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Maintenance of Certification
Overview of Maintenance of Certification
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). All physicians holding time-limited certificates issued by one of the 24 Member Boards of the ABMS must demonstrate life-long learning and enhancement of knowledge by successfully completing the MOC Program every 6-10 years.
There are four basic components of Maintenance of Certification:
I. Professional Standing
II. Life-long Learning and Self-Assessment
III. Cognitive Expertise
IV. Practice Performance Assessment
Maintenance of Certification is based on the six general competencies which have been deemed necessary for physician specialists: Patient care, Medical knowledge, Practice-based learning and improvement, Interpersonal and communications skills, Professionalism, and Systems-based practice.
Maintenance of Certification is an expression of professional accountability and continuing competence, which ultimately impacts the quality of patient care. These tenets are supported by ASCO’s Strategic Plan, Core Values and Mission Statement. As a Society, ASCO advocates for universal participation in Maintenance of Certification by those ASCO members who hold certificates from ABMS Member Boards.
MOC embraces the essential competencies involved in delivery of quality care, extending beyond medical knowledge. It is designed to continuously evaluate the 6 essential competencies through the 4 components; this is common to all 24 Member Boards, but each Board’s program has slightly different implementation plans. ASCO urges all oncology diplomates to contact their certifying Board for complete details and information on the timelines and requirements specific to their specialty.
Maintenance of Certification Information:
Gynecologic Oncology: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical Oncology: American Board of Internal Medicine
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology: American Board of Pediatrics
Surgical Oncology: American Board of Surgery
Radiation Oncology: American Board of Radiology
ASCO Resources for MOC
Within the framework laid out by the ABMS for MOC, there are variations to the programs designed by each Board. In many cases, ASCO Continuing Medical Education activities can be used to meet Part II requirements. In most cases, the Self Assessment component of Part II will need to be met using specific Board created or approved materials.
ASCO is currently working with the American Board of Internal Medicine to support medical oncologists through the MOC process, while other organizations are partnering more directly with other Boards.
ASCO and the ABIM: Frequently Asked Questions
For those oncology diplomates certified by Boards other than the ABIM, we invite you to contact ASCO at moc@asco.org with your thoughts on ways we can support your efforts to maintain your certification.
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