The National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS) President Paul Teirstein, MD, released his own statement shortly after Dr. Baron’s letter was released:

“ABIM’s recent press release is clearly a step in the right direction. Suspending the practice assessment and patient safety requirements of the MOC program was a good decision. Plans for a more open dialogue resulting in future MOC updates are welcome. However, it must be stressed that the changes disclosed today are only a very partial, initial fix. The current MOC requirements are still onerous, not clinically relevant, and too expensive. The ABIM’s announcement validates the work so many have done on this issue. NBPAS has launched an alternative continuous board certification program, which already has hundreds of applicants. The NBPAS website has received thousands of visitors, many leaving salient comments. Enrollment is open to most of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) non-surgical specialties.

Life-long learning does not come in a one-size-fits-all package. No single program will ever meet everyone’s needs.  NBPAS is now providing physicians with a much-needed alternative. ■