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Published on: November 11, 2012
Vascular surgery: the burr under the saddle
1Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
Insights
Vascular surgery
Area of Science:
- Surgical Training and Education
- Subspecialization in Medicine
Background:
- Formalization of vascular surgery accreditation and subspecialty certification occurred a decade ago.
- This led to initial resistance and fragmentation within general surgery.
Observation:
- A reassessment of trends in general surgery and its subspecialties has occurred.
- Current proposals for reforming resident training in general surgery and subspecialties are under evaluation.
Findings:
- There has been a reaffirmation of the integrity of general surgery as a parent specialty.
- A rapprochement between general and vascular surgery is evident, though challenges persist.
Implications:
- All surgeons should embrace both "microscience" (e.g., molecular biology) and "macromedicine" (e.g., epidemiology, preventive medicine).
- Interdisciplinary respect and comprehensive understanding are crucial for the future of surgical practice.
Abstract:
A decade ago vascular surgery "came of age" with formalization of accreditation of training programs and certification of subspecialists in the field. These events created turbulence in general surgery, with initial resistance to further subspecialization and fragmentation of the specialty. Subsequent reassessment of the trends in general surgery and its subspecialty disciplines has led to a reaffirmation of the integrity of the parent specialty. Recent proposals for reforms in resident training in general surgery and its subspecialties are currently being evaluated. Despite the current rapprochement between general and vascular surgery, many challenges remain for both disciplines. All surgeons, regardless of specialty, should broaden their respect for both "microscience," particularly molecular biology, and "macromedicine," including epidemiology, preventive medicine, and health services research.
