New CME guidelines for AOA board-certified docs are now available online

The 2019–2021 Continuing Medical Education Guide outlining CME requirements for AOA board-certified physicians is now available online. The revised requirements emphasize flexibility and give physicians latitude to choose CME that works best for their individual needs. Notable changes include: Elimination of the requirement for specialty-specific CME Allowing credit for precepting medical students, up to 20% … Continued

AOBOG tests potential online replacement for recertification exam

The American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is currently piloting short web-based exams meant to replace its written six-year recertification exam to a group of 140 physicians. Under the pilot program, diplomates will answer eight questions each week via a website, known as Advanced Real-Time Certification or ARC, which they can access anywhere they … Continued

Anesthesiology board replaces 10-year recertification exam

American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology (AOBA) diplomates whose certification expires between 2019-2021 will be the first to take an online, open-book assessment instead of the 10-year Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) exam. AOBA’s new requirements for OCC go into effect on June 1, 2019. Under the new format for cognitive assessment, diplomates will take online exams … Continued

AOA board certification will soon include two pathways

The AOA Board of Trustees endorsed the creation of two pathways to board certification at its midyear meeting in February, paving the way for physicians who completed ACGME-accredited residencies to become AOA board certified. In the near future, candidates will be given the choice of two initial certification options: To become board certified in the … Continued

BOS approves grace period for 2016-18 CME requirements

The Executive Committee of the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS) approved a proposal allowing a grace period through May 31, 2019, for the 2016-18 CME cycle. AOA board-certified diplomates will have the option to fulfill 2016-18 CME requirements by either: Submitting CME credits earned between Jan. 1, 2016 and Dec, 31, 2018 that have not … Continued

Proposed CME Guide updates posted for public comment

The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists has posted proposed policy calling for approval of the 2019-2021 Continuous Medical Education Guide, including new requirements for diplomates fulfilling OCC Component 2. Members of the public are invited to review all proposed policy changes and submit comments by Dec. 19, 2018. Read The DO article to learn more about … Continued

AOBR pilots new OCC examination format

The American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR) is the first DO certifying board to cut the high-stakes test and revise CME requirements. These features are part of the board’s initiative to pilot a new format for cognitive assessment. Highlights of the pilot program include: Diplomates whose certificate expires in 2019 will not need to take … Continued

Updates to AOA Board Certification help create a seamless process for DOs

Progress continues with the realignment of AOA Board Certification to improve the user experience for applicants and diplomates. This complex process requires multiple infrastructure changes that will adapt board certification to meet members’ expanding technology expectations. With the transition to a single GME accreditation system more than halfway completed, AOA Board Certification is improving and … Continued

Osteopathic medical profession adds 6,000 new DOs in 2017

The osteopathic profession continues more than a decade of exponential growth. The American Osteopathic Association reports an 85 percent increase in osteopathic medical students since 2007, bringing the total number of DOs and students to 137,099 in 2017. The exponential growth in the profession aligns with the development of new osteopathic medical schools, which now … Continued