1. American Board of Thoracic Surgery Spring Meeting
ABTS, Past and Present
October 2013
William A. Baumgartner, M.D. Executive Director, ABTS
( )

2. ABTS Mission Statement
The mission of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery is to protect the public by promoting effective, safe and ethical thoracic surgical practice by maintaining high standards for education, training and knowledge through examination, certification and maintenance of certification.

3. ABTS Origin
In 1925, AATS met with National Board of Medical Examiners to discuss certification
Conclusion:
No need for separate thoracic specialty certification
In 1928, Dr. John Alexander at the University of Michigan began the first thoracic surgery training program

4. ABTS Origin In 1936 questionnaire sent to AATS members
94% response rate
Conclusion:
Thoracic surgery should be practiced as a part of general surgery
At a 1937 AATS meeting a resolution was passed stating that the ABS “was, and should remain, the parent organization of all matters dealing with training and certification of surgeons and surgical specialties.”

5. ABTS WWII: The Tipping Point
Special expertise was gained for handling thoracic trauma
Several advances in the treatment of thoracic injuries emanated from the war experience
Letter from Dr. Robert Shaw to Dr. John Alexander (1946)
Dr. Claude Beck, President of the AATS in 1946, re-commissioned a committee

6. ABTS Green Light from AATS Committee
AATS Committee performed second survey to its members
Thoracic surgery should be a specialty
Thoracic surgeons should be certified
However, Thoracic Board would be an affiliate to ABS
Consist of members from:
AATS (4)
ASA (3)
ACS (2)
AMA (2)

7. ABTS New Board of Thoracic Surgery
Requirements for certification included:
ABS certification
Two years of training in ABTS approved residency program
Successful completion of written, oral and practical examinations

8. ABTS Board of Thoracic Surgery
Founders Group
Carl Eggers, Chairman
Cameron Haight, Vice-Chairman
William Tuttle, Secretary-Treasurer
William Adams
Frank Berry
Brian Blades
Thomas Burford
Michael DeBakey
Emile Holman
George Humphreys
Richard Sweet

9. ABTS Board of Thoracic Surgery
1948 – officially established
1949 – first booklet of information
1949 (August 1st) – first written exam
Pass rate: 78% (22/28)
1949 (October 15th) – first oral exam in Chicago
Pass rate: 75% (15/20)

10. ABTS Board of Thoracic Surgery
First office was in Detroit, MI
Dr. Tuttle was a member of a group of surgeons in town
Louise Sper was the former secretary of the group (resigned due to the birth of her son)
Asked Louise Sper to be responsible for correspondence and record keeping
Initially work was done in Louise’s kitchen
Established in Herman Kiefer Hospital in Detroit

11. ABTS Louise Sper First administrative assistant
During the 1950’s, she was given authority to sign checks
Establishment of a $100 per month annuity after the age 60
Bond of $5000 established

12. ABTS Founding Members Dr. Carl Eggers received certificate #1
Others received their certificates in order of their election to membership in AATS
Notable exception: Dr. Edward Churchill
Received #174, rather than #13 because he had delayed so long in applying
Dr. Evarts Graham also had a high #
Held #1 certificate from ABS

13. ABTS Traditions
Prominent and promising thoracic surgeons selected to be guest oral examiners “This was also a testing ground for future board membership”
Original Board members realized the Board would be a lasting organization, long after they departed “Thus the custom of obtaining a photograph of each member as they came on the Board was established”

14. ABTS Traditions
The practice of eating dinner together the evening before a Board meeting began early in the Board’s history
One custom was to remove a label from one of the wine bottles and have it signed by each member, often with a message
Provided a fascinating history
Louise Sper collected and saved them
Dr. Tuttle noted “flexed arm syndrome” in many of the photographs
Emeritus Dinner
“invited all present and past Board members together with their wives or friends”
Every five years
Black tie

15. ABTS Traditions
Having each Board member sign each certificate became problematic
Decided to only include chair, vice-chair, and secretary
Members would be reimbursed for travel and living expenses, whether or not the meetings were held in conjunction with another meeting
Credentials committee established
AATS decided to require candidates for membership to be certified by ABTS
In 1959, The Journal of Thoracic Surgery changed its name to The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
The Board deliberated on whether it should change its name
Decided that it was not the appropriate time to change the name, due to a struggle in the surgical section of the AMA

