With regard to the ConCert Examination, we are closely monitoring the pilots of boards like the American Board of Anesthesiology. ABEM will be watchful to see if such a format will be a good fit for emergency medicine. What we must remember, however we proceed, is that ABEM certification will always involve the assessment of physicians against an external national standard.

What is the number-one benefit ABEM provides to diplomates and to society?

There are many benefits to the ABEM MOC program, including additional compensation, greater career opportunities, reinforcing and learning new medical knowledge, and greater respect among peers.

The number-one benefit of certification to the diplomate is in possessing a credential that proves to the patient and others that the physician has been engaged in a rigorous program of continuous professional development and that the physician has “made the grade.”

The benefit to the public is considerable. The public doesn’t often pick their emergency physician, and we want patients to be assured that when they are being treated by an ABEM-certified physician, they are receiving what is likely the safest and highest-quality care available.