Training in paediatric cardiac surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Congenital heart surgery has evolved into its own specialty requiring unique techniques and skills. Recognizing the need to establish a special certification in congenital heart surgery, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery began the process in 2005, eventually granting the first certifications to qualified applicants in 2009. The American Council for Graduate Medical Education and the Thoracic Surgery Residency Review Committee have now approved specific training programs throughout the United States that will help to ensure the proper training of congenital heart surgeons for the future.