I agree. You should be able to
demonstrate minimum competency for those credentials you use to practice. It
is easy to grow stagnant over time and it is an open book test for crying out
loud! I realize if you have a boat load of credentials the burden will be
greater for you. But if you are practicing all those credentials then you
should be able to demonstrate minimal competency in each. I WANT periodic minimum
competency requirements for those Sonographers and/or MD’s who will be
performing exams on me or my loved ones. Come on people. Change is
scary but often good. Nothing to fear but fear itself.
Bonnie Johnson RDMS, RVT, FSVU
From: UVM Flownet
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Ann Marie Kupinski
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 5:51
AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: recertification &
CME's
Dr. Schneider your comments are well said.
I believe the ARDMS has put together a very easy and virtually no cost
process (if you pass on the first time). Probably the best way to insure
continued competency would be to directly supervise people scanning but
obviously that is not a practical option. Even though it is open book,
you will learn or at least refresh your memory if you must get help for an
answer from a textbook. The fact that the exam is only once every 10
years means that some of us may only need to take it once and even younger techs
may only have to take it 3 times. I don’t see the big deal. I
wish every test that I had taken was open book, in the comfort of my own home
and free!
Medical professionals face recertification
examinations. As Dr. Schneider say, it is here to stay.
Bottom line, be proud of your
accomplishments and skills. Demonstrate this by maintaining your
individual credential. Patients do like it when you tell them you are
credentialed. Of course, insurance companies, etc., may require things but
I believe it honestly comes down to you as an individual. Being
credentialed should be your own internal affirmation about what you are doing.
Ann Marie Kupinski
From:
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 9:55
PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: recertification &
CME's
Just for a little perspective,
diplomates of the American Board of Surgery have had to recertify every 10
years beginning I think in 1975, until recently we vascular surgeons had to
recertify in general surgery as well as vascular surgery, and now we have
MOC (maintenance of certification) requiring a fair amount of stuff that has to
be done every THIRD year in adition to taking a secure test every 10 years, something
now required I think of every specialty in the US. No one has ever been
able to show that inital certification, let alone recertification improves
outcomes, but the concept has face validity and it would be difficult to test.
It certainly implies some level of commitment on the part of the owner. I
would respectfully suggest that it's here to stay and it would be best to stop
fighting it and get on top of it to distinguish yourself from the
competition. When the steamroller comes through, if you're not on the
steamroller you'll be part of the road.
The fees are an issue and I agree that the ARDMS Board is
the place to address that. There are many astute professionals contriubiting to
this list and I think you should get on the ARDMS Board!
Joe