VSB-ABS Adds 5 Representatives from Regional Societies
Apr. 4, 2017
The Vascular Surgery Board of the American Board of Surgery (VSB-ABS), the national certifying body for vascular surgeons, is pleased to announce the addition of five new board member positions for representatives from five major regional vascular surgery societies, increasing the size of the VSB-ABS by 50 percent. The five positions will be filled as of July 1 by surgeons recently elected from the following societies:
(Clockwise) Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Brown, Dr. Ozaki, Dr. Rowe, and Dr. Huber
- Eastern Vascular Society: Marc E. Mitchell, M.D.
- Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society: Kellie R. Brown, M.D.
- New England Society for Vascular Surgery: C. Keith Ozaki, M.D.
- Southern Association for Vascular Surgery: Thomas S. Huber, M.D.
- Western Vascular Society: Vincent L. Rowe, M.D.
These new positions have been introduced to widen the pool of potential VSB-ABS members and ensure that the perspective of a broad population of practicing vascular surgeons is included in VSB-ABS deliberations. The VSB-ABS, a component board of the American Board of Surgery, oversees and defines all processes related to board certification in vascular surgery. The new VSB-ABS members have the same duties and authority as its other members, including participation in two annual board meetings, the annual Vascular Surgery Certifying Examination, and examination item writing.
The VSB-ABS sought highly qualified, actively practicing surgeons who are regarded by their colleagues as exemplary practitioners and role models, who have experience with surgical education, and who are advocates for advancing the quality of surgical practice and improving surgical care. Each regional society provided three nominees from which one individual was elected.
(L-R) Dr. Aulivola and Dr. Sheahan
The selected individuals join current members representing the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society (VESS), the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, and the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery (APDVS). In addition to these new members, the VSB-ABS will also welcome this July Dr. Bernadette Aulivola of the VESS, and Dr. Malachi G. Sheahan III of the APDVS, replacing Dr. Karl A. Illig and Dr. Amy B. Reed respectively.
"We are delighted to welcome these regional societies as nominating organizations to the VSB-ABS and look forward to the contributions of our new members," said Dr. Vivian Gahtan, VSB-ABS chair.
About the ABS
- The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 for the purpose of certifying individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of surgery. Surgeons certified by the ABS have completed at least five years of surgical training following medical school and successfully completed a written and oral examination process administered by the ABS. They must then maintain their board certification through ongoing learning and practice improvement activities.
- The ABS offers board certification in general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, complex general surgical oncology, surgery of the hand, and hospice and palliative medicine. It is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
