Physicians in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Physicians with current and valid licenses in the United States, Canada, or Mexico who read any 3 of the selected continuing medical education (CME) articles in this issue of Archives of Surgery, complete the CME Evaluation Form, and fax it to the number or mail it to the address at the bottom of the CME Evaluation Form are eligible for Category 1 CME credit. There is no charge.
The American Medical Association (AMA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. The AMA designates this educational activity for up to 1 hour of Category 1 credit per Archives of Surgery issue toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award (PRA). Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that were actually spent in the educational activity.
Physicians in Other Countries
Physicians with current and valid licenses in the United States, Mexico, or Canada are eligible for CME credit even if they live or practice in other countries. Physicians licensed in other countries are also welcome to participate in this CME activity. However, the PRA is only available to physicians licensed in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Earning Credit
To earn credit, read the articles designated for CME credit carefully and complete the CME Evaluation Form. The CME Evaluation Form must be submitted within 3 months of the issue date. A certificate awarding 1 hour of Category 1 CME credit will be faxed or mailed to you; it is then your responsibility to maintain a record of credit received. Questions about CME credit processing should be directed to The Blackstone Group; tel: (312) 419-0400, ext 225; fax: (312) 269-1636.
CME Evaluation Form
One of our goals is to assess continually the educational needs of our readers so we may enhance the educational effectiveness of the Archives of Surgery. To achieve this goal, we need your help. You must complete the CME Evaluation Form to receive credit.
Statement of Educational Purpose
The mission of the Archives of Surgery is to promote the art and science of surgery by publishing relevant peer-reviewed clinical and basic science information to assist the surgeon in optimizing patient care. The Archives of Surgery will also serve as a forum for the discussion of issues that involve ethics, teaching, surgical history, and socioeconomic concerns. The curriculum of the CME activities will be developed by the Archives of Surgery Board, its readership, reviewers, and editors. The Archives of Surgery Reader's Choice CME activity allows readers, as adult learners, to determine their own educational needs and to assist the editors in addressing their needs in future issues.
Readers of the Archives of Surgery should be able to attain the following educational objectives: (1) acquire new information developed from surgical research, both clinical and basic science; (2) be appraised of the latest advances in surgery; (3) assess the relevance of these new developments; (4) assist in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic skills in controversial areas; and (5) develop an appreciation of historical developments within the discipline.
CME Articles in This Issue of Archives of Surgery
The following articles in this issue may be read for CME credit:
Pedicled Bone Flap Formation Using Transplanted Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To examine the exciting prospect of using vascularized bone flaps for reconstructive purposes.
Small Tissue Bites and Wound Strength: An Experimental Study (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To demonstrate in animals that wound bursting strength increases with the number of stitches placed in the wound.
Liver Transplantation in Rats Using Small-for-Size Grafts: A Study of Hemodynamic and Morphological Changes (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To appreciate the pathophysiology of injury to the small-for-size liver grafts in animals.
The Case for 
-Adrenergic Blockade as Prophylaxis Against Perioperative Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To review the substantial evidence for the application of -adrenergic blockade as prophylaxis against unfavorable perioperative cardiovascular events.
Thoracolumbar Immobilization for Trauma Patients With Torso Gunshot Wounds: Is It Necessary? (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To question the use of thoracolumbar immobilization in patients with torso gunshot wounds.
Effects of Preoperative Steroid Administration on Surgical Stress in Hepatic Resection: Prospective Randomized Trial (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To extend the concept of preoperative steroid administration to control surgical stress parameters in humans.
Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Thyroid Nodules: Prediction of Malignancy (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To consider the ultrasonic characterization of thyroid nodules as an adjunct to fine-needle aspiration.
Improved Survival and Local Control After Intraoperative Radiation Therapy and Postoperative Radiotherapy: A Multivariate Analysis of 46 Patients Undergoing Surgery for Pancreatic Head Cancer (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To note improved longevity when radiation therapy supplements pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer.
