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Hand Surgery
Hand Surgery
Surgeons may enter the ABS certification process for hand surgery following successful completion of an ACGME-accredited hand surgery training program, completion of the two-year practice requirement, and after obtaining initial certification in general surgery.
Intro
Specialty of hand surgery defined
Hand surgery is the field of medicine that includes the investigation, preservation, and restoration by medical, surgical, and rehabilitative means of all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist.
The ABS intends the certificate in surgery of the hand for only those surgeons who, by virtue of additional training, practice characteristics reflecting a major commitment to hand surgery, and through contributions to this field, have demonstrated qualifications in hand surgery that deserve special recognition.
Certification Requirements
Hand surgeons must meet specific requirements before they are deemed certified by the ABS
To become certified by the ABS, a hand surgeon must first meet the training requirements and related criteria in order to enter the initial certification examination process for hand surgery.
Primary certification in surgery is a requirement for certification in hand surgery and is part of the application process.
Certification in surgery of the hand is offered in conjunction with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). An applicant may pursue the certification process through only one certifying board.
Policies
Policies related to initial certification in hand surgery
Candidates will be expected to be aware of and abide by all policies related to initial certification in hand surgery throughout the certification process.