16. ABTS Amenities Ben Roe designed the original Board tie in 1981
Pen Faber initiated the Board pin in 1992
John Ochsner designed the second Board tie in 1994
John Ochsner designed the third Board tie in 2001

17. ABTS Inclusion of CV Surgery
Operations for pulmonary tuberculosis were decreasing while number of CV cases was increasing
Question of a separate certifying Board for CV surgery
Questionnaire showed most thoracic programs included CV surgery
No other group wished to assume responsibility
BTS decided to examine candidates in CV surgery
Decision not to issue separate certificate
Board felt that a candidate should be examined in the entire field of thoracic surgery, whatever their experience (1956)

18. ABTS Evaluation of Training Programs
Board initially thought that it should not be involved in approving hospitals/programs
Commissioned a committee in 1949
Sent a list of provisionally approved residencies to the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of AMA in 1950
Together they inspected these hospitals/programs until 1967, when the RRC was officially formed

19. ABTS Residency Review Committee
Evolved from Board and AMA Council of Medical Education in collaboration with American College of Surgeons
Met for several years during the 1950’s and the 1960’s
Tripartite Committee approved in 1967
Clarification of program requirements
Discussion of matching program for residents through ABMS began by Dr. Beattie from 1964 – 1969
Became a reality in 1992 under the aegis of the TSDA and leadership of Mark Orringer

20. ABTS From Affiliate to Independent
Originally suggested in 1969 by ABMS, as it was the only affiliate Board and by protocol had no vote at the medical specialties forum.
ABMS approved ABTS as a member Board in 1970
ABTS became an independent primary member of ABMS in 1971
“American” added to the name of the Board of Thoracic Surgery
Certificate also changed

21. ABTS Final Discussions of a “Cardiovascular Board”
Board (by early 1970’s) had established its interest in CV surgery, and this had been accepted by the other bodies interested in cardiac and vascular problems.
Inclusion of “Cardiovascular” in the Board’s name
Much difference of opinion
Compromise reached: the text of the certificate was revised to state that the holder was qualified in Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

22. ABTS 3/3 Pilot Trial Program
5 centers approved
A few residents completed the program
“Died due to lack of interest”
Did not received promised training in G.S.
Technical skill development was the responsibility of the CT faculty
Rivalry between special residents and those involved in the standard program
Residents changed their specialty and withdrew from the program

23. ABTS Requirements for Recertification (1981)
Valid ABTS certificate at time of application
Valid license to practice medicine
Evidence of accumulation of 100 hours of CME
Submit a practice review in the form of an operative experience covering the most recent 100 consecutive major operations performed
Cognitive exam (SESATS)
Diplomates who received certificates prior to 1975 were “grandfathered” and were not required to recertify

24. ABTS Evolution of 125 Cases Per Year
Originally adequate operative experience was defined as: “Candidates had to have an operative case load that reached at least the 30th percentile marker of experience of all candidates applying for the examination.”
Reached a point where it was no longer important
Evolved to 125 cases per year averaged and no fewer than 100 cases in any given year

25. ABTS The Examinations
Written exam was first developed with the help of The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
Written questions were submitted by ABTS diplomates and exam was collated in Philadelphia (Question pool book was limited)
Mini-conference after every four candidates suggested by Dr. Roe in 1982
93% of all candidates who applied eventually passed
Only 79% of residents, who completed thoracic training were finally certified, due to inability to pass ABS exams

26. ABTS Manpower Studies
Mid-1970’s – Manpower study from University of Michigan School of Public Health suggested that if 135 thoracic surgeons were certified each year, that would be adequate to take care of the population in 2013
1976 – Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee (GMENAC) was established
1981: Final report recommended a 10% decrease in the number of thoracic surgeons trained

27. ABTS Long Range Planning (1985)
Size of Board
More orderly rotation of directors
Represent option from regional thoracic societies
Adding a member of the public
Did not occur until 2013
Expanded use of computers in the Board office
New location for the Board office

28. ABTS New Location for Board Office
Philadelphia with ABS
Evanston with ABMS
Considerable disagreement
Evanston was chosen for physical location of the Board
Dr. Najafi was instrumental in moving the Board office to Evanston
Exam preparation was to remain in Philadelphia

