Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:311
© 1997 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Invited Commentary
Invited Commentary
John R. Benfield, MD
President Thoracic Surgery Directors Association 4301 X St, Rm 2250 Sacramento, CA 95817
See also page 309.
This thoughtful article reflects a personal viewpoint that demonstrates deep interest in education and insight as to the challenges for the future. There are two points that need clarification:
(1) It is incorrect to say that "The Program Directors voted that American Board of Surgery certification be made optional." It is correct that there was a show of hands that favored this position at the end of a 2-day Thoracic Surgery Directors Association (TSDA) retreat in September 1996. This show of hands occurred after a significant number of directors had already departed. It is not known how many of the people who showed hands were Associate Directors or guests. No cohesive report of the TSDA retreat was available for study. No meaningful vote has been taken.
(2) Doctors Salley and Nolan headed the curriculum effort at the request of the TSDA Executive Committee. Thoracic surgery is indebted to Drs Salley and Nolan for their hard and excellent leadership work, and I take this opportunity to reiterate the TSDA's appreciation of their contribution. The curriculum is the work of many teachers of thoracic surgery. It is accurate to refer to the curriculum as the one that was developed by the TSDA.
Related Article
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Challenges for Training Thoracic Surgeons in the Future
- Irving L. Kron
Ann. Thorac. Surg. 1997 63: 309-311.
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