#exams

Jun 29, 2018
1 min

Study: Physicians Who Participate in MOC Are Less Likely to Face Disciplinary Action

Physicians who pass the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) examination given by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) within 10 years of becoming Board Certified are more than two times less likely to face state medical board disciplinary actions than those who do not pass the exam, according to a recent study published online by the Journal of General Internal Medicine. ABIM researchers studied MOC exam results and any reported disciplinary actions for nearly 48,000

Jun 26, 2018
1 min

In the News: Retina Today Spotlights Success of ABO Quarterly Questions Assessment Program

In the latest edition of Retina Today, Andy Lauer, M.D., who chairs the American Board of Ophthalmology’s (ABO) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Committee, writes about new directions for ophthalmology’s lifelong learning and assessment program. As diplomate George A. Williams, M.D., explains in his introduction to the piece, “American Board of Ophthalmology certification, and likewise MOC, is voluntary, but each offers an opportunity to help you put your best foot forward.

Jun 18, 2018
3 min

Thank You, June Examiners!

The Board thanks the following diplomates for volunteering their time and talents to the administration of the June 2018 Oral Examination in San Francisco: Aaron, Maria E.M. - Atlanta, GA Agarwal, Anita - Nashville, TN Albanis, Chris V. - Chicago, IL Alcorn, Debby M. - Stanford, CA Allen, Richard C. - Houston, TX Beauchamp, Cynthia L. - Dallas, TX Beller, Richard A. - Napa, CA Berzins, U. John - Salem, OR Bhatti, M. Tariq - Durham, NC Birkholz, Emily S. - Mankato, MN Bishop,

Jun 1, 2018
2 min

Two Facts About ABO Standards That May (Pleasantly) Surprise You

In early May, 18 board-certified ophthalmologists met with American Board of Ophthalmology Psychometrician Sarah D. Schnabel, Ph.D., to set standards for the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) for initial certification. Here are the two most important things they wanted you to know about ABO standards: 1) It’s always possible for all examinees to pass an ABO examination. Though it’s not likely that every examinee will pass on his or her first try, it’s important to understa

Apr 30, 2018
8 min

Thank You to All Our Volunteers

National Volunteer Month is a perfect time to spotlight the hard work of board-certified ophthalmologists around the country who advance excellence in ophthalmology by giving generously of their time and expertise. Each year, hundreds of busy clinicians write and review questions and content for ABO examinations and Quarterly Questions, set rigorous standards for achievement in ophthalmology, and enable the successful administration of oral examinations. Here are the members

Apr 29, 2018
1 min

The Science of Testing: Why AIG is No Substitute for SMEs

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics in technology today. (Just ask Siri or Alexa.) But what if we could ask these virtual assistants to order our groceries, tell us the weather, and write examination content? It sounds a bit farfetched, but Automatic Item Generation (AIG), a major innovation in the science of test development, could change the way assessment organizations like certification boards develop multiple-choice questions. Multiple-choice questi

Mar 26, 2018
2 min

The Science of Testing: Similarities and DIFs

Do men and women answer test questions about ophthalmology differently? What about younger versus older ophthalmologists? In general, that’s unlikely. But there may be instances where two subgroups of equally qualified ophthalmologists approach the same test question and arrive at different answers. Test developers use what’s called “DIF” or Differential Item Functioning, to examine item performance variability between examinees of comparable proficiency in different demograp

Mar 16, 2018
1 min

Quarterly Questions Program Featured in ABMS Insights

Some specialty boards within the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) community have begun incorporating journal articles into their assessment programs for Maintenance of Certification. Selected for their relevance and timeliness, journal articles can help physicians apply new knowledge to their clinical practice. Reading journal articles and answering associated questions are important steps for participating in the American Board of Ophthalmology's new Quarterly Qu

Jan 19, 2018
2 min

How to Maintain Certification in 2018

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) encourages board-certified ophthalmologists to advance their excellence in knowledge, skills, and practice. Activities adhere to a structured, four-part framework developed by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS): 1) Professionalism & Professional Standing; 2) Lifelong Learning & Self-Assessment; 3) Assessment of Knowledge, Judgment, & Skills, and 4) Improvement in Medical Practice. For ophthalmologists, this means completing the

Jan 17, 2018
1 min

The Science of Testing: Why Do We Write Four Options for Multiple-Choice Questions?