29. ABTS Fiduciary Responsibilities
Increase in work load for the Board and fixed income from exam fees of 130 candidates per year
Written exam in Dallas
Oral exam in Chicago
Recertification exam
Education of Board members in psychometric science
Participation in ABS exams, RRC, ABMS and Council of Board Executives

30. ABTS Fiduciary Responsibilities
Annual donation of $25,000 from the AATS and STS
Committee of Drs. Roe, Hatcher and Urschel
Diplomates asked for $300 donation to the ABTS Endowment Fund
Voluntary dues of $50 per year
Solvency resulted from the generosity of the majority of the diplomates

31. ABTS Administrative Directors
Louise Sper ( )
Recruited by Dr. William Tuttle
Glennis Lundberg ( )
Recruited by Drs. Anjali and Maloney
Patricia Watson (2002-present)
Recruited by Drs. Gay and Cleveland

32. ABTS Current Administrative Staff
Gloria Nance
Stacy Wilhite
Sarah Dunlap

33. ABTS Examination Chairs
L. Penfield Faber – 1st chair ( )
Gordon Murray ( )
Richard Anderson ( )
Gordon Olinger ( )
Larry Cohn ( )
John Calhoon ( )
Mark Allen (2009-present)

34. ABTS Carolyn Reed First woman director (1997-2003)
First woman vice-chair ( )
First woman chair ( )

35. ABTS Examination Formats
Originally, a norm-referenced written exam
1994 – first criterion-referenced written exam
Drs. Ben Wilcox, John Ochsner, Pen Faber, and Mary Lunz, PhD oversaw its development
1995 – Dr. Gordon Murray initiated efforts to restructure the oral exam to a criterion-referenced exam

36. ABTS – 1988 Examination Restructure
Examination pool of questions determined to be inadequate and statistical analysis revealed better questions needed
Cardiac and general thoracic Board members rewrite entire written and oral examination questions during extra time at each and every Board function.
Board consultants recruited to write questions. Full day of editing under direction of Pen Faber

37. ABTS Restructuring of the Board
1992 – position of Secretary/Treasurer would be elected by the Board for an initial period of five years with the possibility of reelection for an additional five years
Freed up one position for another Board nomination, rather than have the secretary/treasurer be a representative from one of the parent organizations

38. ABTS Restructuring of the Board
AATS (4)
STS (4)
ASA (2)
ACS (2)
TSDA (2)
AMA (1)
ABS (1)
Secretary/Treasurer

39. ABTS - 1998 50th year anniversary celebration
Discussion to change written exam (Westin, O’Hare) to computer-based electronic exam
Representative to RRC for Surgery (General Vascular Surgery) reported that ABTS would no longer be represented

40. ABTS - 1998 Written exam pass rate: 85%
142 candidates scheduled for oral exam, 1999
Finance committee recommended a “maintenance fee” - $100 per Diplomate per year

41. ABTS
Approval of ABTS to send an “observer” representative to CTSNet
Development of the new examination database
Discussion of moving the In Training Exam to an electronic format
Approval by ABMS of the 6 competencies

42. ABTS - 1999 Dr. David Campbell elected President of CCCETS
Resolution stating: “The American Board of Thoracic Surgery acknowledges that recertification/competency is a continuous process”

43. ABTS - 1999 Electronic transfer of Op Log from CTSNet to ABTS
Resolution to change wording of “recertification to maintenance of certification”
Resolution passed stating that the ABTS assumes responsibility for the assessment of competency for thoracic surgeons

44. ABTS
Motion passed: “The ad hoc Long Range Planning Committee recommends that the ABTS change its current policy regarding ABS certification so that at a point in the future, yet to be determined, ABS certification will become optional. The ABTS will meet with other organizations involved in thoracic surgery education (RRC, TSDA, AATS, STS, ACS) to discuss the significant implications of this decision.”
Motion passed: “to change the term of office for the secretary/treasurer to 7 years, not subject to renewal”

45. ABTS - 2000 ABTS officially joins CTSNet with link on its website
Search committee formed for successor to Dr. Richard Cleveland
Fred Crawford – Chair
Peter Pairolero – Vice-Chair
Richard Cleveland – Secretary-Treasurer
Marvin Pomerantz – Past Chair

46. ABTS
Report of ABMS Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Committee
“The Member Boards of the ABMS are committed to evolve their current or planned programs of recertification into programs of MOC as currently defined by the ABMS. It is understood that for some boards, this transition will require time, flexibility and assistance from the ABMS and other member boards.”

