Introduction
The following policy outlines the transition to a single GME accreditation system and the requirements for osteopathic residents who complete their residency training in an ACGME-accredited training program.
The Transition to a Single GME Accreditation System
The transition to a single U.S. graduate medical education (GME) accreditation system was complete in June 2020, when the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) became members of the ACGME. Now all U.S. trainees train in ACGME-accredited programs, and are eligible for ABMS certification. As part of this transition, and as a way to recognize the legacy of the osteopathic programs, the ACGME created Osteopathic Recognition to formally acknowledge ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship programs that integrate formal education in Osteopathic Principles and Practice in their curriculum, consistent with the Osteopathic Recognition requirements.
Certification in General Surgery and Vascular Surgery
The single GME accreditation model now allows graduates of both osteopathic and allopathic U.S. medical school graduates to complete their residency and/or fellowship education in ACGME-accredited programs and demonstrate achievement of common Milestones and competencies. As such, osteopathic surgeons who began their general surgery or vascular surgery residency training after June 2020 must have graduated from an ACGME-accredited program and meet ABS initial certification requirements to be eligible to enter the ABS initial certification process for general surgery and/or vascular surgery.
Certification in Other ABS Specialties
The ABS requires graduates of training programs in pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, and complex general surgery oncology to achieve certification in general surgery by the ABS in order to be eligible for ABS certification in these specialties. Certification by the AOA does not meet this requirement. The subspecialty training must be completed in a program that is ACGME-accredited for the entire duration of the individual’s training.
All other requirements for certification in these specialties in effect at the time of application must also be fulfilled.
Additional Information
For additional information about the single U.S. GME accreditation system, please see the following pages on the ACGME website: