[Establishment of the Japanese Board of General Thoracic Surgery]

The process of establishment of the Japanese Board of General Thoracic Surgery (JBGTS) during the past decade was overviewed chronorogically. It was established and became effective in 2004 by conjoint of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery with the Japanese Association of Chest Surgery. Eleven handreds and 43 surgeons have already been certified at the present time. However, the system is planning to be revised in 2009 in order to improve the quality of the residency program. Continuing efforts to improve the system is required in cooperation with Japanese Board of Medical Specialties.