Surgeons may enter the ABS certification process for surgical critical care following successful completion of an ACGME-accredited surgical critical care training program, either before or after obtaining initial certification in general surgery.
Surgical critical care is a specialty which cares for patients of all ages with acute, life-threatening, or potentially life-threatening surgical conditions. Surgical critical care not only incorporates knowledge and skills of nonoperative techniques for supportive care of critically ill patients but also a broad understanding of the relationship between critical surgical illness and surgical procedures. Although much of the core knowledge of surgical critical care is similar to other critical care specialties, the diplomate in surgical critical care has additional specialized expertise relating to the physiologic responses to trauma, burns, and inflammation, while recognizing comorbidities and complications unique to patients with surgical disease and how these responses interact with other disease processes.
Specialists in surgical critical care provide comprehensive care to critically ill patients from all surgical specialties and all age groups. The care of such patients involves a broad skill set and an understanding of surgery and associated conditions and complications. The specialist in surgical critical care has expertise in the biology of critical illness and the support of organ system function. They should provide leadership within their health care organizations regarding the needs of critically ill surgical patients and the administration of critical care units. They are also vested in teaching and conducting research in the field.
To become certified by the ABS, a critical care surgeon must first meet the training requirements and related criteria in order to enter the initial certification examination process for surgical critical care (SCC).
Primary certification in surgery is a requirement for certification in SCC.
Examination While in Residency
Individuals may complete an ACGME-accredited SCC training program following three (3) progressive years of ACGME-accredited residency training and take the Surgical Critical Care Certifying Exam (SCC CE) while still in residency. A guaranteed categorical residency position must be available to the individual following completion of SCC training. The certificate in SCC is not awarded, however, until the individual has achieved primary certification in surgery.
Examination While in Process of Obtaining Primary Certification
Individuals who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency training program may apply for and take the SCC CE while in the process of obtaining primary certification. The certificate in SCC will not be awarded until the individual has achieved primary certification.
Applicants must meet the program and time requirements, in addition to other specific requirements as outlined, in effect at the time of application to the Surgical Critical Care Certifying Exam (SCC CE).
Training Requirements EligibilitySurgeons have no more than seven academic years following training to achieve certification in surgical critical care, i.e., become certified in surgery and pass the SCC CE. The seven-year period starts immediately upon completion of fellowship training, and once an application is approved, the applicant has a maximum of five opportunities in five consecutive years to take and pass the SCC CE.