[HSF] Current Requirements for the ABTS

[Hgrmd at aol.com]

Prasanna,
  Their biologic Bentall was a composite graft composed of a  stented aortic 
valve sewn to a Henashield graft.  The graft was 5-7mm  larger than the valve.
  Our board consist of a written exam.  Once you pass that, you  have an oral 
exam a few months later.  It is similar in format to the  general surgery 
boards, which are prerequisite to taking the CT boards.  I  understand ABTS is or 
will eliminate the requirement that the candidate already  be boarded in 
general surgery, since it is generally thought that pathway is too  difficult and 
discouraging for today's wimpy trainees.  If so, along with  the federally 
mandated 60 hr work week, I firmly believe "they don't make them  like they used 
to."
Hal