The American Board of Surgery (ABS) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1937 to certify surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge. Surgeons certified by the ABS, known as diplomates, have completed at least five years of surgical residency training following medical school and successfully completed a written and oral examination process administered by the ABS.
What Does it Mean to Be Board Certified?
Not all surgeons are board certified. Board certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to quality patient care. Board certification by the ABS recognizes individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge specifically in the area of general surgery and its related specialties. Board certification is different from possessing a medical license, which is required by law to practice medicine and is not specialty specific.
What does certification by the Vascular Surgery Board mean?
Not all vascular surgeons are board certified. Certification by the Vascular Surgery Board of the American Board of Surgery (VSB-ABS) means that a vascular surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training & knowledge in the specialty of vascular surgery. Such surgeons have comprehensive expertise in the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases and disorders of the blood vessels—specifically the arteries, veins and lymphatic system outside of the brain and heart. In addition, they are trained to treat vascular disease by medical (non-surgical) means, including the use of drug therapy and management of risk factors.
Board certification by the VSB-ABS is intended to assess the qualifications of individuals who have completed extensive education and training in vascular surgery. Board certification is voluntary and demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to quality patient care. In contrast, medical licensure is required by state law for an individual to practice medicine and is not specialty specific.
