Training the Next Generation of Vascular Surgeons: The Debate over Specialty Status Continues

, The William J. von Liebig Chair in Vascular Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY) and Professor of Surgery, The Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, NY), and Norman Rich, MD, Uniformed Services University Medical Center (Stanford, California) will lead a discussion on the primary board status for vascular surgery, and recognition of such by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

"Primary board status for vascular surgery is a clinical imperative for our patients," said Dr. Veith. "The issue of specialty status recognition has taken on a renewed urgency in the context of our American healthcare system,” concluded Dr. Veith.

The unique and specialized skills and competencies in vascular disease management and intervention have evolved rapidly over the past decade and now define and require a separate specialty. However, this evolutionary process has met with hostile opposition and rejection from The American Board of Surgery (ABS). Failure of the ABS and the Residency Review Committee for Surgery to recognize and respond to the evolution of new specialties by dramatically altering training paradigms and certification criteria have contributed to the decline of graduates enrolling in general surgery residencies with a further decline of applicants opting for vascular surgery training programs.

Dr. Veith emphasized, “Because Americans are living longer, vascular experts anticipate an increase of aging patients who will require the services of a vascular specialist. Failure to recognize vascular surgery as a primary board may further complicate the delivery of healthcare in the United States.”

The training period and skill set for vascular surgeons meets or exceeds that of many existing surgical and medical specialties. The ABMS had previously affirmed this in its review and approval of vascular surgery as a subspecialty of the American Board of Surgery, and by the decision of the ABS in regard to vascular surgery examinations and training. The separate and distinct status of Vascular Surgery has also been confirmed by the establishment of more than a dozen professional societies dedicated to this specialty, and the American

College of Surgeons’ equal recognition of vascular surgery with colorectal surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, urology and thoracic surgery, all of whom have primary ABMS boards.