47. ABTS - 2000 Two motions pass regarding written exam
Number of items reduced from 300 to 250
Distractors reduced from 5 to 4
First administration of electronic in-training exam (CTSNet)
CME added to re-certification process

48. ABTS – 2000
Joint Council proposed a 6 year “ideal” residency program consisting of:
3year core (prerequisite)
3 year (requisite)
ABTS starts MOC planning
CME established for SESATS
Dr. William A. Gay nominated and elected to succeed Dr. Cleveland

49. ABTS – 2001
First discussion of use of ACGME CPT codes for the operative log
Joint Council endorsed the ABTS recommendation to make ABS certification optional and that it should be done as quickly as possible
Further discussion of an integrative 6 year program

50. ABTS – 2001
Exam candidates signed an attestation to the security of the exam
9-point rating scale for the oral exam was reduced to a 4-point scale
Dr. David Nahrwold spoke to the Board regarding MOC

51. ABTS – 2001
Ms. Pat Watson attended the Fall Board Meeting at The Boulders as the administrative director designate
Sarah Dunlap also attended as the associate administrative director
A letter from Dick Cleveland was read as his last report, following which Dr. Gay assumed the secretary-treasurer position

52. ABTS – 2001
Joint Council forwarded 10 recommendations pertinent to residency programs
Outlined the pathways to ABTS certification
Endorsed by RRC
Approval by the Board at the Fall Meeting

53. ABTS – 2002 First discussion of 4/3 pathway
ABMS develops 4 major elements of MOC
First discussion on “inactive” status of MOC
ITE administered only in an electronic format
Discussion of resident work hour limitation

54. ABTS – 2002
First discussion regarding financial difficulties being experience by CTSNet
9-point scale re-adopted for oral exam
Consultant engaged to evaluated criterion – referenced oral exam

55. ABTS – 2003
ABS Committee formed to study the issue of early specialization in thoracic surgery
Secretary-Treasurer title changed to Executive Director
More accurately reflects the duties of the position
ABMS dues increased to $5000 per year $10,000 by 2009

56. ABTS – 2004
Initiation of the electronic written (qualifying) exam was Pearson Testing Centers
In collaboration with the ABS
ABMS changes Bylaws to create a Board of Directors
Passage of a motion creating 2 primary paths to certification, CT Surgery track and GT Surgery track

57. ABTS – 2005 SESATS IX – only in electronic format
Qualifying exam pass rate: 82%
First discussion congenital cardiac surgery certification
Although 2 paths were approved for certification, a single certificate would be issued

58. ABTS – 2005 Certifying exam pass rate: 86%
Discussion of “recent security breach” of the oral examination
RRC sends warning letter to all programs if they engage in unethical activities
Change in psychometrians from Mary Lunz to Everett Smith

59. ABTS – 2005
Final approval of 2 pathways and increase in the operative case requirements
Approval to establish a certificate of added qualifications in congenital heart surgery beginning in 2007

60. ABTS – 2006 First residency programs approved for the 4/3 pathway
Qualifying examination pass rate: 85%
First report of the Ad Hoc Oral Exam Committee
Discussion of the secured exam component of MOC

61. ABTS – 2006
Motion passed to incorporate CCCETS, pending approval of the founding organizations, into the ABTS structure and take over its responsibilities
Motion to fund the creation of a portfolio within CTSNet
The Board’s application for MOC was approved by both COCERT and the ABMS Assembly

62. ABTS – 2006
Stacy Wilhite recruited to the office staff to assist in meeting MOC requirements
Motion passed: “ABTS require that in order to maintain a current and valid certificate, all valid certificate holders, including those with non-time- limited certifications, will participate fully in MOC for 2008
Motion approving an ABTS policy on mock oral examinations

63. ABTS – 2006
Detailed description of new oral examination process and grading system
Plan to create a new instructional video for examiners on oral exam techniques
Previous videos had been produced by Ben Roe and Pen Faber
Approval of categories of certification
Certified, active
Certified, inactive
Retired and/or disabled
Not certified

