The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Since the incorporation of the American Board of Proctology, development and refinement of the process of board certification has been a critical part of the establishment and growth of the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. Continued commitment to the process begun by the early pioneers of this field provides quality practitioners not only when initially trained, but increasingly throughout the continuum of each diplomate's professional career. Board certification and maintenance of certification are the most tangible examples of our commitment to our patients and the public.

Keywords

ABCRS - certification - maintenance of certification

• References

• 1 Chu KM, Schoetz DJ. What impact might general surgery practice patterns of colon and rectal surgeons have on future training?. Dis Colon Rectum 2007; 50 (8) 1250-1254
• 2 Cofer JB, Burns RP. The developing crisis in the national general surgery workforce. J Am Coll Surg 2008; 206 (5) 790-795 , discussion 795–797
• 3 American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Maintenance of certification—what you need to know. Available at: http://www.abcrs.org/recertification/ . Accessed December 1, 2011
• 4 American Board of Surgery. MOC Part 2 - CME and self-assessment resources. Available at: http://www.absurgery.org/default.jsp?exam-moccme . Accessed January 8, 2012
• 5 Gathright JB, Bragaw RS. From Mathews to the Millenium—A Century of Achievement. A History of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, 1899–1999. Marcelin, MO: Walsworth Publishing; 1999
• 6 Nigro ND, Gibson H. A History of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Arlington Heights, IL: American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery; 1990
• 7 McGreal S, Sroka K, Puszynski V, Hanson E, Boukas L ; ABMS Marketing and Communications Staff. Golden Past. Brilliant Future. ABMS; Celebrating 75 Years of Serving in the Public Trust (1933–2008). Chicago, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; 2008