Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 195 - GEORGIA BOARD FOR HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
Chapter 195-24 - MASTERY IN GENERAL SURGERY PROGRAM
Rule 195-24-.01 - General Definitions

(1) "Mastery in General Surgery (MGS) Program" is a one year program designed by the American College of Surgeons Division of Education to support the transition to independent practice in general surgery through: building autonomy, decision-making, and clinical skills; developing experience in practice management, leadership, and quality improvement; learning the business of medicine; and launching the career of general surgery.

(2) "American College of Surgeons (ACS)" is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.

(3) "ACS Division of Education" is a division of the American College of Surgeons that is at the forefront of national and international innovative education and training to promote excellence and expertise in surgery.

(4) "Standards and Guiding Statements" are the statements that describe elements common for all institutions participating in the ACS Mastery in General Surgery Program and should guide the development of new Mastery in General Surgery programs.

(5) "MGS Associate" means a graduate from a US-accredited ACGME general surgery residency program that functions as a junior associate with "back-up" senior associate at all times.

(6) "Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)" is the body established to accredit residency programs.

(7) "Underserved Areas" are those geographic areas of the state in which the Board determines there is a shortage of general surgery physicians.

(8) "General Surgery" means a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland.

(9) "Board Programs" means those medical education activities supported by the Board and/or funded by the General Assembly to address Georgia's physician workforce needs.