64. ABTS – 2007 Stacy Wilhite introduced at 2007 Spring Board Meeting
RRC-TS approves one year residency in congenital cardiac surgery

65. ABTS – 2007 New Oral Examination format
All oral exam protocols were revised into new abbreviated and flexible format
New taxonomies were created
New oral exam matrix
Duration: 1.5 hours
12 protocols evenly divided between cardiac and general thoracic topics
2 examiners per room; one split room
Grading scale of pass, marginal, fail and critical fail

66. ABTS – 2007 TSDA took over In Training Exam Administration
Motion to approve to accept a primary certificate in vascular surgery for entrance into an ACGME Thoracic Surgery Residency

67. ABTS – 2007 Doris Stull retires as Executive Director of RRC-TS
Peggy Simpson appointed as Executive Director of RRC-TS
Financial support of TSDA via gift
SESATS X initiated with Dr. David Campbell as Editor-in-Chief
CTSNet experiences a decrease in financial support from corporate sponsors

68. ABTS – 2007 Oral exam pass rate: 71%
Motion approved to support the development of a thoracic education director to head up the newly consummated Joint Council of Thoracic Surgical Education
Election of William A Baumgartner as next Executive Director, upon completion of Dr. Gay’s term in 2008

69. ABTS – 2008
Motion approved to support ABMS’ CEO, Kevin Weiss’ 11-point public trust initiative
First boot camp at Chapel Hill, July 31st – August 2nd
CTSNet provides E-Commerce for the Board’s services

70. ABTS – 2008
Motion approved to fund the newly re-organized Joint Council for Thoracic Surgical Education (JCTSE) with $250,000 per year for 4 years
Revision of the Bylaws
Recertification references changed to MOC
Included subspecialty certification language
Training Committee renamed Education Committee
Re-wording of Revocation and Appeals policies

71. ABTS – 2008
Initial report of ABS developing a uniform curriculum, called the Surgical Curriculum on Resident Education (SCORE)
Resolution passed “to seek an alternative parent organization for surgical specialty Boards” in response to changes within ABMS
RRC stresses importance of experience and seniority for program directors

72. ABTS – 2008
CTSNet elects to create a new CEO and Editor-in-Chief as Dr. Peter Greene stepped down due to increased responsibilities at his parent institution
CTSNet plans to search for a new Senior Editor, with Dr. Tom Ferguson retiring
JCTSE selects Dr. Ed Verrier as first surgical director (50% commitment)
Oral pass rate: 72%

73. ABTS – 2008
Motion approved “that the ABTS create a pathway for certification in critical care”
Motion approved “to increase the importance of critical care within cardiothoracic surgery as described in Dr. Rusch’s resolution”
ABMS approves congenital cardiac surgery subspecialty certification

74. ABTS – 2008
Dr. Feins’ motion was approved “that comprehensive integrated cardiothoracic surgery training beginning after medical school be the sole pathway leading to ABTS certification, beginning in 2020.”
Dr. Gay was recognized for his service to the Board
Black tie dinner in his house at 2009 Spring Board Meeting

75. ABTS – 2009
RRC votes against the Integrated-6 residency program mandate
CTSNet selection of Dr. Andrew Wechsler to succeed Dr. Greene and Dr. Marko Turina to succeed Dr. Thomas Ferguson
MOC Committee proposed recommendation that if a diplomate failed the 10 year secure exam, he/she would be required to take Parts I and II exams

76. ABTS – 2009
Credentials Committee recommended to the Board to develop a policy for diplomates who want to resume practice after being considered retired or inactive
Executive Committee recommended the constitution of an Ad Hoc Committee with representation from the ABTS, RRC and TSDA to develop recommendations for residency requirements and operative case criteria in 6-year integrated thoracic surgery residencies

77. ABTS – 2009
Critical Care Committee (CCC) reported that 4 additional consultants (cardiac-2, general thoracic-2) have been appointed to assist in the development of critical care questions
CCC also recommended working with ABS to define the curriculum for a CT surgery focused fellowship year leading to ABS certification
Determined there was not a critical number of ABTS certified academic surgeons who were also certified in critical care

78. ABTS – 2009
Dr. Doug Wood was elected to succeed Dr. Irv Kron as chair of RRC-TS
TSDA representative, Dr. Mark Allen, reported on the June 2009 Match:
72% of positions were filled
28% of positions remained unfilled
93 certified applicants
90% matched

