The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) is pleased to announce the induction of two esteemed colleagues to our board: Dr. Jason Hall and Dr. Bryan K. Richmond!

Dr. Jason Hall is currently serving as the Surgeon-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. With a track record of leadership and excellence in colorectal surgery, Dr. Hall brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to the specialty.

Joining alongside Dr. Hall is Dr. Bryan K. Richmond, a respected Professor of Surgery and Section Chief of General Surgery at West Virginia University in Charleston, WV. His academic pedigree, along with his leadership role at West Virginia University, speaks volumes about his dedication and commitment to the practice.

Together, Dr. Hall and Dr. Richmond will provide invaluable leadership and insight to the ABCRS, helping to guide and shape the future of colorectal surgery practices and education. Their combined expertise will not only contribute to the advancement of our organization but also our commitment to excellence in the field of colorectal surgery.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Hall and Dr. Richmond as they commence their roles on the ABCRS Board. We anticipate a fruitful collaboration and are excited about the positive impact and contributions they will undoubtedly bring to our organization and the wider colorectal surgery community.

Welcome aboard, Dr. Hall and Dr. Richmond!

Ethics and Professionalism Policy

Unethical and unprofessional behavior is denoted by any dishonest behavior, including: cheating; lying; falsifying information; misrepresenting one’s educational background, certification status and/or professional experience; and failure to report misconduct. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy toward these behaviors, and individuals caught exhibiting such behaviors risk being permanently barred from certification, reported to state medical boards, and/or legally prosecuted for copyright or other violations.

Unethical behavior is specifically defined by the ABCRS to include the disclosure, publication, reproduction or transmission of ABCRS examinations, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purposes. This also extends to sharing examination information or discussing an examination while still in progress. Unethical behavior also includes the possession, reproduction or disclosure of materials or information, including examination questions or answers or specific information regarding the content of the examination, before, during or after the examination. This definition specifically includes the recall and reconstruction of examination questions by any means and such efforts may violate federal copyright law. All ABCRS examinations are copyrighted and protected by law; the ABCRS will prosecute violations to the full extent provided by law and seek monetary damages for any loss of examination materials.

Continuing Certification

What does it mean when a physician is required?

Continuing Certification or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is a process adopted by all 24 ABMS boards that assesses six core physician competencies approved by the ABMS and the ACGME throughout a physician’s career. The six competencies that have been identified as important to deliver quality care are communication skills, professionalism, medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning and improvement, which includes the ability to measure, and improve quality of care and system-based practice. All physicians certified after 1990 are required to participate in Continuing Certification.

What does it mean when a physician is required?

Prior to 1990, certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery was granted for life. These certified colon and rectal surgeons are not required to recertify or to meet the requirements of Maintenance of Continuing Certification in this area but are strongly encouraged to do so.