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The first certifying examination in pediatric rheumatology
D Butzin1, R Guerin, D Kredich
1The American Board of Pediatrics, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-1651, USA. dbutzin@abpeds.org
The Journal of Rheumatology
|June 19, 1998
Summary
The first pediatric rheumatology certification exam in 1992 saw 85% of candidates pass. Future requirements for this subspecialty certification will include advanced fellowship training and research experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Medical Education
- Subspecialty Certification
Background:
- The American Board of Pediatrics established the first certifying examination in pediatric rheumatology on May 12, 1992.
- This examination aimed to standardize and validate expertise within the pediatric rheumatology subspecialty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the inaugural certifying examination process in pediatric rheumatology.
- To characterize the demographic and training backgrounds of the initial cohort of examinees.
Main Methods:
- A 235-item multiple-choice examination was developed by the Sub-board of Pediatric Rheumatology.
- Eligibility pathways included current general pediatrics certification and a medical license, with requirements for fellowship training or equivalent practice experience.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three percent of the 94 candidates had completed at least two years of fellowship training.
- The average score on the examination was 76% correct.
- Eighty-five percent of the candidates successfully passed the examination.
Conclusions:
- Eighty candidates were awarded time-limited certificates, renewable through a future recertification process.
- Subsequent examinations were held in 1994 and 1996.
- Future requirements will mandate three years of full-time fellowship training and documented research accomplishments.