american board of surgery update · the american board of surgery − application must be signed by...

American Board of Surgery Update

Association of Residency Coordinators in SurgerySan Antonio - April 20, 2010

Barbara Jalbert-Gerkens

The American Board of Surgery The American Board of Surgery −− www.absurgery.orgwww.absurgery.org

Key Points

ABSITE New RequirementsQE ApplicationsYour SuggestionsNew ABS Website


65 pilot programs1369 examinees took exam online

1316 examinees on Saturday, January 3053 examinees on Wednesday, February 3

Also in February 2010285 VSITE examinees91 PSITE examinees

2010 Online Exams


Computer needed for each proctor and all examineesSystem check of all computers used on day of examDownload secure browser onto each examinee computer

Prep for Online Administration


System checkVerifies that computers meet hardware and software requirementsA report generated showing computer’s performance

Secure BrowserLocked down version of an Internet browserDoes not allow examinees to access other websites or programsDoes not allow printing or screen shots


Unable to launch exam Computer screens locking upExaminee SSNTechnical Support After exam - results

Online – problems on exam day


Problems and Solutions

Unable to launch exam & computers locking up

Computer lab firewallsRemote access or .exe programsScreen saversViolation warningsRequired to re-launch exams

Developing a secure browser that will white list certain programsDisable screen savers Coordination between program and your local IT department


Problems and Solutions

Examinee SSNXXX-XX-1234 in proctor view

ITS Technical Support

Too many promptsWait

ABS misinterpretation of fields

Confirm SSNExaminee must double check

Dedicated ABS tech support numberABS corrected program designation on reports and resent


Exam securityProblems with delivery and/or pick-up of ABSITE shipmentOrdered incorrect number of junior vs. senior exams or vice versaAnswer sheets left in booksNot an exam problem, but a “green” one

Problems with paper exam


These boxes have been counted.

Still to count


Surveyed proctors, program directors and coordinators83 respondents to survey

At least one response from 58 different programs

11 questions (strongly agree, agree, etc.) about program experience with online ABSITE5 open-ended questions

ABSITE Online Pilot Survey


Survey Results

The “pre-examination process”, including planning, setup, downloads, system checks, etc., adequately prepared me for the administration of the examination.


Survey Results

The online testing system delivered the examinations effectively (no interruptions or glitches).


Survey Results

The technical supported by ITS during the online examination was helpful (day of the exam).


Survey Results

The overall examination experience was successful.


End of exam confirmationTutorial for proctors and examineesSecurity system/firewallsReceive proctor guides soonerCreate test sessions prior to exam dayUse of a formal testing center

Survey Comments/Suggestions


Online exam only; no paper back-upExam window – Friday, January 28 through Tuesday, February 1Price remains $65 per examSeating chart for each administrationAdvance notice for testing accommodationsTraining sessions can be scheduled on an as needed basis

ABSITE – 2011


ABS Testing Website

System Check and Download Secure Browser are found on homepage

Log on is notrequired to complete both tasks


ABS Testing WebsiteNew Examinee Profile Page collects the following:

•Name

•Gender

•SSN

•ABS Program Code

•Clinical Residency Level

•Training Type

•Exam version: junior/senior

•Additional TrainingScoring and reporting of ABSITE is based entirely on what is entered here. Examinees must double check!


ABSITE - ReviewThe ABSITE is a tool for program directors to assess the strengths and weaknesses within their own program. And as such:

Residents contacting the ABS to discuss and/or obtain results will be directed to contact program;ABS does not provide transcripts to any third party, including the resident, ERAS, etc.;Advise residents to keep individual score report – it is their ONLY record;ABS does not condone the use of the ABSITE for promotion or fellowship selection.


ACLS, ATLS, FLS Certification

Provide evidence of successful completion

Certification does not need to be active/current at time of application but applicant must pass all steps to achieve initial certification

Surgical Critical Care Requirements

Minimum of 25 cases in surgical critical care patient management (this is different than AGCME)

Minimum of one in each of the seven categories

New for 2009-2010New QE Requirements


Reporting of Surgical Critical Care

Minimum of 25 cases and at least one in each of the seven categories


Application must be signed by program director. No other signature is acceptable.

All signatures must be original – no signature stamps

Include copy of ACGME Op Report with application

42 months devoted to content areas of surgery

Entire chief year devoted to content areas of surgery

No more than 4 months in any one specialty during chief year

150 chief cases; 750 cases in five years

QE Applications - troubleshooting


Provide documentation of ACLS, ATLS, and FLS

Provide documentation of satisfactory completion when training occurred in more than one program

Payment of exam related fee: credit card only

Application is complete only when all hard copy materials are received at ABS - regardless of when credit card payment is made.

Must be received in ABS office by May 3 (not postmarked). Applications received after deadline will be charged the late fee ($200).

QE Apps – troubleshooting con’t


All vacation and leaves of absence must be listed - includes time taken for interviews, visa issues, early departure for fellowships, etc.

Report absences of 48 hours or more – not single daysConferences/national committees – non-clinical elective time can be used for clinical level 1-4 residents. Up to 6 months of non-clinical time is allowed during residency.Non-clinical elective time is not allowed in chief year; time away in chief year must be managed around the 48 weeks of training.No “free” time off for job hunting or moving.

QE Apps – reporting of leave


Looking to see that training that is accurately reported


Transplant Experience

Resident must have either a rotation in transplant or operative experience in transplant. If not, send patient roster with application.

ABS requires pre-operative, operative and post-operative experience in transplant.

Objective is for resident to have direct patient care of transplant patients.


Licensure

QE (written exam)Must have current, full and unrestricted medical license if taking QE more than 6 months following the completion of residency

CE (oral exam)Current, full and unrestricted medical license is an absoluterequirement when taking CE, regardless of how soon following residency

Temporary, limited, or educational licenses are NOTacceptable, even if pursuing advanced training or fellowship.

Certification requires a current, full and unrestricted medical license.


Notifications – new for 2010

Monitor status online and update contact info. Email sent once application is complete and with staff surgeon for review/approval.Email sent once application is approved and registration is open.Note: registration – active 24-48 hrs after approval.Exam authorization letter is mailed. Applicants will receive an email once letter has been mailed.Reminder – Schedule exam center as soon as exam authorization letter is received! Centers fill up quickly. Delay in scheduling will likely result in traveling outside local area.


Monitor Website

Any problem with application will be noted on Status of Application page.

Email is sent to applicant and coordinator.

Update personal information here


Graduate Medical EducationWe need your

input!

Is coming year’s schedule set in July?

How often does schedule change?

Add rotation info when updating roster?

Would residents realistically make their own updates?Email suggestions to [email protected]


New ABS Website

Site Directory

Mouse-over capability

Search Feature& Site Map


Thank you for what you do!

Any questions?

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