How to become a vascular surgeon

How to become a Vascular Surgeon

Becoming a vascular surgeon in the US involves several years of rigorous education, training, and certification:

• Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Begin by completing a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for medical school, it's essential to take pre-med courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to fulfill medical school requirements.
• Attend Medical School: After completing your bachelor's degree, attend an accredited medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations in various medical specialties.
• Complete Residency Training in General Surgery: Following medical school, aspiring vascular surgeons must complete a residency program in general surgery. General surgery residency typically lasts five to seven years and provides comprehensive training in surgical techniques, patient care, and perioperative management.
• Pursue Fellowship Training in Vascular Surgery: After completing residency training in general surgery, physicians interested in becoming vascular surgeons must pursue additional fellowship training specifically in vascular surgery. Vascular surgery fellowships typically last two to five years and provide specialized training in the diagnosis and management of vascular diseases, as well as advanced surgical techniques.
• Obtain Board Certification: Upon completing fellowship training, vascular surgeons are eligible to sit for the board certification examination in vascular surgery offered by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). Board certification demonstrates proficiency and competence in the field of vascular surgery and is recognized as a mark of excellence by employers, patients, and colleagues (see below).
• Maintain Licensure and Continuing Education: Vascular surgeons must maintain a valid medical license to practice medicine in their state of residence. Additionally, they are required to participate in ongoing continuing medical education (CME) activities to stay abreast of the latest advancements in vascular surgery and maintain their board certification.

Board Certification
Board certification for vascular surgeons is obtained through the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS offers certification in vascular surgery to eligible physicians who have completed accredited residency and fellowship training programs in vascular surgery.

• To become board certified in vascular surgery, physicians must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the ABS, which typically include completing an accredited vascular surgery residency program and passing the qualifying examination in vascular surgery. The qualifying examination assesses the physician's knowledge, skills, and competence in the field of vascular surgery.
• Upon passing the qualifying examination, physicians are considered candidates for certification in vascular surgery by the ABS. Candidates must then complete a period of supervised practice, during which they demonstrate their clinical competence and undergo evaluation by their peers.
• Once the requirements for board certification are met, physicians become diplomates of the American Board of Surgery in vascular surgery and are recognized as specialists in the field. Board certification is an important credential that demonstrates a physician's commitment to excellence in vascular surgery and may be required for certain employment opportunities, hospital privileges, or insurance participation.
• Vascular surgeons must maintain their board certification by participating in ongoing continuing medical education (CME) activities and meeting the ABS's recertification requirements, which typically involve periodic renewal examinations or other forms of assessment to ensure that they remain up-to-date with advances in the field.