Focus on DR: Diagnostic Radiology Diplomates: The ABR Needs Your Expertise!
By ABR Associate Executive Director for Diagnostic Radiology Mary S. Newell, MD
April 2026;19(2):6
Preparatory work for the new Diagnostic Radiology Oral Certifying Exam is progressing smoothly for its 2028 launch. The newly formed DR certifying exam committees are now creating content. ABR staff continues to scale up the virtual platforms needed for an exam endeavor as large as the 2028 DR administrations will be. Next on the to-do list: recruiting examiners.
The ABR will need between 60 and 100 examiners per category (abdomen, breast, cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal, nuclear radiology, neuroradiology, and pediatrics) for each exam administration (with three administrations occurring in 2028). Understandably, some potential volunteers may feel anxious about the “unknowns” around examining, especially if they did not take the exam in its oral format, much less administer it. Rest assured that thorough examiner training will be provided. Our colleagues in radiation oncology, medical physics, and interventional radiology (all of which have continued with the oral format) report that the training provided by the ABR not only fully prepares volunteers to succeed but also ensures that they quickly feel comfortable with the process.
ABR Associate Executive Director for Interventional Radiology James Spies, MD, notes that “the great thing about being an oral examiner is that you already have all the content knowledge you need to examine effectively, so it is as natural as giving a case conference to residents. The mechanics of the software are intuitive, and examiners will be well trained in its use. The approach to cases and the key findings will be standardized. Even for those who have never taken an oral exam, most will find this well within their abilities. It is a really rewarding way to give back to the profession.”
Our hope is to recruit a broad pool of geographically diverse examiners from all practice types. There are a few prerequisites: Examiners should be board certified for at least five years, clinically active, available to examine for three or more days, and participating in ABR Continuing Certification. The exam will be administered remotely, precluding the need for examiner travel. All training will be provided remotely as well.
Many former DR oral examiners remember the experience as being one of their career highlights. ABR Trustee and Vice Chair for Diagnostic Radiology Kate Maturen, MD, observes that “as an oral certifying examiner, you have the opportunity to assess candidates who are right on the cusp of independent practice. They are at the peak of their training, most have prepared thoroughly, and it is actually a fun opportunity to let them show what they know. This is such an impactful moment for them, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.”
We encourage ABR diplomates who are interested in being examiners for the DR Oral Certifying Exam (or to partake in any ABR volunteer activity) to visit myABR, select the “Volunteer” tab, and fill out an application. Once approved, volunteers will be added to the roster of potential examiners. Volunteers will be contacted with specific details in 2027. Until then, no action will be needed on the part of those approved to examine, except to maintain up-to-date contact information with the ABR.
