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Future of MOC: Introduction from the New ABIM Chair

August 20, 2015  |  Posted by Clarence H. Braddock III, MD - Chair  |  Opportunities and Ideas for MOC

First, let me start by saying how honored I am to serve as Chair of the ABIM Board of Directors. It is an exciting endeavor in a time of great change. I am enjoying the many conversations I’m having with internists around the country, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to speak with as many of you as possible and to serve as an active conduit for your thoughts and concerns to the Board.

clarence-braddockI began my career as a practicing internist and critical care physician, having spent four years in the U.S. Navy and another five years in full-time practice with the Veterans Administration. In recent years, I’ve moved into academic leadership in medical education, driven by the desire to help train future physicians for meaningful and rewarding careers serving our patients and communities.

The voice of the practicing physician is critical to informing our direction in governance and is something to which I am deeply committed. And I am not alone, as many other members of ABIM governance recognize the tremendous value that the connection to physicians in small and community practice brings to the organization. This is one of the reasons I am pleased that Dr. Baron has taken the helm; he embodies this shift as the first community-based internist to serve as President of ABIM.

As Chair, I will continue to work alongside other members of ABIM’s governance but—most importantly—with and for you, ABIM’s diplomates.

A time of transition

As many of you are aware, a lot has happened this past year. As announced on February 3rd, we are re-examining the current Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to ensure that it is relevant and of value to practicing physicians. I, along with many hardworking members of ABIM’s governance and staff, sincerely believe that the only way we will be able to “get it right’ is through collaboration with the internal medicine community.

As I talk with physician colleagues, I am hearing clearly that all of us are committed to staying current in knowledge and practice. These principles will serve as our framework to add value to the redesigned MOC program.

Additionally, ABIM leadership is in discussion with the internal medicine community about the more pragmatic elements that can change within the program to reduce redundancy.

Moving forward

Over the coming months, we will continue to listen, learn and design through extensive community engagement, including a wide range of on- and off-line organized opportunities where physicians can share their thoughts and concerns to add to the future of ABIM’s MOC program.

During my two-year term as Chair, you will continue to hear from me on this blog. I urge you to continue to share your feedback with me and with Dr. Baron, and to subscribe to the blog to receive regular updates and learn about ways you can become involved.