"Independence Day": A Board-Certified Pediatrician's Thoughts On The American Board Of Pediatrics' New "Maintenance of Certification" Requirements

Note to Housecalls Readers: I was actually working on this post last week, but did not have the time to complete it in time for this week's Medical Grand Rounds (the theme of which is Medical Education). I submitted my June 27th post on "Medical Economics in Asheville and Asheboro" instead . . . with my fingers crossed. Alas, it was not included. Apparently, what we lowly grunt physicians learn in "the-school-of-hard-knocks" (i.e. Pediatric Newbies, PLEASE Google the mill-town megalomaniacs who are trying to sell you their notions of "partnership" before you sign) doesn't count for anything with the high-brow sub-specialist academicians.Additional Warning to the Lay-Reader: There will lots of abbreviations in this post. We doctors LOVE our abbreviations. Makes us sound really smart and cool.I am one of more than 9600 American Board of Pediatrics Diplomates whose certification is due to expire in December 2010.The recently re-vamped process of renewal is call "Maintenance of Certification" or MOC. It is a multistage, cycled activity (in Pediatrics, Board Certification is now "good" for ten years) . . . some of which must be completed before Diplomates even enroll for re-certification. I must complete a "Part 2" and one "Part 4" activity prior to early December . . . and prove that I have a medical license.The ABP also requires a check for $1030.So far, the North Carolina Medical Board has not pulled a "Rachel Hunter" on me (i.e. the license is not an issue), and "Part 2" is ac...
Source: Dr.J's HouseCalls - Category: Pediatricians Source Type: blogs