PHM Meeting at American Board of Pediatrics (April 4-5, 2013): Frequently Asked Questions

Clarifying information on subspecialty process
FAQs:

1) What is the process for creation of a new subspecialty?
A petition must be submitted to the ABP. The ABP may not accept the petition.
A 2 year fellowship program is not the current standard for fellowships at the
ABP.

2)  If it is successful, how long does the process take to create a new subspecialty?
The process for petitioning the ABP for sub specialty status is typically a 6 year
process during which time ABP and American Board of Medical Specialties
(ABMS) approvals are obtained and the test is created.

3) When would fellowships need to be accredited?
 Once a certifying examination has been implemented, the ACGME will begin the
fellowship program accreditation process. Typically this occurs a year or two
after the first exam.

4) I did not do a fellowship, can I take the test? I am currently in a fellowship; can I take the
test?
 a) Current pediatric hospitalists who meet minimal experiential standards will be
able to sit for the exam the first 3 test dates (so called ‘grandfathering’). The
test is given every other year so there will be 4 years from the first test for non-
fellowship trained individuals to be eligible to take the exam. This process allows
everyone currently practicing PHM and most future pediatric hospitalists for at
least the next 7-8 years the ability to sit for the exam.
b) Everyone in a fellowship program that exists at the time testing begins to be
offered will be eligible for the test. All PHM fellowship programs are currently
not ABP accredited, as no such accreditation exists. Once the fellowship
accreditation process does exist, then only ACGME approved fellowships will be
able to have their graduates sit for the exam.

5) When do I have to take the test, if I want to be “grandfathered”?
If someone applies and is approved for the exam, he/she has 7 years to become
certified, i.e. take and pass the exam. So one can actually defer taking the exam
beyond the "grandfathering " period. The clock starts ticking for the seven year
time limit the year of approval for the exam if under the practice pathway.

6) I am not in a fellowship now. Do I have to get into one in the next few years?
     o No, if you are currently in practice, or if you are in a currently non-accredited
fellowship you will be “grandfathered” in as noted above. Only those entering
the field of hospital medicine in the future - after the ACGME approves
fellowships – will need to be in a fellowship in order to sit for the certification
test.

7) When would future pediatric residency graduates need to enter a PHM fellowship?
After the ACGME approves fellowships, or approximately 8 years from the time
of initiating the subspecialty process.

8) If I take the PHM subspecialty boards, do I also need to maintain my general pediatric
board certificate?
No, there will be no need to maintain board certification in General Pediatrics
once PHM certification is attained.

9) What does “accredited” mean? What does “certified” mean?
 An accredited training program is a residency or fellowship program that is
approved by a reviewing body, such as the ACGME. A certified individual is one
who has met the expectations of a reviewing body, such as the ABP.