Crawford begins two-year term as chair of ABTS
Fred
Crawford, M.D., professor and chairman of the MUSC Department
of Surgery, was elected chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons
(ABTS) and began his two-year term in October.
The ABTS is the national credentialing body for certification of thoracic surgeons. Crawford has served on the board for eight years.
As chair, Crawford will lead the ABTS Board of Directors as it sets standards for thoracic surgeons throughout the United States.
“This university is very fortunate to have Fred Crawford here,” said Layton McCurdy, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “He has played a crucial role as department chairman in establishing this school in the premier position we now enjoy.”
McCurdy expressed confidence in MUSC's continued leadership of thoracic surgery in this country, and said that Crawford’s position as ABTS chair brings additional status and recognition to the university.
Only the most highly qualified thoracic surgeons in the United States are selected to serve on the ABTS Board of Directors. The board’s primary purpose and most essential function is to protect the public by establishing and maintaining high standards in thoracic surgery. To achieve these objectives, the board has established qualifications for examination and procedures for certification and recertification. Its requirements are reviewed regularly and modified as necessary. Board certification in a medical specialty is evidence that a physician’s qualifications for specialty practice are recognized by his or her peers.
Thoracic surgery encompasses the operative, perioperative, and surgical critical care of patients with acquired and congenital pathological conditions within the chest.