Evolution of Lifelong Learning: You Spoke, We Listened

Since its formation in 1938, the purpose of the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has been to establish and conduct assessments to certify anesthesiologists who possess the knowledge, judgment, adaptability, clinical skills, technical facility and personal characteristics sufficient to independently carry out the entire scope of practice. In light of the changing paradigm in both medical education and health care policy, the ABA recognizes a need to identify long-term improvements to the certification process that would achieve the objective of lifelong learning. Thus, the Board is in the midst of reconfiguring the examination continuum for those obtaining their initial certification, as well as for those of us maintaining our certification through the Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA^®) program. These changes are being made in response to the changing health care environment and policies, changes in education standards, and feedback received from our residency and fellowship training program...