It is very concerning to learn that the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) is not included in the list of credible organizations that certify Surgical Assistants. ABSA is a national organization (since 1987), which requires formal training as a prerequisite for ABSA certification.  This certification requires documented performance as a surgical assistant in the clinical setting. ABSA is continuously updating their educational requirements in-order to further promote safety and protection of the public.  ABSA mandates higher levels of knowledge of surgical medicine. There is no doubt that individuals, who are certified with ABSA, match all requirements to provide the highest level of service in assisting the surgeon in the performance of a surgical procedure. I appreciate your consideration of my request to recognize ABSA as a credible organization to certify Surgical Assistants.

Respectfully,

Marina Tikhonova, S.A.-C.