The ABS in 2006: A Year of (More) Change
Association of Residency Coordinators in SurgeryMarch 21, 2006
Registration vs. rosters
Registration related to ABSITE
Rosters related to QE - must up-to-date and accurate
Application packets for the graduating chiefs, with log-in information, will be mailed soon
The importance of the rosters ABS will only approve number of resident
positions approved by RRC
Application packets will only include info for residents on previous rosters
ABS may not be aware of RRC actions
To avoid problems, send copies of RRC to ABS at time of such approval
Completing the application
Log-in on ABS website, www.absurgery.org
Access application under “My Records” and then under “On-Line Applications”
In rare situations multiple applications may be available – if so, select right one
Personal Information/Rotations in one section
Essential content areas (ECA)(Allowable Chief Resident rotations)
Alimentary Tract
Abdomen & its contents
Breast, Skin, Soft Tissue
Endocrine
Head & Neck Surgery
Surgical Critical Care
Surgical Oncology
Trauma/Burns
Vascular Surgery
Pediatric Surgery
Transplantation
Allowable chief resident rotations No more than four (4) months in any ECA*
For mixed rotations (e.g., Vascular/Thoracic) list the predominant service.
Caveat: predominant service for Chief year must be in an essential content area
Completing the application
Log-in
Access application under “My Records” and the under “On-Line Applications”
Beware if multiple applications available
Personal Information/Rotations in one section
Operative Experience a separate section
Operative case requirements
ABS 500 procedures
150 cases as Chief
Experience in all ECA*
RRC 500 procedures
150 cases as Chief
Experience in all ECA*
plus Defined minimums
* ECA = Essential Content Areas
Reporting operative experience ABS and ACGME to share SOL data
May wish to submit ACGME hard copy to avoid delays
Separate PD signature not required
Other formats no longer acceptable
Frequent problems
Incorrect Program Director
Gaps in chronologic sequence
Missing final ECFMG certificate
Undocumented leave (e.g., pregnancy)
Missing data
Transplantation
ABS requires pre-operative, operative, and post-operative experience in transplant
Objective is direct patient care of transplant patients - transplant rotation not required
If neither operative experience nor rotation, then send patient roster
Non-operative trauma/critical care
Experience in one or both often left blank
ABS requirements = RRC requirements
Do not need worksheets
The final touches
“Make Final” may be slower Original signatures (do not fax) A current full, unrestricted medical license
(grace period of 6 months) Correct payment
Credit cards (VISA/MC/Discover/AmEx); or Check to the American Board of Surgery (not
ACS) for $300 Late application fee is $500
Application deadlines
Early Late
GS QE May 2 June 1
VS QE June 30 July 17
SCC CE June 30 July 17
PS QE N/A N/A
Verification of status
Access under ‘My Records” on ABS Web site
Available information: Application components, fees, and approval Examination admissibility, components, and fees Status of Test Admission Authorization letter
2006 examination dates
Qualifying Examination in
General Surgery
Thursday, August 10
Qualifying Examination in
Vascular Surgery
Tuesday, September 26
Certifying Examination in
Surgical Critical Care
Tuesday, September 26
Examination registration
Promptly “return” Reply Card and payment of separate examination fee ($700)
Examinees to register with Pearson VUE but cannot without Test Admission Authorization letter from ABS
Block released on June 12
Register early!!!!!
Very important!
Keep ABS up-to-date on resident changes of snail mail and e-mail addresses
Can do so online at ABS website under “My Record” and “Update Personal Info”
Other important considerations
Publication of combined exam performance
Satisfactory completion of each year
No more than 3 programs (effective 2008)
Five (rather than six) CE in 2006-07
May take SCC examination at completion of SCC residency
Primary certification in vascular surgery Primary certificate approved by ABMS
Primary training approved by ACGME
Programs/resident interest?
Must be approved for two years after 7/1/08
Eligible only for those who complete Surgery 2006-2007 or thereafter
3-year/2-year rule will apply
The ABSITE – new issues
Separate junior/senior examinations Junior = Basic Science/Diagnosis and Evaluation
Senior = Complex Management
Greater breadth and depth for both groups – more difficult
Emphasis on absolute over normative scoring (e.g., % correct vs. percentile)
Change affects scores/reports
The ABSITE – recurring problems Still some suspicious behavior
Careful proctoring is essential!
Timely return of test books
ABSITE review is OK!
QE security
Teaching to the test vs. teaching the test
Changes in examination development
Changes in examination scoring