Diagnostic Radiologists' Subspecialization and the New Final Board Examination

Abstract

Most radiologists concentrate in a few fields, making the American Board of Radiology plan for an examination that covers four fields--or fewer, at an examinee's discretion--a major step forward in recognizing the nature of current practice. Four fields, however, are too many for the practice patterns of many radiologists but too few for the practice patterns of a substantial minority. We offer for consideration more far-reaching reforms.

American Board of Radiology Certifying Examination: Oral Versus Computer-Based Format

“…Although for many years the ABR has considered the possibility of administering a computer-based diagnostic radiology certifying examination, only recently (with the development of computer-based maintenance of certification examinations in the subspecialties) have comprehensive pilot projects been considered realistic [5]. Establishment of maintenance of certification examinations in pediatric, vascular and interventional, nuclear radiology, and neuroradiology has resulted in an image-rich item bank that can serve as the substrate for multipurpose use.…”