RT Journal
A1 Frager M, Scherz H, Eck A
T1 PHysician quality and maintenance of certification
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD December 26
VO 308
IS 24
SP 2562
OP 2563
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.131778
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.131778
AB 
Certification was developed to prove that a physician had become knowledgeable in a specialty. Voluntary recertification began in 1974; but what began as a reasonable way to keep up with advances in medicine has turned into a costly, mandatory process. Forcing physicians to retake tests every few years requires expense and time off work for test preparation. In our opinion, a flexible approach with self-directed continuing medical education and voluntary self-assessment products would be less time-consuming, less expensive, and more effective than MOC. Additionally, taking a test without access to tools physicians use daily, such as smart phones and computers, seems not to reflect the actual practice of medicine.