ABS Creates Three At-Large Director Positions
June 6, 2005
The American Board of Surgery (ABS) is pleased to announce the creation of three at-large director positions to better reflect the diversity of the surgical community in the United States. These positions will be in addition to the ABS' current representation from sponsoring U.S. surgical organizations.
Since its founding in 1937, the ABS has been committed to representing the changing face of surgery in the United States. It seeks as directors leading surgeons from a broad range of backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in clinical surgery and a commitment to the continued improvement of surgical education.
As part of this effort, the ABS is interested in increasing representation of surgeons in private or group practice to ensure its standards align with the needs of today's practicing surgeons and multitude of practice environments. The institution of three at-large positions is intended to further this goal; in addition the ABS will continue to work with its established nominating organizations toward assuring a diverse board membership that is representative of the U.S. surgical community.
The new positions will be filled from panels of nominees submitted directly to the ABS through open nomination of individuals or organizations (including self-nomination), rather than the traditional process of nomination only through sponsoring organizations.
Criteria for nomination are the following:
- Board certified in surgery for at least 10 years
- Significant experience with resident surgical education
- Extensive experience in surgical practice
- Highly regarded by surgical peers
- Experience as an ABS examination consultant or associate examiner highly desirable
- Diversity in gender, race, or community practice setting desirable
Applications for the at-large positions will be accepted from now until September 1, 2005. At-large directors will have the same term, six years, as directors from sponsoring organizations and the same duties, including participation in three board meetings and three oral examinations each year (approximately three to four weeks total). Please note that ABS Bylaws prevent a director from serving after age 65.
Applicants or sponsors should send a curriculum vitae and letter of introduction addressed to Frank R. Lewis, Jr., M.D., ABS executive director, at 1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 860, Philadelphia, PA 19103. In the letter, the applicant or sponsor should acknowledge the individual's willingness to meet the time commitment involved in being a director of the ABS.
Applications will be reviewed throughout the fall with a final determination in early January 2006. All applicants will receive a response as to the ABS' decision.
About the ABS
The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge. The ABS certifies surgeons in the following fields: general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, surgery of the hand, and hospice and palliative medicine. The ABS is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