The American Board of Ophthalmology writes multiple-choice examination questions (items) with four options: A, B, C, and D. One of those options is correct (the key). Why do we write four options? This is a hotly debated topic among psychometricians. Some researchers prefer three options, some think four is best, and some advocate for as many options as are reasonable in the context of the question. The research on this topic has focused on whether distractors (incorrect opti

Jan 12, 2018
1 min

Ophthalmology Times Dubs Quarterly Questions the "Gold Standard" for Certification

In American Board of Ophthalmology Diplomate Dr. Joshua Mali's latest blog entry for Ophthalmology Times, he explores the new Quarterly Questions longitudinal assessment program. The program was adopted after a successful pilot run in 2017 as a replacement for the Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK) Examination. Dr. Mali writes: With the successful Quarterly Questions program in place, the future is bright for board certification standards and self-regulati

Dec 11, 2017
2 min

The Science of Testing: How Does the ABO Create Reliable and Valid Examinations?

Note from the CEO: The ABO written and oral examinations are created through the dedicated collaboration of hundreds of volunteers along with ABO Directors and the Board’s office staff. A consistent comment from first-time volunteers is, “I had no idea how difficult it is to write good questions and how much work goes into this process.” To allow diplomates and candidates a glimpse “behind the curtain,” the ABO’s psychometrician, Sarah Schnabel, will contribute regular postin

Oct 6, 2017
1 min

Deadline Extended: Take the DOCK online, on demand through December 1st

The deadline for completing the 2017 DOCK Examination has been extended to December 1. If you are currently eligible for the DOCK Exam (in status years 6-10), you may register online using the special registration link in the “Alerts” section of your online Status Page. The exam may be scheduled online at your convenience. The ABO introduced remote testing as an option for the first time in 2017. Due to the popularity of this option versus travel to a test center, the ABO has

Sep 24, 2017
1 min

In the News: Quarterly Questions Pilot Makes Top Stories of 2017 List in Ophthalmology Times

In a new blog post published by Ophthalmology Times, Florida diplomate Joshua Mali, M.D., highlights the American Board of Ophthalmology's Quarterly Questions Pilot Program as one of ophthalmology's top stories of the year. He writes: "As a board certified ophthalmologist and ABO diplomate, I am currently using the pilot program and find it to be fantastic. I encourage all board certified ophthalmologists to consider utilizing it in their maintenance of certification." Click

Sep 8, 2017
1 min

For Test-Takers Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

To our diplomates in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico scheduled to take the September DOCK Examination or the October Oral Examination: The American Board of Ophthalmology hopes that you, your loved ones, and your patients are safe. If you have been impacted by hurricane damage or evacuations, the Board wishes to alleviate any worry you may have about your upcoming examination. Please check your email for a message from us. We will work with you to reschedule your exa

Aug 1, 2017
1 min

Infographic: Get Set for the 2017 DOCK

#ophthalmology #americanboardofophthalmology #exams

Mar 30, 2017
1 min

Not Sure if You Need to Take the DOCK This Year?

The Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK) Examination is administered annually to eligible diplomates in cycle years 6 through 10. Though alternative assessment tools are being piloted, the DOCK is the only activity that satisfies that MOC Part III requirement for 2017. Click here to try the Decision Tree. #exams

Feb 3, 2017
2 min

Video: Announcing Three Important Changes for MOC

Last June, the American Board of Ophthalmology announced its commitment to transition Maintenance of Certification (MOC) to a program of continuous certification focused on recognizing professional achievements that are more closely linked to the needs of our patients and the diplomate community. Today, I’m pleased to describe three important developments that move us closer to this goal. Effective immediately, Periodic Ophthalmic Review Tests (PORTs) are no longer required a

Feb 3, 2017
1 min

Webinar: Join the Quarterly Questions Development Team

Where do American Board of Ophthalmology assessment questions come from? Hundreds of diplomates volunteer their time and expertise each year to generate content for initial certification and recertification exams. Beginning today, you're invited to join the item development team by contributing fresh content for the new Quarterly Questions pilot. Your challenge is to write seven questions according to the standards and instructions provided. Are you ready? To get started, wat

Jan 6, 2017
1 min

Pilot Opportunity: Quarterly Questions

An exploratory pilot program for knowledge assessment, Quarterly Questions is exactly what it sounds like--questions delivered via computer, tablet, or mobile device on a quarterly basis. Officially launching in April 2017, the ABO-administered exam alternative pilot will consist of 20 questions delivered in Q2, 20 questions in Q3, and 10 questions in Q4 based on self-selected articles from ophthalmology's leading journals. Content will be based on the most important things o