Eligibility for the 2023 5-year MOC 
The Board will accept MOC applications for the 2023 5-year MOC process starting on June 19, 2023. Eligible Diplomates include those who hold a time-limited certificates ending in 2028. In addition, Diplomates whose certificates expires in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 who did not go through the process in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 or who did not successfully complete it, are eligible. After the submitted application has been approved, the next step for the Diplomate is to complete SESATS XIII (13) by December 18, 2023.

Applications will be accepted between June 19 - July 30, 2023.  There is a $550 Application Fee paid after the application has been submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 30, 2023. Late applications will be accepted between July 31 - August 13, 2023. There will be an additional $400 Late Application Fee assessed for those submitted between July 31 - August 13, 2023.  For Diplomates who did not complete their 5-year MOC in their fifth year of their certification cycle, an additional $400 per year fee is assessed.

No applications will be accepted after August 13, 2023.

Completing SESATS XIII (13) for the 2023 5-year MOC process
Once a Diplomate (Clinically Active or Inactive) has an approved 5-year MOC application, the Board will send him/her by email instructions on how to obtain a free copy of SESATS XIII (13).  SESATS XIII (13) will need to be completed in its entirety (all 400 questions) by December 18, 2023.  It is not necessary for a Diplomate to purchase SESATS XIII (13) because he/she will be given a copy as part of the 5-year MOC process.

Applications for the 2023 5-year MOC process
The 5-year Maintenance of Certification (MOC) application is online through the Board's new web portal. Starting June 19, 2023, Diplomates are able to access the MOC application through the portal by clicking the "Visit Portal Page"  button on the Board's home page.  If this is your first time signing into the portal, please contact the Board office to obtain your username and instructions on how to create a new password.  Once you are on your portal page, you should first update your contact information on the Profile Tab. You can also personalize your portal page by adding an optional photo.  

If eligible, the 5-year MOC application can be accessed by clicking the Application Button that will appear on the left-side of your portal page.

Diplomates, who did not complete their 5-year MOC in their fifth (5th) year of their certification cycle, will be assessed an additional $400 late fee for each year they are late.

Deadline Dates for the 2023 5-Year MOC Application
Applications will be accepted from June 19 - July 30, 2023.  Late applications will be accepted from July 31 - August 13, 2023.  Applications received after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 30, 2023 will be assessed a $400 late fee. No applications will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 13, 2023.

Clinically-Active Diplomates
Diplomates who are Clinically-Active (seeing thoracic surgery patients) can go through the 5-year MOC.  Before you starting the application process, it is highly recommended that you have the following documents on hand when you complete the application:

1. Copies of all medical licenses (PDF format) and National Practitioner Identifier Number. You will need to upload a .pdf copy for each medical license listed on the MOC application;


2. A letter of reference from your Chief of Staff, or VP of Medical Affairs or equivalent position.  This individual can use this Reference Template Form (Click Here)  or he/she can write a letter on their own institutional letterhead provided there is a signature (PDF format);


3. A letter of reference from a responsible member on staff.  This individual can use this Reference Template Form (Click Here)  or he/she can write a letter on their own institutional letterhead provided there is a signature (PDF format);


4. Complete the practice profile.  Provide the percentage of time spent in surgical and non-surgical activities listed in the 5-Year MOC application;


5. The name and a brief description of a Practice Quality Improvement (PQI) project performed in the last two years (March 1, 2021 through the date of the application);


6. The name of a Patient Safety Course taken in the last two year (March 1, 2021 through the date of the application); and


7. Submit 150 AMA Category 1 CME hours since January 1, 2019, half (75 hours) of which need to be in the broad category of thoracic surgery

All Diplomates in the 2023 5-year MOC process
If selected for a random CME credit audit, Diplomates will be expected to submit copies of their third-party CME certificates (PDF format).  If you have been randomly selected for a CME credit audit, you will receive an email requesting copies of the third-party CME certificates.

A confirmation email will be sent to Diplomates when the application is submitted. Another email will be sent when the application has been approved.  Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email with information on how to obtain a free copy of SESATS.