Diplomate Digest - The American Board of Ophthalmology Blog

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

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

Last month, we began an examination of the seven principles that support the ABO’s mission: “To serve the public by certifying ophthalmologists through the verification of competencies.” The initial post fleshed out our commitment to our diplomates and to the public that “The ABO stewards its finances with integrity and transparency.” In this column I wish to comment on the principle that “Certification should promote and recognize aspirational goals, not minimum standards.”

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

I had never given much thought on what it means to be a Diplomate until I read the question here. It did bring memories of long hard working call nights, the satisfaction of a job well done, and faces and places, among other things. Old comrades in arms and new partners, new patient faces filled with anxiety as you do your best to soothe their pain and bring hope. Being part of a Fellowship that bonds us in knowledge and service... Yes, I truly believe that it is an Honor and

The ABO invites you to complete the following surveys to update the knowledge standards used to assess board certified ophthalmologists. These surveys are the first of many planned Co-Design Activities in which your input will be used to construct the certification program of the future. From a best practices standpoint, conducting a Job Analysis Survey helps the Board to validate the importance, criticality, and relevance of core and subspecialty ophthalmic knowledge areas.

1. Your certificate is still the only recognized credential for expertise in ophthalmology. For patients, there has never been more information--nor confusion--involved in choosing a physician. Web searches turn up thousands of results. Patient ratings are often unverified. Medical licensure stops short of confirming specialty focus. So where can patients turn for reliable information? In large numbers, they come to the Board website or call the Board Office to research the