The ACC, Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) have announced a partnership to develop new modules to help subspecialty cardiologists potentially meet collaborative maintenance pathway requirements equivalent to satisfying the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM's) current 10-year maintenance of certification (MOC) examination.

"It is a shared goal of ACC, HFSA, HRS and SCAI to help our collective members ensure their patients are receiving the highest quality, evidence-based care," said ACC President Mary Norine Walsh, MD, FACC. "In offering additional pathways for cardiologists who wish to maintain their professional certification, we can more effectively and efficiently help busy clinicians keep up with current knowledge in their specific areas of practice."

Through this partnership, which will move forward upon reaching agreement with the ABIM, the ACC will enhance its existing ACC Self-Assessment Program (ACCSAP) product line with CathSAP, EPSAP and Heart Failure SAP products to help fulfill the MOC needs of interventionalists, electrophysiologists and heart failure specialists. An analogous product for ABIM diplomates in Adult Congenital Heart Disease will be developed by 2021.

"This program and partnership will deliver great value for all of our members. The sophistication of these self-assessment modules will allow a more streamlined pathway for maintaining credentials," said HFSA President Christopher O’Connor, MD, FACC.

"HRS is excited about exploring a partnership with ACC and the other societies in this initiative" said HRS President George Van Hare, MD, FACC. "We have long advocated for a process of recertification that recognizes the advantages of continuous learning, as opposed to a single high-stakes exam. HRS looks forward to having an opportunity to collaborate on developing a new MOC process."

"SCAI leadership is eager to partner with ACC, to share in the work of building out best-in-class re-certification materials. By leveraging the breadth and depth of talent within both organizations, and maintaining close communication with ABIM, we can facilitate a quicker, easier, and more relevant MOC experience for our members," said SCAI President Kirk N. Garratt, MD, MSc, FACC.

Development is in the early stages, but the new products may launch as early as 2019. During development the current ACCSAP 9 remains in place to help clinicians maintain professional competence.

For more on MOC, visit the ACC's online MOC hub.

Keywords: Specialization, Leadership, Certification, Professional Competence, Internal Medicine, Self-Evaluation Programs, Heart Failure, Angiography, Heart Diseases

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