1. Information Technology and the ABS Implications for Program Coordinators Robert S. Rhodes, M.D. Director of Evaluation The American Board of Surgery, Inc.

2. Objectives Improve flow of information between programs, candidates, and the ABS Discuss coming changes in information technology at the ABS and their effect on the application/communication process Solicit feedback for further improvement

3. Recurring Problems in the Current Application Process

4. Critical Care and Non-Operative Trauma

5. One and/or the other often left blank ABS requirements = RRC requirements Do not need worksheets

6. Experience in Transplantation Must have pre-operative, operative, and post-operative experience in transplant Transplant rotation not required Operative experience as 2nd assistant OK

7. Number of Categorical Positions ABS will only approve number of resident positions approved by RRC ABS often not aware of RRC approvals Internal ABS communication occasionally suboptimal To avoid problems, send copies of RRC approval with applications

8. Chief Resident Rotations Must Be in the Primary Components (Essential Content Areas) Alimentary Tract Abdomen and its Contents Breast, Skin, Soft Tissue Endocrine Head & Neck Surgery Surgical Critical Care Surgical Oncology Trauma/Burns Vascular Surgery Pediatric Surgery Transplantation

9. Allowable Chief Resident Rotations No more than four (4) months in any one primary component Avoid jargon (e.g., Blue Surgery) For mixed rotations, list the predominant service first (i.e., Vascular/Thoracic is OK; Thoracic/Vascular is not) When in doubt, send description

10. ABS vs. RRC Case Requirements ABS 500 procedures 150 cases as Chief Must have experience in each ECA RRC 500 procedures 150 cases as Chief Must have experience in each ECA plus Defined minimums

11. Change in Program Director Turnover is high (~20% per year) Need to communicate such changes to both ABS and RRC

12. Licensure Requirements Must have unrestricted state license Temporary, educational, or limited license is not acceptable 6 month grace period at end of residency

13. Miscellaneous Include a check made out to the American Board of Surgery (not American College of Surgeons) Return “Reply Card” ASAP

14. Developments in Progress

15. On-line Applications Downloadable to PC for later completion (i.e., both WORD and PDF) E-mail feedback on application receipt – need addresses Coming in 2004 –Verification of application status in 2004 –On-line examination registration

16. Resident Rosters On-line in 2004 Need volunteers for pilot test

17. www.absurgery.org

18. ABSITE Irregularities Disturbingly high incidence of suspicious behavior Repeat programs and individuals Frequency is reduced but not eliminated with alternate forms of the examination Your cooperation is essential!

19. Thank you!