79. ABTS – 2009
First certificate in congenital cardiac surgery awarded to Dr. Ed Bove
Founders group included:
John H. Calhoon
Constantine Mavroudis
Ross M. Ungerleider
Winfield J. Wells
Scott M. Bradley
J. William Gaynor
John E. Mayer, Jr.
Michael R. Mill

80. ABTS – 2009
Inaugural Congenital Heart Surgery written exam was administered on November 30, 2009 at Pearson Vue Centers
80 applicants
77 grandfathers
3 graduates from recently approved congenital heart surgery fellowship programs

81. ABTS – 2009 2009 oral exam pass rate: 73%
Psychometrician report revealed no statistical difference in any parameters
Exam Committee recommended creation of a video for applicants illustrating the (oral) exam process
Finance Committee recommended continuing the Board’s relationship with Mr. Richard Krentz as its financial advisor

82. ABTS – 2009
MOC Committee recommends actions for diplomates who do complete the 5 year milestone
Board accepts successful completion of a Canadian cardiac surgery residency for entrance into an ACGME-accredited surgical residency program
Board approves conflict of interest guidelines for ABTS officer candidates and their involvement in other thoracic organizations

83. ABTS – 2010
The RRC-TS Five Year review by ACGME recommended the Board adopt the ACGME case log system rather than the current CTSNet Op Log system
Dr. Mayer, representative to ABMS, reported that the Boards remained concerned with “mission creep” of the ABMS
SESATS X was released on May 3, 2010

84. ABTS – 2010
The Board plans to migrate all diplomate and resident applications to the Board’s website from CTSNet site
JCTSE reports that the first “educate the educator” course will be conducted at the 2010 Boot Camp
2009 written exam pass rate: 77%
First written congenital heart surgery exam pass rate: 79%

85. ABTS – 2010
Board approves RFP for the development of a new website and relational database
MOC Committee opines on alternatives for database participation
MOC Committee discusses a comprehensive versus a focused specialty exam

86. ABTS – 2010
Education Committee reported on its activities in simulation and the new technology course held in Cincinnati, Ohio
Report of the Ad Hoc I-6 Committee
Discussed potential case requirements
Identified need for a robust electronic curriculum
Discussed need for a case log
Discussed need for a simulation in curriculum

87. ABTS – 2010
Selection of Web Data Solutions as vendor for a new web site and database
Motion approved “to adopt the current RRC-TS I-6 case requirements” beginning June 2011
2010 oral exam pass rate: 67.4%
Development of taxonomy for the Congenital Heart exam, allowing feedback to candidates who were unsuccessful in passing the exam

88. ABTS – 2010
First MOC exam administered during a 2 week period in September 2010
Pass rate: 96%
New committee, led by Dr. Carolyn Reed, formed to convert and map ACGME CDT codes to ABTS index cases
CTSNet was reported to be having financial difficulties

89. ABTS – 2010 The Board strengthens its nomination process for directors
Letter to thoracic organizations with specific requests for consideration of diversity
Board requests nominations for both consultants and oral examines from chiefs or divisions/departments
Decision to have Spring Board Meeting in Chicago

90. ABTS – 2011
ABMS report regarding allowing MOC to meet maintenance of licensure (MOC) requirements
ABMS report also indicated that the CEO’s performance is under review

91. ABTS – 2011
2011 Boot Camp will address simulation with faculty and residents
This would allow faculty to bring back to their institutions this resource
2010 written pass rate: 81%
Congenital Cardiac Surgery Committee motion approved to extend “the eligibility for Pathway II candidates by 2 years, ending in 2014”

92. ABTS – 2011
Development of a core curriculum for all thoracic surgery residency programs
Traditional 5/2, 5/3 programs
4/3 programs
Integrated (I-6) programs
State of the Board article published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery and Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

93. ABTS – 2011
Motion approved to incorporate in the booklet of information for certification the following text to recognize the expanding faculty involved in the training and education of our residents: “Thoracic surgery faculty is interpreted to be any faculty member with ABMS certification at a participating institution of a program and is not limited to an ABTS certified thoracic surgeon”

