Introducing New Approval Committee Chairs
ABIM Approval Committees are responsible for approving all assessment content and maintaining the blueprints for Certification, Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) in Internal Medicine and its subspecialties. In January 2024, ABIM welcomed four new Approval Committee chairs and invited them to share reflections on their role as chair and the work of the Approval Committees.
George Bittar, MD, Chair of the Interventional Cardiology LKA Approval Committee
Director and General Manager of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories and Cardiovascular Services, Union Hospital System; President, Providence Medical Group
“Serving on the Interventional Cardiology LKA Approval Committee has been profoundly meaningful for various reasons. Firstly, it allows me to contribute directly to the development of high-quality assessments that uphold the highest standards in medical practice. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues—all practicing interventional cardiologists—ensures that assessment questions (items) are meticulously reviewed to align with the standard of care and the latest society guidelines. Additionally, the rigorous post-assessment review process wherein items undergo intense scrutiny ensures their relevance to the current standard of practice. Finally, my involvement with the committee has allowed me to connect with the ABIM’s mission on a deeper level. Knowing that my work helps ensure competent physicians are providing care to patients across the country fills me with a profound sense of purpose. This dedication to maintaining the assessment’s quality reaffirms its importance in assessing physicians’ competency and enhancing patient care.
“Often overlooked is the critical role practicing interventional cardiologists throughout the country play in generating items. They contribute real-life cases and outcomes, ensuring items reflect actual clinical challenges. This breadth of real-world scenarios enhances the assessment’s relevance and applicability. Furthermore, each question undergoes rigorous vetting to align with established standards and guidelines. The committee’s unwavering commitment to post-assessment review and continuous improvement guarantees the assessment remains current with clinical challenges and standards.
“The exceptional dedication to maintaining the relevance and quality of assessment content has been truly remarkable. Witnessing the intense review process, especially for questions that require refinement, underscores the committee’s commitment to excellence. Moreover, collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, all focused on ensuring the assessment’s integrity, has been enlightening. Serving on the committee has surprised me by the level of dedication and expertise my colleagues bring to the table. Their passion for maintaining high standards and willingness to invest their time and knowledge are truly inspiring. Additionally, realizing the direct impact our work has on individual lives has been a humbling and powerful realization. Finally, I’ve been surprised by the rapid pace of change in medical knowledge. The committee constantly adapts and innovates to ensure the assessments remain relevant and up to date, reflecting the evolving landscape of our field.
“This experience reaffirmed the importance of collective effort, unwavering commitment and a shared passion for excellence in shaping the future of health care, with ABIM diligently ensuring these values are upheld across all aspects of medical practice.”
Dr. Bittar has served as a member of the Interventional Cardiology LKA Approval Committee since 2020. He previously served as a member of the Interventional Cardiology Item-Writing Task Force from 2018 to 2020.
Anthony K. Leung, DO, FACP, FIDSA, FASCP, Chair of the Infectious Disease LKA Approval Committee
Professor of Internal Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University; Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine; Infectious Disease Specialist, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
“I started out working with ABIM as an item-writer a few years back. During the process, I learned about the complexity and intricacy of composing thoughtful and meaningful questions for the diplomates. Having served on the Approval Committee has helped me continue to contribute growth, learning and development of the LKA program. I particularly enjoy the ongoing collaboration with different colleagues during the review process, which helps me learn from others to be a better clinician. Being on the committee also makes us accountable for the success and advancement of the program.
“Being involved in the LKA program, I have learned about the behind-the-scenes complexity in developing and maintaining a high-quality program. There is a lot of analysis, research, collaborations, thoughts and effort put into the program. It is a challenge to construct balanced and clinically relevant items for the diplomates. I hope the LKA experience can foster a sense of camaraderie between ABIM and the diplomates to improve clinical skills and knowledge, with the goal of being the best infectious disease clinicians we can be.”
Dr. Leung has served as a member of the Infectious Disease LKA Approval Committee since 2022. He previously served as a member of the Infectious Disease Item-Writing Task Force from 2019 to 2021. He is maintaining certification in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease.
Ming Lim, MD, Chair of the Hematology LKA Approval Committee
Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah
“I think most people don’t realize the amount of time and effort that the Item-Writing Task Force and Approval Committee members put into each question that appears on the Hematology LKA. There is an initial review by the Item-Writing Task Force and then a second review by the Approval Committee. [When I joined the Approval Committee,] I was pleasantly surprised by the level of commitment from each member in ensuring that the questions are relevant in today’s practice for all hematologists, from community to academic hematologists.”
Dr. Lim has served as a member of the Hematology LKA Approval Committee since 2020. She previously served on the (now defunct) Hematology Board Exam Committee and as a member of the Hematology Item-Writing Task Force from 2018 to 2020. She is maintaining certification in Internal Medicine and Hematology.
C. John Sperati, MD, Chair of the Nephrology LKA Approval Committee
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Director, Nephrology Fellowship Training Program and Glomerular Diseases Fellowship Program
“I have appreciated serving on the Approval Committee for a number of reasons. Among them, it affords the opportunity to help ensure we are testing knowledge that is relevant, appropriate and worthy of a currently practicing nephrologist. This process also allows me to remain current across the breadth of nephrology, particularly since the Item-Writing Task Force and Approval Committees are drawn from a mix of private practice and academic nephrologists.”
Dr. Sperati has served as a member of the Nephrology LKA Approval Committee since 2020. He previously served as a member of the Nephrology Self-Assessment Committee and the Nephrology Item-Writing Task Force from 2017 to 2020. He is maintaining certification in Nephrology.
