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In January, ABIM welcomed several physicians starting new terms on various Approval Committees, which are responsible for approving all of the content on ABIM assessments and maintaining the blueprints for certification, Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA®). We asked each of them to share some thoughts on why working on assessments is meaningful to them and what they’re looking forward to about working with the Approval Committee.


Gretchen L. Brandt, MD, Nephrology LKA Approval Committee
Nephrologist, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group

“I really enjoy the opportunity to work collaboratively with a diverse group of nephrologists. Although we all come from various locations of nephrology practice, we’re all of one mind toward making a knowledge assessment that’s practical, fair and maybe even fun for any nephrologist to take. 

“Working with the Nephrology LKA Approval Committee, it’s fun to review various routine “bread-and-butter” common areas of nephrology, as well as create ways to assess knowledge in newer areas of nephrology, too. It’s also helpful to hear different committee members’ input when discussing just one single question. There’s a lot of effort, thought, reading and dialogue that goes into preparing each question to then formulate an assessment. When we come together as a committee, we’re having a greater impact on our nephrology world than any of us could do individually. So, this is something I’m grateful to be a part of doing!”

Dr. Brandt previously served as a member of the Nephrology Item-Writing Task Force.


Vince D. Cataldo, MD, Hematology LKA Approval Committee
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; Section Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group

“My work as an item-writer for the hematology assessments has been one of the most gratifying aspects of my career. As a member of the Hematology LKA Approval Committee, I look forward to advancing our efforts of creating examinations that are appropriately challenging while remaining clinically relevant.”

Dr. Cataldo previously served as a member of the Hematology Item-Writing Task Force and the (now defunct) Hematology Board Exam Committee.


Matthew Hollon, MD, Internal Medicine LKA Approval Committee
Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Washington; Primary Care Physician, MultiCare Rockwood Clinic – Primary Care

“I enjoy helping create assessments because I value contributing to our collective work of maintaining our standards for the practice of medicine. Certainly, one of the defining characteristics of the profession is this freedom and responsibility we are given by society to take ownership of developing these standards and it is just great to help with that work.”

Dr. Hollon previously served as a member of the Internal Medicine Item-Writing Task Force. He is now a member of the Internal Medicine LKA Approval Committee.


Helbert Rondon Berrios, MD, MS, FACP, FASN, FNKF, Nephrology LKA Approval Committee
Professor of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Program Director, Nephrology Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

“As a member of the Nephrology LKA Approval Committee, I am truly enthusiastic about contributing to upholding the highest standards in the field of nephrology. Being part of this committee offers me an opportunity to ensure that examinations remain relevant and maintain their integrity. Collaborating with fellow committee members brings me satisfaction as we provide feedback and work together towards the shared objective of improving the assessment process. Ultimately, I am thrilled about how our collective efforts can impact the future of certification and knowledge evaluation in nephrology.”

Dr. Rondon Berrios previously served as a member of the Nephrology Item-Writing Task Force.


Jennifer Svetlecic, MD, Pulmonary Disease Traditional, 10-Year MOC Exam Approval Committee
Pulmonologist/Intensivist, Saint Luke’s Health System

“Whether you are taking the exam for the first time or recertifying for the fourth time, we’ve all taken a lot of tests in our lives. Few will enjoy taking the assessment, but we all benefit if it is created and delivered in a way that balances rigor with practicality. In my view, rigor means two things: There is the rigor that the questions and answers must be accurate and guided by the best available evidence. That part is hopefully self-evident. But there is also the rigor and accountability that the process of regular assessments instills. 

“As physicians, we are called to engage in a lifelong process of learning and development. With that comes responsibilities to our patients and our peers. As for practicality, I am guided by my experience caring for patients in the hospital and clinic. Before joining the Pulmonary Disease Traditional, 10-Year MOC Exam Approval Committee, I wrote questions (and answers) for the Item-Writing Task Force. It is really quite amazing what goes into writing a question and ensuring that it is exam-ready. The goal with the task force, and now with the Approval Committee, is never to dig up the most arcane trivia or to trick the test taker. Instead, it is to ensure we are all prepared to care for our patients.”  

Dr. Svetlecic previously served as a member of the Pulmonary Disease Item-Writing Task Force.


Matthew Tuck, MD, Internal Medicine LKA Approval Committee
Associate Professor of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Site Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Veterans Affairs Medical Center

“I am committed to the mission of ABIM and believe internists should be held to a professional level of expertise in knowledge skills and attitudes. This is important for the trust of the patients we serve and for the learners we teach. Working on the Item-Writing Task Force for the past three years has been a tremendous pleasure and I look forward to continued service on the Internal Medicine LKA Approval Committee!”

Dr. Tuck previously served on Internal Medicine Item-Writing Task Force.