Special to OWM: New Physician Wound Accreditation

  Over the past decade, the number of physicians indicating that wound care and management consumes an increasing and significant portion of their medical and/or surgical practices has increased dramatically. The need for a valued credential in the field has prompted multiple entities to develop quasi- and multidisciplinary examinations for which physicians can sit. Yet unlike the examinations of multidisciplinary organization, which are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as a valid examinations for physicians, the purpose and objective of the new American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery (ABWMS) is quite different.   The ABWMS will seek to follow the ABMS guidelines, with the ultimate goal of applying for membership or seeking subsidiary affiliation through current ABMS member boards, with dual recognition by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The Board believes that by standardizing the training and testing the knowledge of physicians in wound care, patient care and safety will be improved and cost effectiveness in wound care can be achieved.

  Nurses who dedicate their careers to wound care are encouraged to seek Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board certification to enhance their credibility and distinguish themselves among their peers as board-certified wound care nurses. Similarly and like other disciplines in medicine, physicians whose practices focuses on wound care need to complete 1) intense training in an accredited wound care program and 2) requisite board examination.

  In compliance with the ABMS and AOA, the ABWMS was established and incorporated in the State of Ohio in October 2011 to certify MDs and DOs in wound care. To complete the process, training programs with standard core curriculum are being established throughout the country by leaders in the field also in compliance with ABMS rules.

  Physicians, MDs, and DOs could sit for the first examination for certification in June 2012. The next examination will be administered in December 2012. Founding Diplomates will be required to take and pass the certification examination within 3 years of being granted the status. Information regarding training and examinations is available from Anthony (Tony) McNevin: info@abwms.org or (717) 677-0165.

  Together with other disciplines in wound care, the ABWMS will continue to improve patients’ outcomes in the field of wound care.

This article was not subject to the Ostomy Wound Management peer-review process.