Assurance.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons was created for practicing thoracic surgeons, but the response to recertification indicates there has been a breakdown in communication between practicing thoracic surgeons and the leadership of this Society and other decision-making organizations of our specialty. To provide greater input and participation by members, it is suggested that regional representatives be elected to the Council, open discussion of issues important to thoracic surgeons be held at the Annual Meetings, small-group clinical workshops be added to the Scientific Sessions to increase opportunity for participation, and more nonacademic surgeons be included as members of working committees of the Society. Recertification represents the third phase on the part of the medical education and establishment of standards for postgraduate training. The members' response to a questionnaire concerning recertification indicates they agree that periodic review of competence should be available and that they are willing to undergo peer review and fulfill requirements for continuing medical education participation. They are opposed to multiple-choice, cognitive examinations but would be in favor of a self-education/self-assessment program to review knowledge. The periodic review of competence should require review of performance, and a mechanism for accomplishing this must be developed.