‘There Is Still Work to Be Done’: ABIM Maintenance of Certification Program Faces Scrutiny

Healio (01/04/2024) Bascom, Emma

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is urging the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to implement several changes in its maintenance of certification (MOC) program. In a recent letter published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, IDSA President Steven K. Schmitt, MD, FIDSA, requested updates that would make the program more relevant to the scope of practice, clinically meaningful, supportive of continuous learning and inclusive of physicians in the infectious disease arena. "Active participation in recertification programs should be feasible and without undue burden," Schmitt wrote. "Any requirements for professional development beyond ID fellowship training should provide added value and not be duplicative of existing requirements already in place." A September 2023 IDSA survey of its members found that 57% said the current ABIM MOC program did not help them stay current in their specialty, 69% did not feel it benefited their clinical practice, 82% expressed concern about the time and cost involved and 79% noted burnout was a concern. According to Schmitt, IDSA has concluded that as the program stands now, it "is not a good metric for measuring ongoing competence in the field," and should be “modified to meet the current demands of the workforce." Steps he suggested include streamlining the process, reducing the MOC fees,and removing any duplication between MOC requirements and the requirement to report continuing medical education to ABIM. In a statement, ABIM said: "We recognize there is still work to be done, and look forward to continued dialogue with the community so we can enhance and improve our programs to best meet the needs of today's practicing physician."

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