In the last edition of The Beam (Spring 2010), we summarized the results of our readership survey. The survey results reflected the complexity of healthcare reform, new examination formats, and some of the concerns of our diplomates and candidates. Over the last decade, the role of the American Board of Radiology has expanded with a significant increase in the complexity of our mission. However, with this challenge come new opportunities to ensure the future of all the specialties and subspecialties in the three categories of radiologic practice (diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and medical physics).

In his "Message from the President" in the 2010-2011 Annual Report from the American Board of Radiology, Dr. Bruce G. Haffty stresses that "whatever shape healthcare reform takes over the next few years, the ABR's principal mission will continue to be to serve the public through its rigorous certification processes." Listed below is a summary of some of the key initiatives under way to enhance our mission and support our candidates and diplomates. Read More.
 

Beginning August 1, 2012, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) will begin reporting on its public website, www.certificationmatters.org, whether or not diplomates certified by any of the 24 ABMS Member Boards are meeting Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements. This includes ABR board-certified diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists. This reporting standard was implemented by seven ABMS Member Boards in October 2011. 
 

While complying with the new ABMS standard, the ABR is determined to make it perfectly clear to anyone researching the certification status of its diplomates online that those certified before the MOC program started are NOT required to participate in MOC. Read More.

Beth Erickson, MD

By this time, most ABR radiation oncology (RO) diplomates are aware that on January 19, 2011, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors voted to approve an innovative pilot program for special recognition in brachytherapy proposed by the ABR. That approval triggered the initiation of a critical 12-month pre-implementation planning phase of the program, which will conclude in January 2012.  

Paul E. Wallner, DO

Beginning in early March, applications will be accepted for participation in the program. Actual program implementation will take place over a three-year period, followed by a year of post-implementation evaluation. It is our hope that after the evaluation of the program, the ABMS will approve its permanent status. During the pre-implementation period, an Advisory Committee was established and has met, by conference call, on a regular basis. Two task groups also were created within the Advisory Committee. Read More.
 

From left: Drs. Morin, Ibbott, Frey, and Thomas

The previous paradigm for professional certification (lifetime certification) has evolved to a new, more robust model. Pressure from the public and government agencies has been a factor but far more important has been the recognition by the professions themselves that the old model was not adequate.

In the new model, certification is a continuous process that stretches from the beginning of the medical physicist's professional life and continues until the time of retirement from clinical medical physics. Full entry into the profession requires a strong background in physics, a standardized education in medical physics, and appropriate clinical training. Once these three foundation blocks have been put in place, the medical physicist is ready for initial certification. That is, he or she is ready to become board certified and a qualified medical physicist (QMP). QMP status should be viewed as being dependent on continuous active participation in the certification process. It is not a one-time event that will last throughout the physicist's career. Read More.