ABIM Statement 12/10/18
ABIM is disappointed to learn of a lawsuit filed on behalf of four diplomates. The organization will vigorously defend itself, recognizing that doing so will consume resources far better dedicated to continuous improvement of its programs.
ABIM leadership, volunteers and staff have spent the last several years working with broad segments of the diverse internal medicine community to make ABIM’s program better and enhance the value of ABIM Board Certification to diplomates and the public. Based on interactions with more than 40,000 ABIM diplomates, a number of meaningful changes in the program have been implemented, including:
- An innovative partnership with ACCME to improve efficiency in the program. (Last week, ABIM awarded the 10 millionth Maintenance of Certification point to one of more than 138,000 diplomates who have used this program as a pathway to recognize their unique skills.)
- A shorter, lower-consequence assessment option called the Knowledge Check-In, which over 6,000 diplomates used this year to re-validate their continuing knowledge in their field. ABIM will offer this to eight more specialties in 2019.
- ABIM staff and leadership are engaged in discussions with the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians and American Society of Clinical Oncology to create alternative pathways for diplomates to maintain their certification beginning in 2019.
ABIM leaders are proud of these changes and have devoted substantial resources to making the program better for all diplomates. ABIM’s focus will remain on maintaining a standard of professional achievement that the public values, signaling that ABIM diplomates are well-trained and staying current in their fields to better serve their patients.
