Maintenance of Certification: The Profession’s Response to Physician Quality

Paul V. Miles

doi:10.1370/afm.1254

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Certification near time of retirement
T. Michael Norris

Published on: 12 May 2011

Published on: (12 May 2011)
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Certification near time of retirement
T. Michael Norris, Oregon City, OR
I retired from a full family practice with a 4 doctor group in 2008. I was certified and re-certified 6 times since 1972, the last expiring Dec. 2009. Full retirement from all of medicine seemed a waste of all the knowledge and skill that I still possessed and a low stress, part-time job in Urgent Care (4-6 days per month)seemed appealing. The job has been ideal for myself, and the patients who benefit from what I conside...
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I retired from a full family practice with a 4 doctor group in 2008. I was certified and re-certified 6 times since 1972, the last expiring Dec. 2009. Full retirement from all of medicine seemed a waste of all the knowledge and skill that I still possessed and a low stress, part-time job in Urgent Care (4-6 days per month)seemed appealing. The job has been ideal for myself, and the patients who benefit from what I consider a skilled grandpa. The Health Plan affiliated with the system that took over the urgent care clinic has declared that physicians must be board certified to work in the clinics. The exception is Nurse Practitioners since they do not need to recertify and only must meet CME requirements to qualify. Also, since of my age related peers, only American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) diplomates have always has to recertify, all other specialties remain permanently certified from their 1970s exams.
My interest in recertifying for a part-time "easy" retirement job is nil. Also, the skill set that is tested for by ABFM is different and urgent care boards don't exist. Is there a shortage of wise old primary care doctors, and is there a role for us on a reduced hour and stress job? I still meet all CME criteria for American Academy of Family Physicians membership and am well aware of my limitations.
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.