Definition of Pediatric Neurological Surgery

Pediatric neurological surgery is a discipline of medicine and the specialty of neurosurgery, which deals with the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems of children. Pediatric neurological surgery includes evaluation and diagnosis, operative, and non-operative treatment, critical care, and rehabilitation of children with disorders of the nervous system.

Mission of the ABPNS

The broad aim of the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery is to encourage the study, improve the practice and elevate the standards of pediatric neurological surgery, and thereby to advance the cause of public health.

History of ABPNS

In order to establish and codify the optimal training and practice requirements for pediatric neurosurgeons, forty senior pediatric neurosurgeons from the USA and Canada met in Chicago in the early summer of 1991. By unanimous vote, they founded the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery (ABPNS) to fulfill these functions. Subsequently, the Accreditation Council for Pediatric Neurosurgical Fellowships (ACPNF) was created to oversee and regulate pediatric neurosurgical fellowship programs.

Certification and Recertification

In an effort to reduce the burden and time commitment of the certification and recertification processes, the ABNS and ABPNS are committed to merging the certification process, as well as the continuous certification process (formerly known as MOC) for pediatric and adult certification.

The ABPNS has established a process in collaboration with the ABNS and the RCPS(C) for credentialing pediatric neurosurgeons who have completed an ACPNF-accredited fellowship. Although slightly different for those initially certified by the ABNS and those certified by the Royal College, the process of pediatric credentialing contains the same basic components. These include a written examination, submission of a practice case log, and an oral examination including questions based on the applicant's case log.

The ABNS–ABPNS Recognized Focused Practice Designation in Pediatric Neurological Surgery and the ABPNS–RCPSC joint subspecialty credentials are each valid for ten years. Diplomates in both pathways are required to participate in the Continuous Certification (CC) process administered by the ABNS/ABPNS.

For those due for recertification, the previous requirement to submit a formal application and case log has been eliminated. Beginning in 2024, a surgical case log attestation is included among the CC requirements. Diplomates must attest annually that they meet the minimum pediatric case volume. In addition, proof of active participation in the ABNS CC process is required for issuance of a renewed subspecialty credential.

The ABPNS is an Ohio nonprofit corporation that is now a well-established and accepted certifying body and has become the standard accreditation authority for pediatric neurological surgery in the United States and Canada.