EMOC Announcements

ATTENTION: PhD Medical Geneticists

The ABMG has recently decided to amend the EMOC requirements for its diplomates certified in PhD Medical Genetics. Since the ABMG no longer offers initial certification in PhD Medical Genetics, diplomates certified in this specialty who wish to maintain their certification will be asked to participate in EMOC activities in the specialty of Clinical Genetics. This decision will go into effect immediately. Please read the amended requirements below to familiarize yourself with the changes.

Part I requirements have not changed. PhD medical geneticists are required to submit a Letter of Attestation form signed by an appropriate supervisor. The form is located in the ABMG portal under EMOC/Part I. This requirement is the same for all diplomates who hold a PhD.

Part II requirements have been changed as outlined below.

1. Literature Review modules will be made available to PhD medical geneticists in the specialty of Clinical Genetics. The modules are located in the ABMG portal under EMOC/Part II.
    

   1. Diplomate holding certification only in PhD Medical Genetics:
       

      1. must complete one (1) module in Clinical Genetics between now and the end of 2009 if they were initially certified in 1993, 1999, or 2002.
          

      2. must complete three (3) literature review modules in Clinical Genetics within every 10 year cycle.
          

   2. PhD medical geneticists with multiple ABMG specialty certifications:
       

      1. must complete one (1) module in Clinical Genetics [in lieu of a PhD Medical Genetics module] and one (1) module in their other specialty(ies) between now and the end of 2009, if they were initially certified in both specialties in 1993, 1999 and/or 2002.
          

      2. must participate in two (2) Clinical Genetics modules [in lieu of PhD Medical Genetics modules] and two (2) modules in their other specialty(ies) within every 10 year cycle.
          

2. Continuing Education
    

   1. For diplomates who are certified only in PhD Medical Genetics: An increase from the required 250 Continuing Education contact hours over 10 years to 350 contact hours will be required to compensate for the changes in requirements for Part III and Part IV (see below). This change will not be enacted for PhD medical geneticists who wish to take the Part III examination in Clinical Genetics. No changes have been made to the total number of Continuing Education contact hours due during the truncated transition period.
       

   2. For PhD Medical Genetics certificate holders who have a second ABMG certification: The same credits can be used for both certifications, though the minimum requirement will be raised to 350 contact hours for each 10 year cycle. This requirement will go into effect after 2009 for diplomates initially certified between 1993-1999 and will be prorated for the other groups. Revised timelines in the existing transitional plan will be posted on both the ABMG Web site and portal.

Part III requirement is comprised of a closed-book, proctored examination. This requirement will vary depending on the number of certifications a diplomate holds:

• PhD medical geneticists who do not hold other ABMG certifications will be exempted from the Part III examination effective immediately.
   

• Those PhD medical geneticists who fit this specific profile and who have already registered to take the Part III examination in December 2008 will be reimbursed unless they wish to take the Clinical Genetics examination.
   

• Please inform the ABMG Administrative Office by June 30th, 2008 if you wish to take the EMOC Part III exam in Clinical Genetics during the December 2008 offering of the Part III examination or if you wish to be reimbursed for EMOC Part III fees already paid.
   

• PhD medical geneticists who opt to take the Part III examination in Clinical Genetics will not have their CME credit requirement increased.
   

• PhD Medical Geneticists certified in more than one specialty will be required to take the Part III examination in their non-PhD Medical Genetics specialty only.

Part IV requirements have also changed for diplomates holding only a PhD Medical Genetics certification. If their practice involves seeing patients and the Part IV modules that are developed and required after 2009 are applicable to their area of practice, they will be encouraged but not required to participate. These modules are designed to be practice improvement exercises and will be of benefit to diplomates in their practice of genetics. There may be more specific recommendations for this part, which may include a requirement for a PhD Medical Genetics-specific module in the future (possibly after 2010). However, there will be sufficient notice of these changes as we move forward. If you do not see patients, please inform the ABMG Administrative Office so we can mark you as “clinically inactive.”

If you have any questions about these changes, please contact the ABMG Administrative Office for clarification.