What does it mean to be a board certified Thoracic Surgeon?
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) maintains standards for the practice of thoracic surgery in the public interest. Thoracic surgeons who have completed approved residency training, hold a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, and maintain an ethical standing in the profession are eligible for board certification. Candidates must then pass both a written examination that is designed to test a broad range of knowledge in all areas of thoracic surgery. Upon successful completion of the written examination, candidates are eligible for and must pass an oral examination that tests knowledge, judgment and the integration of these skills in clinical practice. Once successful in these pursuits, a thoracic surgeon is “board certified”. In order to keep this certification, the maintenance of certification process is required to demonstrate lifelong learning throughout the thoracic surgeons’ career. There is a separate subspecialty certificate for con
