| Neuromuscular Medicine |
| Candidates in the subspecialty of neuromuscular medicine are those in the field of Neurology/Child Neurology, who are seeking ABPN Board Certification. Neuromuscular medicine is a subspecialty that involves the diagnosis and management of disorders of nerve, muscle or neuromuscular junction, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies (e.g. diabetic and immune mediated neuropathies), various muscular dystrophies, congenital and acquired myopathies, inflammatory myopathies (e.g. polymyositis, inclusion body myositis), and neuromuscular transmission disorders (e.g. myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome). All candidates will need to complete and submit an application in order to qualify and apply for an examination. Each application will be reviewed by the credentials department. Candidates become diplomates after passing their examination. Diplomates will then begin the process of maintenance of certification. Apply for an examination | ABPN Physician Folios site | Visit the Pearson VUE Website |
Initial Certification in Neuromuscular Medicine
A. History and Statement of Principles
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), in concurrence with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), established a Joint Committee on Certification in the Subspecialty of Neuromuscular Medicine on December 2, 2005. This was done to officially establish the field of neuromuscular medicine as a definite area of subspecialization in neurology and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced physicians in neuromuscular medicine.
The actual mechanics of certification of qualified candidates have been delegated by the Board to the Committee, which operates under the supervision of and in accordance with the policies of the Board.
The examination will be administered to candidates from the ABPN and ABPMR at the same time in the same testing centers. Participation in the certification program is voluntary. Certification is not required of practitioners in this field, and the certificate does not confer privilege to practice. [more]
Maintenance of Certification in Neuromuscular Medicine
The Maintenance of Certification Program (MOC) of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology reflects the Board's commitment to lifelong learning throughout one's profession. The mission of MOC is to ensure that diplomates adhere to the highest standards in medicine and pursue excellence in all areas of care and practice improvement. The MOC program requires diplomates to participate in sanctioned self-assessment performance measures, identify perceived weaknesses in their knowledge, pursue learning activities tailored to areas that need to be strengthened, and develop quality improvement programs based on their clinical practice. The goal is for diplomates to reflect on their personal knowledge and performance and commit to a process of improvement and reevaluation of performance measures over a specified time frame that will ultimately lead to improved care for their patients. [more]