2022 Spring Board of Directors Meeting + Updates
5/5/2022
The Board has decided to continue remote review of initial certification and continuing certification assessments first implemented during the pandemic, providing greater opportunity for Directors to address critical issues facing the specialty and the Board.
Highlights of Board deliberations and actions:
• Approved a new comprehensive Privacy Policy for diplomates, volunteers and staff
• Endorsed parental leave policy allowing 2 extra weeks away from training for new parents during fellowship while retaining eligibility to sit for the Certification Exam
• Reviewed financial standing and expenses determining no imminent increase in fees is anticipated
• Reviewed CAP performance and feedback for this well-received program with high pass rates and most diplomates on pace to meet end of 5-year cycle (>99% of those participating in all blocks since the 2018 launch are on pace to meet the standard of 80% correct for all questions in top 8 of 10 blocks)
• Received updates on DEI initiatives including demographic update for all diplomates at first sign on this year, self-nomination and recruitment for ABAI volunteer positions, volunteer item bias training, planned assessment and item bias analyses
• Received an update on the new Ambassador Program under the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey Stokes providing local ABAI subject matter experts for training programs, local/regional societies, health systems, payers, legislators and media
• Explored means of enhancing the value of ABAI certification for diplomates and the public
• Discussed the impact of COVID-19 on fellows in training and preparedness for independent practice and directed a survey of all diplomates on COVID-19 impact
• Discussed workforce challenges and trends including increasing numbers leaving clinical practice for industry and additional alternative specialty based positions
• Received an update on strategic plan implementation
• Previewed public and diplomate website refresh/updating
We are tremendously grateful for the many dedicated volunteers making up ABAI, including Directors, liaisons and representatives to ABP/ABIM/ABMS, Test Writing Committee leader and members, and now Ambassadors. They work tirelessly between semi-annual meetings to support all ABAI missions.
We are also blessed to have such a highly qualified staff led by Chelsey Williams, who organized this flawless meeting and continue to provide expert support for our volunteers and diplomates throughout the year.
Michael R. Nelson, MD, PhD
President, ABAI
Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD
Chair, ABAI