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For Pioneering Hospitalists, 2011 Starts with a New Designation

From: The Hospitalist, January 2011

by Brendon Shank

Some of the country’s most forward-looking hospitalists will begin the year with the first recognition of Focused Practice in Hospital Medicine (FPHM) from the American Board of Hospital Medicine (ABIM).

According to ABIM, “completion of the program identifies diplomates as ABIM board-certified in internal medicine with a Focused Practice in Hospital Medicine.”

The new program, which requires attestations from supervisors, a self-evaluation, and the completion of a secure examination, is the first time the unique skill sets and experience of hospitalists have been recognized by ABIM, the national leader in certification and standards in internal medicine.

SHM’s leadership has played a key role in the development of the FPHM program. SHM president Jeff Wiese, MD, SFHM, chaired the ABIM committee in charge of writing the FPHM exam. “Any serious hospitalist should consider applying for the FPHM designation,” Dr. Wiese says. “It is an important way to continually build credibility for both the individual hospitalist and the specialty.”

Hospitalists can apply for ABIM Focused Practice in Hospital Medicine Maintenance of Certification (MOC) as part of their regular MOC process. Alternatively, you can enter the process before your MOC is due to expire. While the 2011 exam will be held in October, now is the time to begin planning the application process. SHM’s support for the program extends to education for its members, including a pre-course at HM11 dedicated to preparing for the ABIM exam. Pre-course attendees will earn 20 self-evaluation points toward the FPHM designation.

For details on the program and resources for applying for FPHM, visit www.hospitalmedicine.org/moc.