Societal trends toward accountability in the professions.

Abstract

The rising demand in all areas of the American culture for accountability in the professions is well documented. Recertification as a documentation of that accountability is being pressed by consumer groups as well as those who are charged with protecting the public welfare. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery's time-limited certificates have made recertification, at least for the more recent certificate holders, mandatory. The negative attitude of the orthopedic surgeon toward the recertification process needs to be reexamined in light of recent demands for accountability. Orthopedic surgeons must be willing to discuss these issues as components of professionalism.