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Psychiatrists seeking certification by the American Board of Adolescent Psychiatry (ABAP) must meet one of two new eligibility requirements to sit for future examinations.
Candidates applying for the exam must show written proof of completing 25 CME credit hours in adolescent psychiatry under Category 1 of the AMA Physicians Recognition Award, according to ABAP President Sidney Weissman, M.D. Suggested courses include developmental neurosciences, pharmacology of children and adolescents, and forensic issues in adolescence.
Weissman told Psychiatric News, "The Board of Directors wants to ensure that we certify psychiatrists who have spent time learning new clinical skills directly related to adolescents."
Candidates for the exam may waive the CME eligibility requirement if they have completed a one-year fellowship in adolescent psychiatry beginning at the PGY-5 level.
"The two eligibility options allow board-certified general psychiatrists to show their unique and valuable abilities in treating adolescents while being responsive to the current practice and academic climate," said Weissman.
The CME requirement will likely appeal to mid-career general psychiatrists who do not want to disrupt their practice and family life for one year to take a fellowship in adolescent psychiatry, observed Weissman. Moreover, few training opportunities exist specifically in adolescent psychiatry compared with child and adolescent psychiatry, and funding has been cut for graduate medical education.
"Thus, the new CME eligibility requirement provides additional flexibility for candidates to qualify for the exam," said Weissman.
Other eligibility requirements for ABAP certification remain unchanged. Candidates must spend one-quarter of their practice treating adolescents and be certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Psychiatry.
More than 460 board-certified psychiatrists have obtained ABAP certification since 1992.
More information on the next ABAP examination, which is in May 1999, is available from the ABAP at (301) 718-6520.