ACC News

ACC, HFSA, HRS & SCAI are Partnering to Pursue a New Competency-Based Approach to Continuous Certification from the ABMS

ACC, HFSA, HRS & SCAI are Partnering to Pursue a New Competency-Based Approach to Continuous Certification from the ABMS

Attention KYACC Members,

The American College of Cardiology (ACC), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) are working together to apply to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to request an independent medical Board for cardiovascular medicine to pursue a new competency-based approach to continuous certification. KYACC supports these efforts, as cardiology is a distinct, complex medical specialty, and should therefore have a distinct clinical competency and continuous certification that is meaningful for cardiology practice.

The new Board will replace the “Maintenance of Certification” approach with a pathway to continuous certification and competency, offering diplomates convenience, support, choice and credit for the learning that physicians currently do to keep their knowledge and skills at the highest level. Importantly, the new Board will be developed and overseen by physicians dedicated to the field of cardiovascular medicine.

The application approval process is expected to take several months. If approval is granted by ABMS, it will then take several additional months before initial certification and continuous certification and competency programs would begin.

KYACC members are encouraged to register for an important informational webinar on this topic, to be hosted by consortium organizations on November 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.

In the meantime, ACC has developed a CV Board information video, presented by Dr. Jeff Kuvin, which can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/61iUeEwl5Dk, and an FAQ sheet, which can be accessed here.

For more information about the ACC plans to establish a new Board for cardiovascular medicine, please visit www.cvboard.org.

Thank you,

Jacqueline Dawson Dowe, MD, FACC
KYACC Governor

Dinesh Kalra, MD, FACC 
KYACC Governor-Elect