Surgery Board Certification – Eligibility Requirements Highlighted

Surgery Board CertificationThe Board of Certification in Surgery (BCS) provides eligible physicians the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery in the core competencies and knowledge required to present themselves as qualified medical specialists in surgery. The Member Boards of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) share several eligibility requirements, including adherence to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics and an unrestricted medical license issued by every state where the physician practices.

Surgery board certification through the BCS has its own set of eligibility requirements. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Candidates must submit a documented summary of a minimum of twenty (20) surgical cases, in which the applicant had the lead role in managing. Case reports must be no older than twelve (12) months from the date the candidate’s application for certification is received by ABPS. Case reports should only include information on the care and services provided by the applicant.
  • Candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited PGY-1 program, or an AOA-accredited internship in surgery.
  • Candidates must complete an AOA-accredited Osteopathic residency or an ACGME-accredited residency in General Surgery. The ABPS now accepts all residencies accepted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). ABPS therefore now accepts all residencies approved by ACGME, AOA, or RCPSC.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements for surgery board certification through the BCS, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty board certification body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine