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!!!!!

ABS Guide toMultiple Choice Examinations

www.absurgery.org/xfer/ABSTestGuide.pdf

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

The ABS greatly appreciates your

efforts and cooperation!

www.absurgery.org