The ABS in 2006: A Year of (More) Change

1. The ABS in 2006: A Year of (More) Change Association of Residency Coordinators in Surgery March 21, 2006

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

7. 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 Essential content areas (ECA)(Allowable Chief Resident rotations)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 Operative case requirements * ECA = Essential Content Areas

11. 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

12. Frequent problems • Incorrect Program Director • Gaps in chronologic sequence • Missing final ECFMG certificate • Undocumented leave (e.g., pregnancy) • Missing data

13. 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

14. Non-operative trauma/critical care • Experience in one or both often left blank • ABS requirements = RRC requirements • Do not need worksheets

15. 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

16. Application deadlines

17. 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

18. 2006 examination dates

19. 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!!!!!

20. ABS Guide toMultiple Choice Examinations www.absurgery.org/xfer/ABSTestGuide.pdf

21. 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”

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. The ABSITE – recurring problems • Still some suspicious behavior • Careful proctoring is essential! • Timely return of test books • ABSITE review is OK!

26. QE security • Teaching to the test vs. teaching the test • Changes in examination development • Changes in examination scoring

27. The ABS greatly appreciates your efforts and cooperation!

28. www.absurgery.org