Why do EMS physicians need to wait three months to retake the module?

Dr. Keim: Because there is only one form of the MyEMSCert module, there will be similar content. To balance this element, ABEM is using spaced repetition as a proven educational principle to optimize physician learning.

What are the three main subject areas where emergency physicians perform poorly in recertification and should try to improve their knowledge?

Dr. Keim: ABEM is working on identifying knowledge gaps in MyEMCert so that emergency medicine organizations can develop focused education materials based on those gaps. The areas vary widely. ABEM is analyzing the content areas and will publicly post the “study points” every year that represent the areas that hold the richest learning opportunity. But, if I were to stress our greatest learning opportunity, it would be with the Key Advances. Every ABEM-certified physician should download and read the Key Advance synopses and watch the Osmosis videos on our website—that’s a great place to start.

ABEM asserts that board certification brings increased income and additional job opportunities. Can you quantify that for us?

Dr. Keim: Based on data taken from the recent ACEP Workforce Study, ABEM and/or AOBEM certification is associated with an annual increase in income compared to non-certified emergency physicians. The prior ACEP-Daniel Stern salary survey showed an increase of about $7,000 per year. We believe that the ACEP Workforce data, when reported, will be considerably higher. ABEM has also been adding new subspecialty certifications and a focused practice designation, which provides additional job opportunities. There is strong published evidence that certification makes a difference in the quality of patient care, including fewer state medical board disciplinary actions.

Last year we asked about ABEM tackling the issue of emergency physicians who speak out against proven measures to reduce the impact of the COVID pandemic such as masks and vaccines and advocate for unproven methods such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Has ABEM had to discipline any physicians as a result?

Dr. Keim: ABEM continues to ensure that ABEM-certified physicians adhere to the Code of Professionalism. This includes supporting science-based standards of care. Given the nature of these proceedings and the assurances of due process for physicians, ABEM has not made any public comments about the results of professionalism investigations.

Dr. Dark (@RealCedricDark) is associate professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and the medical editor in chief of ACEP Now.