020
Message from the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons Regarding Coronavirus-related Racism
ABS stands with and supports our SAAS peers, and we thank those of you who are on the front lines working to treat patients affected by COVID-19.
Mar. 26, 2020
Modifications to Training Requirements
ABS will make hardship modifications across specialties to alleviate the impact that COVID-19 has on training requirements.
Mar. 20, 2020
Vascular Surgery Certifying Examination Cancelled
The Vascular Surgery Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the May 2020 administration of the Vascular Surgery Certifying Exam.
Mar. 19, 2020
ABS Statement on Training Requirements During COVID-19
ABS update on COVID-19 and its effect on residents' ability to meet training requirements.
Mar. 18, 2020
New study in JAMA provides evidence that board certification can be viewed as a marker of surgeon quality and professionalism.
Mar. 17, 2020
Pearson VUE Testing Center Closures
Pearson VUE has temporarily closed all U.S.- and Canada-based testing centers until at least April 16.
Mar. 16, 2020
Update to Program Directors - Training Issues
ABS is aware of the gaps in requirements that trainees may face due to COVID-19.
Mar. 13, 2020
Update to Program Directors - FLS/FES and Leave
ABS announces FLS/FES exemptions for the 2020 Qualifying Exam, plus a refresher on the ABS leave policies.
Mar. 09, 2020
American Board of Surgery COVID-19 Response
ABS has instituted a travel ban for all ABS activities through April 2020. The April General Surgery Certifying Exam is cancelled, and all board-related meetings scheduled through April will be held virtually.
Feb. 19, 2020
The latest ABS e-newsletter is now available, with information about our new executives, the SCORE merger, a focused practice designation update, Continuous Certification Assessment results, and more.
Feb. 11, 2020
Neurocritical Care Subspecialty Certificate
In conjunction with four other ABMS boards, ABS is pleased to offer an additional certification option to surgical critical care diplomates who are primarily engaged in the practice of neurocritical care.
Dec. 13, 2019
ABS Announces Merger with the Surgical Council on Resident Education
ABS is pleased to announce the merger of ABS and the Surgical Council on Resident Education, also known as SCORE®.
Dec. 12, 2019
Dr. Bruce A. Perler and Dr. Mary E. Klingensmith Appointed Vice Presidents of ABS
ABS is pleased to announce that Bruce A. Perler, M.D., and Mary E. Klingensmith, M.D., have been appointed to serve as vice presidents of the organization.
The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 to provide board certification to individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of surgery.
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