AOBS, ABS to collaborate on metabolic and bariatric surgery exam

News in brief

Beginning next year, AOBS-certified surgeons will be able to achieve a designation recognizing their dedication to caring for patients with obesity.

The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS) are collaborating on the ABS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) Focused Practice Designation (FPD).

Beginning with the 2025 examination, eligible AOBS-certified surgeons will meet the same standards of eligibility and take the same exam as ABS-certified surgeons to achieve this designation. AOBS diplomates will be recognized by the AOBS with a certificate of added qualification. This practice sets a high professional standard of transparency to both the public and stakeholders.

Introduced by the ABS in 2022, the MBS FPD recognizes surgeons who dedicate a significant percentage of their practice to the comprehensive care of patients seeking treatment for obesity and metabolic disease. These treatments include primary and revisional bariatric surgery, management of bariatric complications and endoscopy.

“At AOBS, we’re excited to participate in this groundbreaking collaboration between the ABS and AOBS regarding access to the MBS exam,” stated AOBS Chair David Dellinger, DO, FACOS. “Based on the feedback we’ve received, many of our osteopathic surgeons are looking forward to taking this exam and participating in future exam construction and administration.”

Candidates can learn more about the exam, its eligibility criteria, application deadlines and additional information on the AOBS website.