A Message from the ABEM President: Diane L. Gorgas, M.D.
Over the past several months many of us at ABEM embarked on conferences and speaking engagements across the states; returning with fresh insights, engaging conversations, and valuable perspectives from our colleagues in Emergency Medicine and the broader medical community.
Our peers consistently echo the message that while we are on the right path with initiatives, change is difficult. From the advances in EM practices to the future of certification and exam formats, the field continues to evolve.
To elevate our current initiatives, we have been reflecting on our impactful history and honor the dedication, commitment, and legacy of the visionaries who thoughtfully built the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
As we celebrate 45 years of excellence and long-standing values, we carefully approach the next steps on this journey.
Then
In 1976, ABEM applied to ABMS seeking primary board status. The AME Council on Medical Education approved the recommendation, but ABMS defeated the resolution. After lengthy discussions, EM became the 23rd recognized medical specialty. ABEM offered the first exam certifications in 1980.
In 2005, ABEM administered the last written certification and developed an exam with a computer in Nov 2006. It changed from the written exam to the qualifying exam.
In the 2000s, ABEM received approval for Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine subspecialties.
In the 2010s, we received Subspecialty approval for Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Internal Medicine-Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine.
Now
ABEM continues to boldy bring forward issues that resonate with our communities. U.S. emergency departments are stressed with admissions related to the mental health crisis and those who lack access to Emergency Behavioral Health (EBH) care. ABEM and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology worked together on this initiative. Earlier this year, we submitted an application for a focused practice designation (FPD) in EBH. ABEM will meet with the ABMS Committee on Certification (COCERT) this fall.
Another impactful issue across the country is those related to disasters. With so many occurring across the country, we are also paving the way for Disaster Medicine. After lengthy discussions with ABMS and ACGME, ABEM received authority to apply to ABMS as the “administrative/lead” board for a Subspecialty in Disaster Medicine. This can greatly impact our communities.
There is so much more in our history to look at and see how connected it is to what we are currently achieving. We continue to look for ways to celebrate those who made these changes possible and open the doors for the future of medicine.
I anticipate remarkable results as a product of the supportive teamwork and thoughtful discussions that happen at ABEM. Happy birthday, ABEM! #ABEM proud!
