title: [Future figures of specialties in the surgical field].
abstract: A quarter of century has passed since specialties and their governing boards were established in the surgical field. It is now time to reestablish more definitive and rational specialties as we begin the 21st century. The specialty of general surgery should be the first step and require general surgical training of four years or more. The subsequent specialties (subspecialties) would be gastroenterological surgery, cardiovascular surgery, respiratory organ surgery, and pediatric surgery. In addition, the numerous medical associations in Japan could be overseen by a newly created Japan Board of Medical Specialties (proposed name) to manage the various specialties.
authors.affiliation: Niigata University of International and Information Studies, Niigata, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Muto
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D013502:General Surgery / Q000639:trends*; D007564:Japan; D013038:Specialization / Q000639:trends*