Published March 18, 2020

ABIM announced that they have cancelled all spring assessments. No physician will have their certification status negatively impacted due to this decision. Click here for ABIM updates on COVID-19. Please contact ABIM directly with questions.

The following letter was sent by Richard J. Baron, MD, MACP, the President and CEO of The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The letter discusses the decisions made by the ABIM Board of Directors regarding sitting for an ABIM exam during the current COVID-19 pandemic:
 

Dear Colleagues,

I recognize the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is putting extraordinary stress on all medical staff and has introduced new demands as well as considerable uncertainty in our personal andprofessional lives. I want to thank you for all you are doing on behalf of your patients and communities during this challenging time.

I also want to let you to know that your safety and continuing ability to serve your patients and your community are ABIM's top priority. Staff are meeting daily to assess a rapidlyevolving situation, and we are taking the following steps to ensure sitting for an ABIM exam doesn't unnecessarily put you or your coworkers' health at risk or pull you away from where you are needed most:

• ABIM's Board of Directors has decided to cancel all spring assessments. Please know that no physician will have their certification status negatively impacted because of this decision.Physicians scheduled to take a spring assessment have been contacted via email and we are providing them with individualized guidance on their options moving forward.
• We are working with Pearson VUE, ABIM's exam delivery provider, to ensure that there will be sufficient capacity for administrations later this year to accommodate all physicians who choose to takean assessment at that time.
• Both ABIM and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) have notified Program Directors and Designated Institutional Officials (DIOs) that we do not anticipate interruptions of training related to COVID-19 to adversely affect Board Eligibility for the vast majority of otherwisecompetent residents and fellows. ABIM's recently clarified Leave of Absence and Vacation and Deficits in Required Training Time policies are in full effect and applicable to absences that might occur due to COVID-19.
• We've created a dedicated webpage for updates on COVID-19. You can also follow us on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram for real-time alerts.
• If you have questions about an upcoming assessment or your MOC program requirements, please sign in to your Physician Portal . If you need additional assistance contact us at 1-800-441-ABIM or request@abim.org .
• We will continue to monitor this situation and send follow-up emails to affected physicians as needed.

Before joining ABIM, I practiced for 30 years in the city of Philadelphia, caring for my friends, family and neighbors. I know your patients look to you for the same care and support.I have every confidence that, as a community, we will get through this together because of your expertise and professionalism.

Wherever you are practicing, please make sure to take care of yourself, and thank you again for all that you are doing to care for patients everywhere. Our patients and communitiesneed your expert guidance now more than ever.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Baron, MD, MACP
President and CEO
American Board of Internal Medicine