In order for the ABEM Board of Directors to optimally meet the ABMS MOC standards in a way that best serves the specialty, ABEM continually surveys diplomates at nearly every step of the MOC process. In 2014, ABEM convened a national MOC summit that included representatives from every major EM organization (including resident organizations) to find ways to further enhance the ABEM MOC program. And, in 2015, ABEM will add even more opportunities for diplomate feedback.

In summary, the ABEM MOC program ensures the public that emergency physicians are actively engaged in a standardized, nationally recognized program of continuous professional development. High participation rates in the ABEM MOC program are largely due to the commitment that emergency physicians have to improving their care for the ill and injured. This is why ABEM has started to acknowledge ABEM diplomates who have been certified for 30 years or more though a special recognition program. These women and men have, throughout at least three decades of their medical careers, been involved in recertification activities and MOC activities without resting on the laurels of one-time initial certification. ABEM is proud to be in partnership with emergency physicians who demonstrate the absolute best in medical care by their unwavering service to the public and by embracing the highest standards in the specialty of emergency medicine.

ABEM wishes to thank the ACEP Now editorial staff for reaching out to ABEM at this important time about this important issue.

References

1. Jones JH, Smith-Coggins R, Meredith JM, et al. Lifelong learning and self-assessment is relevant to emergency physicians. J Emerg Med. 2013;45:935-41.
2. American College of Emergency Physicians, Stern D. ACEP/Daniel Stern compensation reports: 2013 regional emergency medicine salary survey—clinical results. Irving, TX: ACEP; 2014.