Board certification in internal medicine and cardiology: Historical success and future challenges

Board certification is at a critical juncture. As physicians face increased regulation and pressures from both inside and outside the profession, board certification and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) are coming under increased scrutiny from the public and the medical community. At this challenging time, it is important to remind ourselves what board certification is (and what it is not) and revisit the origins of this tangible expression of professional self-regulation, even as we contemplate how it needs to improve. Board certification has evolved over time and must continue to evolve; it is our collective responsibility as physicians that peer-developed standards meet the needs of both the profession and the public. In this article, we will reflect on the history of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), especially which related to Cardiology, and describe some of ABIM׳s challenges and new directions.