Congenital Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty

Congenital Cardiac Surgery News

ABTS is pleased to announce that format of the Congenital Subspecialty Certification Part I (Written) Exam has been updated in an effort to improve content coverage and validity, and reduce cognitive load. Beginning in 2025, ABTS’s written exams will include multiple choice questions with three answer options, down from four answer options in previous written exams. ABTS written exams will continue to assess a surgeon’s knowledge of clinical knowledge and surgical skills, and evaluate their competency to ensure they meet standards for safe and effective patient care.

Eligibility for Congenital Board Exams
A candidate is eligible for Board Examination for Subspeciality Certification in Congenital Cardiac Surgery during the first 2 years following completion of a congenital ACGME accredited training program. If the candidate has NOT achieved primary ABTS certification within the 2 years following completion of congenital cardiac surgery training, the individual must provide additional information regarding congenital cases performed and CME obtained between the completion of congenital training and the application for subspecialty certification before such application can be considered.

Two-Year Congenital Fellowship Change 
Beginning in 2023, all candidates for congenital cardiac surgery subspecialty certification will be required to complete 2 consecutive years of ACGME training in a single program and complete 150 major cases, with a minimum of 50 major cases in the first year of training.  These requirements will be effective for congenital residents who started their training on or after July 1, 2023. Review the Booklet of Information for more information.

Synchronization of Certification Dates
The Board approved plans to synchronize the certificate dates of the congenital certificate with the primary thoracic surgery certificate.

Leave of Absence Policy
Effective February 25, 2022, the ABTS revised its Leave of Absence Policy that effects all congenital cardiac surgery residents, including those in 1-year or 2-year programs. To read more about the new policy, click here.