ABAI’s Continued Response to COVID-19
5/22/2020
The ABAI Board of Directors have demonstrated their continued extraordinary commitment and dedication since completing the unexpected work of developing and approving initial COVID-19 accommodations, https://www.abai.org/covid-19.asp, which were well received by diplomates and certification candidates.
Since that announcement, Directors and staff continued their preparation for the spring Board of Directors meeting, while simultaneously planning for CAP and certification future assessment development. Due to an abundance of caution for the safety and welfare of the ABAI Board of Directors, staff, and their families and close contacts, ABAI held an abbreviated virtual Board of Directors meeting on April 29th, in lieu of a two day in-person meeting outside of Chicago. This productive meeting was expertly led by our 2020 Chair, Dr. Len Bacharier, with Directors attending from across the country. The Board’s Directors sympathetically wrestled with the ongoing impact of the pandemic on ABAI diplomates and certification candidates, in addition to carrying out needed activities in support of ABAI programs and assessments. Some of the many actions the Board approved during this meeting included:
• Confirmation that the COVID-19 accommodations announced in early April are current, meaningful and aligned with ABMS and ACGME evolving guidance and principles.
• Contingency planning for the fall certification exam.
• Moving ahead with increasing the proportion of clinical items on future certification exams.
• Review and planned incorporation of strategic plan feedback from stakeholders.
• Simplification of program director evaluation documentation requirements for fellows in training.
I would like to personally thank the Directors and staff for their hard work, compassion and dedication in these trying times. I invite diplomates to continue to provide the Board with feedback on how ABAI can better meet your needs.
Michael R. Nelson, MD, PhD
President, ABAI