AOA vs. ABIM: An AOA perspective on physician certification

The time and financial requirements for maintenance of certification can prompt strong feelings among physicians. But it is important to show patients that doctors have caught up with the latest developments in their specialties. American Osteopathic Association President Robert G.G. Piccinini, D.O., D.FACN, offers this perspective.

Medical Economics: In big picture terms, physicians may have strong feelings about licensure and certification and how that affects their ability to practice. Does AOA have a position on the benefits and drawbacks of certification for physicians?

Robert G.G. Piccinini, D.O., D.FACN: The AOA position is that osteopathic continuous certification is important. We continually review our exams, we continually update them, make sure that they’re a high-quality, high-standard system. Osteopathic continuous certification is a way to maintain your level of excellence through a certification process. But I am aware that some physicians feel that it's overreach. I think ultimately it's really, what is the best way to protect our patient, our patient population? And I think every patient out there, I know myself, I would want to see a physician who is making sure that they're up to date on the literature and the best treatments and practices of that. And if I see a DO I want to make sure that they're up to date on any osteopathic principles and philosophies and incorporating that in their exam process. Because I know that the osteopathic physician offers a unique perspective on my health care, so to me, that certification is a way to kind of continue the stamp, the seal of approval, in that regard.