Surgery.
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 860
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 568-4000
www.absurgery.org
A General Surgeon
has principal expertise in the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin and blood vessels. A General Surgeon is also trained in the care of pediatric and cancer patients and in the treatment of patients who are injured or critically ill. Common conditions treated by General Surgeons include hernias, breast tumors, gallstones, appendicitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, colon inflammation and colon cancer. Some General Surgeons pursue additional training and specialize in the fields of Trauma Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery and others.
Specialty training required prior to Board Certification – Five years
In addition to a general certificate in Surgery (General Surgery), the American Board of Surgery issues a general certificate in the following area of Surgery.
Vascular Surgery
A Vascular Surgeon has expertise in the diagnosis and management of patients with disorders of the arterial, venous and lymphatic systems, excluding vessels of the brain and the heart. Certified Vascular Surgeons, by virtue of extensive training, have significant experience in providing comprehensive care of patients with all types of vascular disease, including diagnosis, medical treatment and reconstructive vascular surgical and endovascular techniques. Common interventions performed by vascular surgeons include the opening of blocked arteries, repair of veins to improve circulation, treatment of aneurysms (bulges) in teh aorta, and treatment of vascular injuries.
Specialty training required prior to Board Certification: Five to seven years
Subspecialties:
To become certified in a particular subspecialty, a physician must be Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and complete additional training as specified by the Member Board.
Complex General Surgical Oncology
A surgeon trained in complex general surgical oncology has specialized expertise in the diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation of patients with rare, unusual or complex cancers.
These surgeons typically work in cancer centers or academic institutions and coordinate patient care with other oncologic specialists. They also provide community outreach in cancer prevention and education, as well as lead cancer studies.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
A Surgeon with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses.
This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family.
Pediatric Surgery
A Pediatric Surgeon is a General Surgeon with specialized training in the diagnosis and care of premature and newborn infants, children and adolescents. This care includes the detection and correction of fetal abnormalities, repair of birth defects, treatment of injuries in children and adolescents, and the treatment of the pediatric cancer patient, as well as conditions treated in adults by General Surgeons, such as appendicitis, hernias, acid reflux and bowel obstructions.
Surgery of the Hand
A Surgeon trained in Surgery of the Hand has expertise in the surgical, medical and rehabilitative care of patients with diseases, injuries, and disorders affecting the hand, wrist and forearm.
Common conditions treated by a Hand Surgeon include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, ganglia (lumps), sports injuries to the hand and wrist, and hand injuries involving cut tendons, nerves and arteries. Hand Surgeons may be General Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons or Plastic Surgeons who have received additional training in this area.
Surgical Critical Care
A Surgeon trained in Surgical Critical Care has expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and support of critically ill and injured patients, particularly trauma victims and patients with multiple organ dysfunction.
In addition, these surgeons are responsible for coordinating patient care among the primary physician, critical care staff and other specialists.