94. ABTS – 2011
Dr. John Mayer, representative to the ABMS, reported that the ABMS Board of Directors voted not to renew the contract of the current CEO and President, Dr. Kevin Weiss
Board deliberates on future financial commitment to JCTSE
2011 oral exam pass rate: 66%
Executive Director speaks to residents at STS meeting regarding the oral exam

95. ABTS – 2011
Credentials Committee reaffirmed the guidelines for diplomates who hold an inactive or retired certificate and wish to return to active status.
ABS approves critical care fellowship with CT surgery focus

96. ABTS – 2011
Critical Care Committee proposes new text to be included in the ABTS Booklet of Information
“The ABTS considers it inappropriate to exclude its Diplomates from Credentialing for care of thoracic surgical patients in a critical care setting based on a Diplomate's training or certification. Our Diplomates have been trained with critical care management of thoracic surgical patients and successfully completed both written and oral exams which cover critical care with thoracic surgery education.”

97. ABTS – 2011
Board approves new index case requirements for residents entering programs in July 2012
These cases were revised due to the changing practices of CT Surgery
Discussion as to a proposed change in the Bylaws to include a Public Member

98. ABTS – 2011
Launch of new web site and limited database in February 2012
RRC report from their recent meeting:
18 approved I-6 programs
12 approved 4/3 programs
10 approved congenital programs
Representative to ABMS, Dr. John Mayer, reported that Dr. Lois Nora was selected as the new President and CEO of ABMS

99. ABTS – 2011
Dr. Ed Verrier’s contract, as Surgical Director of the JCTSE, was renewed
Motion approved “It is our intent to fund the Joint Council at $250,000 per year through 2016, assuming that metrics and effective collaboration with the TSDA are developed”.
2011 qualifying exam pass rate: 86.8%
2011 MOC exam pass rate: 98.2%

100. ABTS – 2012
Congenital Cardiac Surgery Subcommittee reported that of the 10 available program slots, 8 were filled
2011 written pass rate: 80%
MOC Committee reported they are looking at ways to streamline the method of collection of peer and patient reviews, required by MOC process beginning in 2015

101. ABTS – 2012
Migration of all “apps”, except E-Commerce for SESATS, from CTSNet to ABTS will be completed by end of 2012
Motion passed to join ABS in their proposal to modify current duty hour regulations for trainees in surgical specialties
RRC-TS reports that July 2013 is the date on which entering residents will use ACGME CPT codes to log in their index cases

102. ABTS – 2012 RRC-TS reported on the Milestone Project progress
This new method of evaluating residents was a collaborative effort of the RRC-TS and ABTS
The New Milestone requirements will be implemented in 2014 for all programs

103. ABTS – 2012 RRC-TS reported the following:
67 independent programs
21 integrated programs
12 4/3 programs
11 congenital cardiac programs
Representative from ABMS reported that:
Dues structure was undergoing re-evaluation
Need for a data sharing agreement between each member board and ABMS
Patient Safety Module requirements became more flexible

104. ABTS – 2012
Representative to the Joint Council reported that the online curriculum, based on the ABTS defined curriculum, was nearing completion
Funding of Joint Council was primarily by the STS and ABTS. The AATS stopped funding after their initial commitment was completed
2012 oral exam pass rate: 70%

105. ABTS – 2012
Oral exam report indicated there was no difference in the pass rate between specific cardiac or general thoracic rooms and mixed rooms.
Congenital Cardiac Committee reported that to date 123 subspecialty certification have been granted
MOC Committee reported that they were not going to seek a modular exam at this time
A motion was approved to “mandate Diplomate participation in a suitable database to facilitate Part IV of MOC, and the deadline for the initial participation will be July 1, 2014”
MOC Committee will also opine on the other pending MOC Part IV requirements

106. ABTS – 2012
With the approval of the ABS Critical Care Fellowship with a focus in CT Surgery, the ABTS Critical Care Committee was dissolved
A motion was passed “to approve the written statement regarding the appointment of a public member to the American Board of Thoracic Surgery”

107. ABTS – 2012
To comply with an ABMS standard, motion approved “to accept the written statement of guidelines for beginning the ABTS examination sequence within one year of completion of residency training, with three chances to pass each of the qualifying and certifying examinations, and if additional training is required, to no longer use the term “eligible”, but rather “in training”