1. The ABMS MOC Part III Examination: Value, Concerns, and Alternative Formats.
- Author
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Hawkins RE, Irons MB, Welcher CM, Pouwels MV, Holmboe ES, Reisdorff EJ, Cohen JM, Dentzer S, Nichols DG, Lien CA, Horn TD, Noone RB, Lipner RS, Eva KW, Norcini JJ, Nora LM, and Gold JP
- Subjects
- American Medical Association, Educational Measurement standards, Quality Improvement, Specialty Boards standards, United States, Certification standards, Clinical Competence standards, Education, Medical, Continuing standards, Educational Measurement methods
- Abstract
This article describes the presentations and discussions at a conference co-convened by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association (AMA) and by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The conference focused on the ABMS Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part III Examination. This article, reflecting the conference agenda, covers the value of and evidence supporting the examination, as well as concerns about the cost of the examination, and-given the current format-its relevance. In addition, the article outlines alternative formats for the examination that four ABMS member boards are currently developing or implementing. Lastly, the article presents contrasting views on the approach to professional self-regulation. One view operationalizes MOC as a high-stakes, pass-fail process while the other perspective holds MOC as an organized approach to support continuing professional development and improvement. The authors hope to begin a conversation among the AMA, the ABMS, and other professional stakeholders about how knowledge assessment in MOC might align with the MOC program's educational and quality improvement elements and best meet the future needs of both the public and the physician community.
- Published
- 2016
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