Thoracic surgery certification in the United States of America.

As we enter the 21st century, thoracic surgeons can look back with pride and gratitude to their predecessors who placed a high premium on clinical practice and certification. Thoracic surgery, however, is dynamic, not static. So, too, should be thoracic surgery recertification. In recent years, considerable effort has been expended to move thoracic surgery recertification from a 10-year reexamination cycle to a dynamic, multiyear cycle in an effort to ensure the public that board-certified thoracic surgeons remain current with evolving knowledge and technology. It is in this milieu that Maintenance of Certification (American Board of Medical Specialties, Evanston, Illinois) has evolved.