How Can We Improve Education of Breast Surgeons Across Europe?

Abstract

European Board of Surgery Qualification in Breast Surgery (EBSQ in BS): phase 1-eligibility assessment (CV, logbook, references); phase 2- test; phase 3- oral examination with 2 clinical cases and 1 critical review of academic paper. The applicant must hold a current license to practice as a surgeon (general or plastic or gynaecologist), demonstrate work for one year in a breast surgery unit with at least 150 new primary breast cancer cases per year, attended at least one national/ international training course in breast surgery and has attended at least one well recognized international congress. The applicant should present a signed log book for breast surgery with application; published either one paper or book chapter on breast disease Conclusions 1. The need for certified breast units: Standardised techniques by specialist breast surgeons across Europe should be the aim. 2. No man'™s land. Across Europe oncoplastic reconstruction is performed by specialist breast, general or plastic surgeons, sometimes in collaboration with each other. There may be dispute as who should or should not be involved. This needs to be addressed. 3. Oncoplastic reconstruction technique expansion. Significant expansion in number, variety and complexity of available techniques is a fact. A good example would be a 6-fold increase together with a low rate of complications in some Eastern European countries over the last decade 4. CME. European breast surgeons want to improve their skills, as evidenced by fully or overbooked ESSO-endorsed breast surgery courses and other high quality workshops. Applications for the European Examination in Breast Surgery (EBSQBS) continue to increase.