Maintenance of Certification: An Update

Jesus E. Medina, MD, is President of the American Board of Otolaryngology. Robert H. Miller, MD, MBA, is Executive Vice President of the American Board of Otolaryngology and Chair of ENToday’s editorial board.

Many of us think of certification as passing the written and oral exams given by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto). However, the certification process actually begins as soon as a new resident enters training. The resident must register with the ABOto so we can track his or her progress. Each year, the program director must complete a form indicating the progress the resident is making and assuring that the resident receives credit for each year of training. At the end of training, the program director must then sign the resident’s application to take the exam as a sign that the program director agrees the resident is qualified and ready to be examined.

The thrust of the MOC program is continuous quality improvement. It is intended not to be punitive, but as a stimulus for all of us to stay current in our practices. Our patients deserve no less.

-Jesus E. Medina, MD