Improvements for ABFM Maintenance of Certification Program and Changes to Journal

Given the rapid changes in today’s practice of medicine, the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is fully committed to Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians (MC-FP) as mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties. MC-FP is critically important, not only for our discipline, but for the care of our patients. The assessment tools that have been created for MC-FP, and the timetable for their completion, together provide a more robust method for the ongoing evaluation of a Diplomate’s fitness for continuing certification when compared to our previous recertification process.

As part of the Board’s ongoing review of MC-FP, the ABFM Board of Directors approved additional program improvements at their October Board meeting that will enhance Diplomates’ participation in MC-FP. The new framework creates more options and greater flexibility for completing MC-FP, enabling Diplomates who are actively participating in the process to extend their original 7-year certificate by 3 years. In approving the changes for this program, the ABFM carefully considered Diplomates’ input regarding the most effective methods for enhancing participation.

This extension is dependent on continued and timely completion of Self-Assessment Modules (SAMs) and Performance in Practice Modules (PPMs). Therefore, Diplomates who are currently participating in MC-FP should continue to complete present MC-FP requirements according to the schedule already published by the ABFM. The Board’s goal is to recognize the value of full and timely participation in MC-FP, further supporting Diplomates in keeping up with rapid advances in medicine and quality improvement.

During the past year, the Board has made 24 major improvements to streamline the MC-FP process, dramatically improving Diplomates’ ability to complete elements of the program efficiently. Since the implementation of MC-FP, the Board has sought feedback from Diplomates through multiple channels, including:

• Information sessions at the AAFP Scientific Assembly in 2003, 2004 and 2005

• Focus groups at the 2005 AAFP Scientific Assembly

• Meetings with AAFP leadership

• Visits to more than 30 AAFP state chapters

• Review of on-line surveys linked to the SAMs

• One-on-one discussions with a broad range of Diplomates, as well as e-mail exchanges and comments received via the ABFM Help Desk

The Board understands that Diplomates want options that will both support their participation and preserve the integrity of the process. We are committed to refining MC-FP to provide the best, most effective process for evaluating Diplomates’ certification status, while ensuring continuous learning and improvement in practice.

While the specific details of the new MC-FP program improvements are still being finalized, the Board nevertheless wanted to announce the approved changes as soon as practical in an effort to promote continued, valuable dialogue with its Diplomates. An announcement of the final details of the MC-FP program enhancements will be announced by ABFM through a variety of outlets in early 2006.

The American Board of Family Medicine also wishes to remind Diplomates of the examination dates for 2006. The application for the 2006 examinations is online at the ABFM Web site (http://www.theabfm.org).

• © 2006 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.