Opinion/Education: The ABPN is the neurology resident’s best friend

Abstract

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) is in the midst of major changes in the way in which candidates are credentialed and evaluated for board certification. These changes will have a major impact on current residents-in-training. Such changes are largely driven by the desire of the ABPN to provide a certification process that is framed in fairness, validity, and reliability, and at the same time respects the problems inherent in psychologically and financially stressful oral examinations. It is essential that communication and dialogue among the ABPN, the program directors, and the residents remain a priority. The following discussion summarizes ongoing changes with regard to ABPN certification and attempts to articulate why these changes are good for the field and may be viewed with particular enthusiasm by residents-in-training. Dr. Larry Faulkner has assumed the role of Executive Vice-President of the ABPN. The ABPN is comprised of eight psychiatrists (the Psychiatry Council) and eight neurologists (the Neurology Council). Dr. Faulkner served for 8 years as a Director in Psychiatry for the ABPN, and during that time he developed close ties with the Neurology Counsel. Prior to assuming the leadership position with the ABPN, he was Dean of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and he is familiar with most aspects of academic medicine, including those related to residency training. Dr. Faulkner brings to the APBN energy, insight, and an understanding of a great deal of practical organization. Dr. Michael Johnston is the 2007 Chair of the Neurology Council of the ABPN. He is in the final year of an 8-year term serving as a Neurology Director of the ABPN. Filling out the ranks of neurologists in order of seniority as Directors on the Board are Patricia Coyle (who becomes Chair in 2008), Bob Pascuzzi, Steven DeKosky, Michael Aminoff, …