ABTS Congenital Director Self-Nomination Process Now Open

The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting nominations for a congenital Director position. The Director will be expected to provide important contributions to the Board by offering unique perspective on issues impacting the ABTS and its Diplomates.

The ABTS is seeking highly qualified, actively practicing congenital surgeons who are highly regarded by their colleagues as exemplary practitioners and role models, who have experience with thoracic surgical residency or congenital fellowship teaching, and who would be advocates for advancing the quality of practice among thoracic surgical practitioners to improve thoracic surgical care.

ABTS is specifically seeking a congenital cardiac surgeon with the following attributes:
  • be ABTS certified;
  • have experience with the ABTS examination process and question writing (In-Training Exam, SESATS, or ABTS Written Exam)
  • have experience as ABTS Oral Examination examiner
  • have been in practice for at least 10 years;
  • be engaged in active clinical practice;
  • be involved in resident education;
  • have good interpersonal communication skills;
  • be diplomatic, reliable, prompt, and discreet;
  • be a strategic thinker;
  • have vision to lead the specialty.
The term of a Director is 6 years and may extend up to 10 years if elected as Board Chair or Exam Chair. The elected Director’s term will start in the Fall of 2026 and end in the Fall of 2032.

Click here to learn more about the self-nomination process.

If you are interested in nominating yourself for the congenital Director position, email info@abts.org with “2026 ABTS Self-Nomination” in the subject line.The message should include your full name, email address, assistant’s email address (if applicable), and a brief sentence expressing your interest in the position. If you are eligible to apply, you will be contacted by ABTS staff with next steps in the process. Surgeons are not permitted to nominate other surgeons; only self-nominations are allowable.

Self-nominations are due by May 15, 2026.