From the President: Outgoing ABR President Reflects on Many Years of Volunteer Service
October 2026;19(5):2
For more than two decades, Cheri L. Canon, MD, has tirelessly served her profession as an ABR volunteer: writing questions, working as an oral examiner, and taking on Trustee and Governor roles.
Dr. Canon’s two-year term as ABR president ends at this month’s board meeting, at least temporarily ending her time as a volunteer. She recently took a few moments to look back on her exemplary ABR work.
After serving as a volunteer in many capacities, what convinced you to consider the board president role?
Serving the ABR for nearly 25 years provided me with a deep appreciation for the Board’s work and its mission. That mission is what resonates so strongly with so many volunteers, including me. My involvement evolved naturally over time, beginning with learning the art of writing effective exam questions, which is far more challenging than it sounds. From there, I worked with various committees in the exam development process, gained insight into the activities across multiple disciplines, and developed a greater understanding of the organization’s operations and governance. Assuming the role of board president felt like a meaningful continuation of that journey and an opportunity to give back to an organization that has played such an important role in my career.
How much was the president’s role like what you imagined, and how was it different?
In many ways, the role was exactly what I expected. If anything, I came away with an even greater appreciation for the ABR staff. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication are truly remarkable. They create an environment in which volunteers can focus on the important strategic discussions and decisions that advance the mission of the organization. That partnership between staff and volunteers is one of the ABR’s greatest strengths.
What have been the Board’s biggest accomplishments over the past two years?
The Board has continued to refine and improve both the remote exam experience and the Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA) program. One thing I have learned over the years is that the ABR never stands still. Much like patient care, the pursuit of quality is a continuous process. There is always an opportunity to improve, innovate, and enhance the experience for diplomates while maintaining the rigor and integrity that are essential to our mission.
What have you learned about yourself during your time as president?
I have learned the importance of listening first and building consensus around shared goals. The Board is made up of talented individuals with diverse perspectives, and some of our most productive discussions emerged from thoughtful debate. My experience reinforced the value of collaboration, humility, and the recognition that the best decisions are often the result of collective wisdom rather than any one individual’s viewpoint.
What do you see as the primary challenges and opportunities facing the organization in the next few years?
Like many organizations, the ABR will face the challenge of doing more with limited resources. Costs will inevitably continue to rise, yet we remain committed to being mindful of fees for our candidates and diplomates. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to leverage technology, enhance assessment methods, and continue improving the value we provide to those we serve. Successfully balancing innovation, quality, and affordability will be critical in the years ahead.
Even though you will rotate off as a volunteer after the fall meeting, how do you plan to remain involved with the ABR?
Like other diplomates, I will remain engaged through OLA. One of the strengths of the certification process is that it encourages lifelong learning, and I look forward to continuing that journey alongside my colleagues.
What will be the best memories that you will take from your time as an ABR volunteer?
The friendships and relationships will undoubtedly be my most enduring memories. My husband, Malcolm, and I have been fortunate to develop lifelong friendships through the ABR, and those relationships have enriched our lives in countless ways. I will especially treasure my time with fellow board members. We faced difficult decisions, engaged in thoughtful debate, and always remained united by our shared commitment to the mission. What stands out most is that despite the seriousness of our work, there was always respect, camaraderie, and laughter. Those moments of fellowship and the privilege of serving alongside such dedicated individuals are memories I will carry with me long after my volunteer service concludes.
