on the net
A site to go to for recertification advice

With many ophthalmologists expressing concern about the potential career implications of the new "Maintenance of Certification" (MOC) program recently initiated by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), it's appropriate that we feature the Board's Web site -- www.abop.org -- this month. This site can give you all the details regarding MOC, and also provides an application for participating in the MOC process, which is designed as a low-intensity evaluation of competency intended to accommodate the busy practitioner.

First, why was MOC needed?

"MOC represents the Board's commitment to better fulfill its mission to serve the public by improving the quality of ophthalmic practice through a process that fosters excellence and encourages continuous learning," says Dennis M. O'Day, M.D., ABO executive director. "MOC is a direct response to the rapidly changing environment of medical practice, increased demand by patients for consistent quality medical care from their doctors, and formation of healthcare organizations aimed at measuring physician competence."

Dr. O'Day says MOC acknowledges that diplomates have already shown a commitment to excellence by achieving Board certification. The primary goal of the MOC program is to assist physicians in demonstrating that they reflect on the care they provide their patients, continue to learn, and apply their new knowledge to improve their practice.

How will MOC affect ophthalmologists who hold lifetime certification?

"While the Board does not require diplomates who hold non-time-limited certificates to participate in MOC, all diplomates are encouraged to participate," says Dr. O'Day. "However, passing or failing the process does not affect the status of a non-time-limited certificate."

The information on the ABO Web site should answer any other questions you may have.

Visit: www.abop.org

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com or call him at (215) 643-8013.