Being retired from patient care isn’t keeping Alan L. Williams, MD, from participating in Maintenance of Certification (MOC). Dr. Williams, a diagnostic radiologist with a subspecialty in neuroradiology, says MOC helps him stay on top of developments in his field.
“Lifetime learning is crucial in any discipline because our world is changing rapidly,” he said. “You can’t just maintain the status quo because then you’re falling behind. MOC is a way for people to add to their skills and maintain the ones they have. It’s good for quality medical practice.”
Dr. Williams, who lives in Blaine, Washington, has an appointment at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. His career found him serving at medical schools across the Midwest, including Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Missouri.
He was certified in diagnostic radiology in 1974 and most recently passed his neuroradiology MOC exam in 2015. He served as an ABR oral board examiner for 26 years.
“The board certification process is designed to ensure that radiologists are competent in discharging their responsibilities to patient care,” Dr. Williams said. “By certifying radiologists, the board is putting its ‘Good Housekeeping’ seal on them.
“Competent radiologists not only provide outstanding patient care but ensure that our referring physicians have the utmost confidence in the imaging services provided by their radiologists. Radiology provides services to both the patient and referring physician communities.”
Dr. Williams has been answering both Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA) question opportunities every week, putting him on track to reach the 52 required for the year by July. He believes the new system will be adaptable based on diplomate experiences. Interventional radiology, medical physics, and radiation oncology diplomates start OLA next January.
“You cannot please everybody, but the ABR is welcoming feedback from radiologists,” he said.
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