American Board of Surgery 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 860 Philadelphia, PA 19103-1847 Tel: (215) 568-4000 www.absurgery.org

A General Surgeon has 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 problems treated by general surgeons include hernias, breast tumors, gallstones, appendicitis, pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, colon inflammation and colon cancer. General Surgeons increasingly provide care through the use of minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. Some General Surgeons pursue additional training for one to two years and specialize in the fields of Trauma Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery and others.

Training Required: Five years

In addition to a general certificate in Surgery (General Surgery), the board issues a general certificate in the following area of Surgery.

Vascular Surgery
A Vascular Surgeon has expertise in the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the arteries, veins and lymphatic systems, excluding vessels of the brain and heart. Common procedures performed by Vascular Surgeons include the opening of artery blockages to prevent stroke, correction of artery blockages in the legs and abdominal organs, repair of veins to improve circulation, treatment of aneurysms (bulges) in the aorta, and care of patients suffering vascular trauma. Vascular Surgeons perform open surgery as well as endovascular (minimally invasive) procedures using balloon angioplasty and stents, and are also trained in the treatment of vascular disease by medical (non-surgical) means. Vascular Surgeons also perform non-invasive diagnostic testing to detect vascular problems.

Training Required: Five to seven years

Subspecialties for Surgery

Certification in one of the following subspecialties requires additional training and examination following general surgical residency.

• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
  These Surgeons have 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 throughout the course of the disease, including through the dying process and subsequent family grieving. This care can occur within or outside of a formal hospice or palliative care team. This specialist has expertise in the assessment of patients with advanced disease and catastrophic injury; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse settings; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of-life care.
  
  
• 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 Prenatal Surgery (detection and correction of abnormalities during the fetal stage); Neonatal Surgery (repair of birth defects in the newborn); trauma care (treatment of injuries in children); and Pediatric Surgical Oncology (treatment of children with cancer); as well as conditions that are 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, Orthopaedic 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. These Surgeons also coordinate patient care among the primary physician, critical care staff and other specialists.
  

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