The September 19, 2024, LEDGE meeting focused on addressing challenges in physician board certification and advocating for increased choice among certification boards. The discussion, led by Paul Matthews, centered on empowering physicians to select from multiple recertification options, emphasizing the need for competition to improve the healthcare system.
Summary of LEDGE Meeting Minutes (September 19, 2024)
The September 19, 2024, LEDGE meeting focused on addressing challenges in physician board certification and advocating for increased choice among certification boards. The discussion, led by Paul Matthews, centered on empowering physicians to select from multiple recertification options, emphasizing the need for competition to improve the healthcare system.
1.
Main Topic: Physician Choice in Certification
◦ Discussion led by Paul Matthews emphasized advocating for physician options among certification boards (AOA, ABPN, NBPS).
◦ The goal is to address the lack of competition in the certification space, arguing that physicians deserve multiple recertification choices.
◦ Highlighted the existing precedent: AAN endorses multiple boards (e.g., UCNS and ABPN for Neurocritical Care).
2.
Action Plan and Contributors:
◦
Letter Drafting: A key strategy is to draft a letter co-signed by state neurological societies, spearheaded by
Dorian,
Stella, and
Johanna.
◦ The letter will articulate unified support for board certification options, targeting the AAN and CMA.
◦ Paul Matthews suggested leveraging media outlets like Practical Neurology and Neurology Reviews, with potential support from Allan Rapaport, to publicize efforts.
3.
Next Steps:
◦ Initial focus on collaboration with the
Massachusetts Neurology Society and
California Neurology Society.
◦ October 2024 is a target to engage with the
California Medical Association (CMA) to build broader support.
◦ Use CMA’s House of Delegates to push for rule changes, as most delegates are reportedly sympathetic.
4.
Challenges:
◦
Steve Holtz pointed out that the CMA's historical focus on surgeons and generalists limits their attention to neurology issues.
◦ Holtz emphasized prioritizing state society endorsements to "build the armory" before approaching broader entities like the AAN.
5.
Key Recommendations:
◦ Garner letters of support from additional state neurology societies to create national momentum.
◦ Engage with organizations like the
United Council of Neurological Subspecialties (UCNS), already endorsed by AAN, as potential allies.
◦ Address independent boards such as the
American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and
Neurodiagnostic Medicine as part of broader coalition-building efforts.
6.
Conclusion:
◦ The consensus is that a coordinated, state-led initiative is crucial for influencing national organizations like the AAN.
◦ Paul Matthews stressed the importance of making the letter widely known to generate visibility and pressure that cannot be ignored.
