[Japan Surgical Society recertification: the viewpoint of surgeons in a local area]

The system of recertification is evaluated from the view point of the surgeons in a local area. The system only requires attendance at the national meeting of the Japan Surgical Society and/or meetings that are designated by the Japan Surgical Society for recertification. Half of such meetings have been held in the Kanto area over the past 10 years, resulting in an imbalance in the status of recertification between surgeons in the Kanto area and in local areas. In questionnaires about surgical recertification in local areas, many respondents pointed out this imbalance and the necessity for changing the conditions of recertification. The aim of recertification must be clarified and a new system of recertification investigated based upon the purpose of certification without imbalances between areas.