As announced in our Nov. 3 update, work is underway on a new assessment program for general surgery to launch in the second half of 2018. Diplomates will be able to use the new program to continue their certification by taking an online, open book assessment every two years. Other ABS specialties will be phased in following the initial launch in 2018 for general surgery.
See below to hear comments from ABS Chair Dr. Mary Klingensmith about the new program, and stay tuned for further details in the coming weeks.
ABS Chair Dr. Mary Klingensmith discusses a new direction for continuous certification.
About the ABS
The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 for the purpose of certifying individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of surgery. Surgeons certified by the ABS have completed at least five years of surgical training following medical school and successfully completed a written and oral examination process administered by the ABS. They must then maintain their board certification through ongoing learning and practice improvement activities.
The ABS offers board certification in general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, complex general surgical oncology, surgery of the hand, and hospice and palliative medicine. It is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Jan. 22, 2018