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
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:
Predictive Factors Associated With the Development of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To point out the important factors contributing to abdominal compartment syndrome in patients in the intensive care unit.
The Use of the Harmonic Scalpel vs Conventional Knot Tying for Vessel Ligation in Thyroid Surgery (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To reinforce the value of the harmonic scalpel in vessel ligation during thyroid operations.
Simultaneous Gastrointestinal Surgery in Patients With Elective Abdominal Aortic Reconstruction (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To add an additional comment on the role of simultaneous gastrointestinal surgery as an accompaniment of aortic reconstruction.
Indication and Procedure for Treatment of Hepatolithiasis (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To strengthen the armamentarium for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.
The Value of Splenic Preservation With Distal Pancreatectomy (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To emphasize the value of splenic preservation in the course of distal pancreatectomy for low-grade lesions.
Axillary Padding as an Alternative to Closed Suction Drain for Ambulatory Axillary Lymphadenectomy (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To provide an alternative to drainage after limited axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer.
Nutritional Approach in Malnourished Surgical Patients (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To add additional proof of the value of appropriate nutrition in malnourished patients about to undergo significant gastrointestinal operations.
Posttraumatic Stress, Problem Drinking, and Functional Outcomes After Injury (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To demonstrate that injured trauma patients require follow-up and care for continued impairment.
