ABS Announces Academic Pathway to Certification for International Medical Graduates
May 18, 2020
The American Board of Surgery (ABS) is pleased to announce an alternate pathway into the ABS certification process for surgeons who are International Medical Graduates (IMG). Surgeons who trained internationally in non-Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) programs may be eligible.
This pathway is intended for candidates who have and will contribute to the field of surgery through scholarship, education and research. ABS will approve or disallow entrance into this alternate pathway on a case-by-case basis.
Application and Admissibility
Please see Academic Pathway for ABS Certification for the full list of eligibility requirements and required documents. The application process will occur in two phases, with specific materials due by October 7 and December 1. A checklist is available for candidates to keep track of materials. Phase one application materials will be accepted beginning Monday, July 20, 2020.
After submission of materials for phase one, ABS will inform candidates when the materials are received and will follow up with a second communication after review of these items, informing candidates whether they may move on to phase two and submit the remaining materials for consideration.
Applicants who meet all criteria will then be eligible to enter the ABS certification process and must remain in practice at the same institution/location while completing the certification examination process.
Upon application approval, the individual must pass an admissibility secure examination to be eligible to apply for the General Surgery Qualifying Examination (QE). Upon successful completion of the admissibility exam, the applicant will be admissible to the QE, and successful completion of the QE allows registration for the General Surgery Certifying Exam (CE).
Upon passing the CE, the individual will be deemed certified in surgery, and must thereafter participate in the ABS Continuous Certification Program to maintain their certificate.
Any candidates who are interested in applying for ABS certification through this pathway should review the details of the pathway thoroughly to ensure that all requirements and applicable fees are understood. Fees will be due upon submission of phase two physical materials, and subsequently for examination registrations. We will begin to accept phase one application materials on Monday, July 20, 2020. Please do not send any materials prior to this date - they will not be reviewed.
At this time, please direct any questions to our communications team.
