The American Board of Surgery announced a revised and reformulated path for surgeons to board certification that will replace the current Maintenance of Certification process now in place.
The new program will offer surgeons greater flexibility and more practice-relevant options to achieve lifelong learning in their field and continuous board certification. The ABS based the program on feedback from diplomates (ABS-certified surgeons) including the findings from a 2016 survey sent to 5,000 diplomates.
Effective immediately, diplomates will be asked to report their professional standing, CME activities, and practice assessment participation every 5 years, rather than every 3 years. All diplomates will have their current reporting cycle extended by 2 years. The self-assessment CME requirement has been has been reduced by half. For 2018, more options for recertification will be offered with a greater focus on ongoing, high-value, and practice-relevant learning. The current 10-year interval recertification examination will continue to be offered for those who choose it. Input from diplomates will be sought in the coming months to provide input on the new program.
Find the full statement at http://www.absurgery.org/default.jsp?news_mocchange0717.