General Requirements
Applicants for pediatric surgery certification must have acquired no fewer than 96 weeks of full-time clinical activity over the two years of pediatric surgery training. The remaining eight (8) weeks are considered non-clinical time that may be used for any purpose, such as vacation, conferences, interviews, etc.
All time away from training, including vacation and time taken for interviews, visa issues, etc., must be accounted for on the application for certification.
ABS Leave Policy
The ABS acknowledges the need to take time away from training for certain significant life events. Therefore, effective as of the 2022-2023 academic year and thereafter, as allowed by their programs, trainees may take up to an additional four (4) weeks of documented leave once during training to care for a new child, whether for the birth, the adoption, or placement of a child in foster care; to care for a seriously ill family member (partner, child, or parent); to grieve the loss of a family member (partner, child, or parent); or to recover from the trainee’s own serious illness. This policy is not retroactive and does not apply to leave taken prior to the 2022-2023 academic year.
The ABS will accept 92 weeks of full-time clinical activity over the two years of pediatric surgery training while maintaining admissibility to the ABS initial certification examination process.
Note: This is an ABS policy only and should not be confused with family leave as permitted by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). No approval is needed for this option if taken as outlined.
Arrangements beyond the standard leave described above require prior written approval from the ABS. Such requests may only be made by the program director.
Considerations for Workplace Support of Pregnant Surgeons
The American Board of Surgery recommends personalized training scheduled and responsibilities based upon pregnancy-related conditions. Programs should consider, and where appropriate, employ modifications to protect the pregnant surgeon and fetus. Consideration should be given to eliminating overnight call, assigning rotations that do not require long periods of standing, either during cases or otherwise, and limiting duty hours, especially during the third trimester. The American Board of Surgery expects that these decisions be made in accordance with federal and state laws and with the involvement of the trainee.