Why Does the ABFM Get Any Publicity?
For those that don’t think that the AAFP and the ABFM are in cahoots, here is the headline on their website:
You’ll Like These Changes to Next Spring’s ABFM Exam
Really? Are they getting rid of the MOC? No. Here is the big surprise:
This summer, family physicians learned about a number of changes the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) was making to its Family Medicine Certification process (formerly, Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians). One such change was the decision to uncouple the clinical simulation portion of the Self-Assessment activities (previously known as Self-Assessment Modules [SAMs]) from the knowledge assessment portion.
The move, which was based on feedback from ABFM diplomates, means that rather than requiring diplomates to complete a SAM that includes both a 60-question knowledge assessment plus a clinical simulation, the Knowledge Self-Assessment will now be the minimum required self-assessment activity.
So, let’s summarize. They changed the name from MOC to Family Medicine Certification process. Brilliant. Secondly, they cut back one part of the bogus exam. Wow!!!
Great job ABFM and their financial partner, AAFP. You both need to go.
I’ll be 65 in 5 years and will be gone. ABFM = Academic B-st-rds and F—ing Morons.
There is no proof MOC does anything but line the pockets of the turds that run the ABFM.
I say test once after residency and 50 hours a year of CME period. Primary care isn’t
rocket science. Cripes NP’s can do it and build pretty vehement loyalty too.
Shoot, some people don’t want to have anything to do with “Drs.”
Most of us are employed and subject to a butt load of “quality” and “record” reviews already.
I have to sit down every 6 months for this. Despite that it sounds bad, the reviewers are
quite helpful and I have no issue with it.
Oh well, NP’s will be able to take over with the stroke of a pen by a politician. I say let ’em be independent. Once they find out about all the BS (and paying their own full malpractice insurance) they’ll be taking their M.S. degrees to the specialty groups. Kurt
You know, if it were just the ongoing knowledge exams…….you know, asthma, hypertension, women’s health modules……where you would take their tests periodically (AND get CME credit for it), followed by the usual sit-down exam every ten years, and with the thousands of dollars spent, they threw in CME credits for the exams no extra charge…….if it were just that, I would tend to have the opinion that the process was worth it.
But for some reason, they just can’t leave well enough alone.
Having just completed the Part IV Cultural Competency MIMM I am overflowing with good vibes about the ABFM. I particularly appreciate the periodic emails:
“Diplomates who do not complete Stage requirements on schedule will be listed as “not certified” on the ABFM website.”
Not non-current, or former-certified, or didn’t-jump-through-our-hoops, but “Not Certified” (and of questionable repute).
I certified intially in 1989 then recertified in 1996, 2003 and 2013. I feel like I am just about done with this craptastic process and do not see myself sitting for the exam in 2023.
Why are Family Doctors the betas of medicine? The Internists and even the Peds are making more noise about this steaming pile of feces.
I just took the recert exam last week and praying that I passed it, because I intend for this to be the last for me as well.
Took mine this year, and it was an insulting, expensive waste of time. I resent family medicine, and medicine in general more than I ever thought possible. I’ll be 65 when my next 10 year-cert is up, at which point the entire structure will be invited to kiss my ass. I won’t be taking this pointless exam again.