PART I: ELIGIBILITY (A-Regulation)

Article 1
For candidates trained in European countries, requirements in the country of training must be met.

Article 2
Candidates who received their training outside of Europe can apply for accreditation by submitting their training record for consideration and first be recognised by one of the European countries and then apply for European accreditation.

Article 3
Accreditation should be available as predominantly cardiac or predominantly thoracic.

Article 4
This accreditation can be held by those who include other areas of surgery, for example general vascular surgery, within their overall practice.  This should harmonise with European rules for those specialties.

Article 5
From the time of qualification to establishing independent practice a minimum training of six years is required.

Article 6
At least two years training is required in the generality of surgery including experience in the management of acute surgical emergencies, trauma, and some general operative experience.

Article 7
A minimum of four years training is required in cardiac and/or thoracic surgery at the time of application.

Article 8
For recognition in cardiac surgery the applicant must provide evidence of having performed, as the primary operating surgeon, over 150 cardiac operations with an appropriate mix of open and closed  cardiovascular procedures.

Article 9
For recognition in thoracic surgery the applicant must provide evidence of having performed, as the primary operating surgeon, 100 thoracic operations with an appropriate mix of open and thoracoscopic procedures. In addition a representative number of diagnostic procedures such as mediastinoscopy and endoscopy must have been performed.

Article 10
In both categories candidates should be able to indicate experience and adequate knowledge of related specialties.

For those seeking accreditation in thoracic surgery, an adequate knowledge of endoscopy, pulmonary function tests thoracic imaging and other diagnostic methods must be demonstrated.

For those seeking accreditation in cardiac surgery an adequate knowledge of ECG, echo Doppler, cardiac catheterisation, cardiovascular imaging, exercise testing and other diagnostic methods is required.

Article 11
Whichever is the chosen predominant area of work, candidates should adequately understand the principles of both major specialties and have a thorough knowledge of related basic sciences.

In all areas of work, candidates should display competence in case selection, and management in the pre-, intra- and postoperative phases of patient care.

First hand experience in postoperative intensive care, including artificial ventilation, resuscitation, central venous catheterisation, pulmonary artery catheterisation, emergency pacing, assist devices and other techniques is essential.

A basic knowledge of the principles of organ transplantation is expected.

Article 12
Candidates must show an ability to contribute original work relevant to the specialty and a minimum of three presentations, either publications in peer reviewed journals or presentation to scientific societies, published as an abstract.
 

PART II: PROCESS OF RECOGNITION (A-Regulation)

Article 13
The candidate must present at application:

Evidence of identity in the form of a Passport
Diploma of qualification in medicine
Recognition to practise in medicine
Specialty recognition in the applicants own country

A complete curriculum vitae

A statement from trainers on:

Time spent in appropriate training posts
in the generality of surgery.

Composition of times spent in specialist training
(thoracic, cardiac, paediatric, transplantation etc.)

Log books of operations performed, countersigned by the surgeon responsible for training.

A list of meetings and courses attended

A list of presentations and publications

On the basis of these submissions the Board will decide if a candidate is eligible to be considered for Accreditation

Article 14
Candidates deemed eligible will undertake a formal examination in general thoracic and cardiac surgery, in English, for which a fee will be payable, to be announced by the Board

Article 15
The examination will be set and marked by a panel of examiners appointed by the Board.  The panel will consist of at least three surgeons.  At least one member of the panel will speak the candidate's native language, if the candidate specifically asks for it.

Article 16
Candidates will be provided with a list of books and journals from which to prepare for the examination, and a pass can be obtained within these sources, but the examiners may go outside this material.

Article 17
The decision of the Board will be final and although a candidate may resubmit, appeals will not be considered.  The examination can be taken on a further two occasions without further charges.

Article 18
The Board will organise the examination in different locations and at least once a year, according to demand.

Article 19
Surgeons in established practice of at least five years at the time the Board is founded, with independent responsibility whether this is in academic, university or private practice, who meet eligibility criteria, may be recognised without examination. This option is available for three years after the founding of the Board.  The final decision will rest with the Board.
 

Article 20
Surgeons accredited by the Board  will receive a diploma recognizing them as Fellow of the Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (FETCS).