November 2020

COVID-19 Updates and Notices

An area of the ABS website dedicated to COVID-19 updates and notices relevant to diplomates, trainees and training programs.

Sept. 16, 2020

Rescheduled Date Announced for 2020 Specialty Exams

The September 2020 ABS Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology Qualifying Exams, as well as the Surgical Critical Care Certifying Exam, have been rescheduled for April 12, 2021.

Sept. 3, 2020

Volunteer with the ABS

ABS volunteers write exam questions, serve as examiners, provide essential user testing and feedback on our website and diplomate portal, and more. We are always accepting volunteer applications, so if you are interested, complete this form.

Aug. 27, 2020

ABS Announces Solution for 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam

The July 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam has been rescheduled and will be administered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country on April 15, 2021.

Aug. 5, 2020

Request for Proposal for an Item Bank

ABS is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors for the purpose of procuring and implementing an item bank for use in exam development and deployment.

Aug. 5, 2020

2020 Continuous Certification Registration and Reporting Update

Diplomates will have until Jan. 15, 2021 to report on any ongoing requirements. Registration for all 2020 ABS Continuous Certification Assessments will be available on Aug. 10.

July 31, 2020

September 2020 Specialty Exams Postponed

The September 2020 ABS PS QE, VS QE, CGSO QE and SCC CE will be postponed due to issues with the exam administration platform.

July 28, 2020

Video FAQs - 2020 Virtual General Surgery Qualifying Exam

ABS President and CEO Dr. Jo Buyske goes into more detailed explanations for some of the FAQs regarding the 2020 virtual General Surgery QE.

July 21, 2020

FAQs - 2020 Virtual General Surgery Qualifying Exam

FAQs and related information regarding the 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam.

July 17, 2020

ABS Issuing Refunds, Launching Security Investigation for Virtual 2020 General Surgery QE

ABS is refunding fees, launching an investigation into the security concerns, and considering all suggested solutions for the 2020 General Surgery QE.

July 16, 2020

ABS Update Regarding the July 16-17 General Surgery Qualifying Exam

ABS update regarding administration of the 2020 virtual General Surgery QE.

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

ABS Statement on Racism

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

ABS Study Links Initial Certification to Risk of Receiving Severe Disciplinary Actions Against Medical Licenses

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

ABS E-News - Winter 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.