TU‐E‐230A‐01: Panel: ABR MOC Update
Authors: Thomas S , Paliwal B , Morin R , Yester M 
Published: July 2006

In March 2000, the twenty‐four member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) formally agreed that all boards would develop programs for Maintenance of Certification (MOC). In some cases, MOC would be replacing existing or evolving programs for recertification of diplomates. As initiated by The ABR in 2002, certification in the 3 categories of Radiologic Physics (Diagnostic Radiologic Physics, Therapeutic Radiologic Physics, and Medical Nuclear Physics) is time limited to 10 years. To retain certification beyond that period, the individual must engage in The ABR MOCP for medical physicists. Under the ABMS format, MOC has 4 components: 1.) Professional Standing, 2.) Lifelong Learning and Self‐Assessment, 3.) Cognitive Expertise, and 4.) Evaluation of Practice Performance. For medical physicists, professional standing will be evaluated through documentation of licensure where applicable, otherwise through letters of attestation. Life Long Learning entails requirements for CME Category 1 credits with optional participation in Self Directed Educational Projects (SDEPs). Self‐assessment is accomplished through completion of a series of Self‐Assessment Modules (SAMs) that are also Category 1 approved activities that will count as well toward the Lifelong Learning credits. Cognitive expertise will be assessed once toward the end of the 10‐year cycle through a proctored, secure examination administered at a national testing center and will consist of multiple choice questions involving a.) core knowledge fundamental to the practice of radiological physics, and b.) new updated information and 2213 2006 AAPM Meeting Program 2213 emerging technology. Performance in Practice Evaluation (PPE) assessment methodologies for medical physicists are evolving (as they are for our physician colleagues) and will be focused on the radiologic physicist as a medical professional who contributes to and supports patient care within the healthcare system, while not having primary responsibility for the patient. To facilitate record keeping and maintaining documentation for the MOC process, a web‐based, password‐protected system is being established for diplomate use. All information required would be submitted to The ABR in the final year before expiration of the certificate. Upon positive review, a 10‐year extension of certification would be issued. The session format will be that of an interactive forum in which the panel will review specific details of the 4 MOC components, provide concrete examples of the processes associated with each component, outline the procedures being implemented to facilitate the MOC process for medical physicists, and define the time lines for candidates currently on the MOCP track. In addition, the activities of the AAPM Task Group on MOC in assisting diplomates as they move through the MOCP will be described. There will be opportunity for candidates, prospective diplomates, and other participants to ask questions that would enhance their understanding of the process and assist their transition into The ABR MOCP.

Educational Objectives:

1. To understand the components of The ABR Maintenance of Certification Program (MOCP) as required for medical physicists.

2. To understand the process by which the medical physicists may complete The ABR MOC program.