New Video Explaining the Oral Exam
The Board is pleased to provide a new video that explains the format of the Part II (Oral) Exam. The video describes the Oral Exam process and provides tips to candidates on how to do their best on the exam. The Board encourages all candidates of the Oral Exam to view the video before their exam date. To view the video, Click Here.
New Extension for Candidates Applying for Congenital Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty Certification via Pathway II
The Board has extended the deadline for candidates who seek Congenital Cardiac Surgery subspecialty certification via Pathway II (Grandfather Pathway) until 2014, instead of 2012.
New Volume and Case Index Requirements for 6-year Integrated Residencies
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery recently approved new case volume and index requirements for residents who start on or after July 1, 2011 in 6-year integrated thoracic surgery programs. For more details, please Click Here.
New Thoracic Surgery Curriculum
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery has recently created and endorsed a new thoracic surgery curriculum that outlines what the well-trained thoracic surgery resident should know upon completion of his/her training. For more details, Click Here.
New Operative Logs Requirement
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery will be migrating its operative logs from CTSNet to ACGME. The Board had originally intended this to go into effect for residents who started their training on or after July 1, 2011; however, due to a delay in production, the Board will delay implementation. Residents who now start their training on or after July 1, 2012 will be required to use the ACGME logs. For more details, please Click Here.
2011 Booklets of Information
The Board now only publishes electronic copies of its Booklets of Information, which are updated annually. Click on one of the following 2011 Booklets:
SESATS
SESATS X (10) is now available at www.sesats.org. SESATS X (10) contains approximately 400 multiple-choice questions, critiques and reading covering all areas of thoracic surgery including adult and congenital cardiac, general thoracic and critical care. A person can earn up to 70 CME hours for taking SESATS X (10).
2011 Maintenance of Certification Process
For those Diplomates who went through the 2011 Maintenance of Certification process, the Board will be mailing Result Letters in early December. New certificates will be issued, printed and mailed by late February or early March 2012.
2012 Maintenance of Certification Process
Diplomates whose certificates expire in 2012, 2013 or 2014 will be expected to take the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) secured exam. The exam will be given from September 10-22, 2012 in an electronic format at Pearson Vue Testing Centers, which are located nationwide. The secured exam will be based off of SESATS IX (9) and will take approximately 5-6 hours. Diplomates will be able to choose the day of their exam and their testing center. For more information about the process, feel free to contact the Board office.
If you are not sure what version of SESATS you need to complete for Maintenance of Certification, please contact the Board.
New Congenital Heart Surgery Certificate
The Board is now offering a subspecialty certificate in Congenital Cardiac Surgery. For more information on the requirements and application process, Click Here.
Certification Categories
As recommended by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the ABTS has recently redefined its clinically active and clinically inactive status. For a full description of these two categories, Click Here.