The New Year has arrived, and our associate executive directors are poised to continue their task of improving the initial and continuing certification processes for candidates and diplomates. We recently asked the four part-time staff for their 2025 personal and professional goals.

Geoffrey Ibbott, PhD

Medical Physics

In the New Year, I’m looking forward to working with the newest Trustees and Governors at the board meeting in February. I’m also eager to meet the new members of the Medical Physics Initial Certification Advisory Committee in March. The MP Trustees and I are continuing to implement enhancements that will bring more structure to the review of oral exam questions and the evaluations of the examiners. I’m excited to help the Board develop the Diagnostic Radiology Oral Exam and implement changes that will spill over to the other disciplines and bring about further improvements. And I will take a friend’s advice to be more aware of my surroundings. Be attentive to my personal and professional relationships, take care of myself and those close to me, and embrace nature.

Mimi Newell, MD

Diagnostic Radiology

In 2025, I want to read more, scroll less, walk more, roost less, think more, talk less, cook more, eat less, appreciate more, gripe less, work hard, and relax with intention. I will see my kids and sweetest little grandkids as often as possible. And enjoy my tasks and colleagues at the ABR.

James Spies, MD

Interventional Radiology

For my part, in terms of ABR hopes, I would hope we continue on our path to better service for our candidates and diplomates, simplifying processes where possible, making obtaining and maintaining board certification administratively as painless as possible. Personally, I have hopes to exercise more and to lose 15 pounds, a hope that I renew each year!

Michael Yunes, MD

Radiation Oncology

With so many changes occurring in our country and the world, it is important that we all remember what makes us similar. We have families, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and even strangers whom we care for and worry about. We do not always know the demands or difficulties that each person has, but rest assured, we all have them. In 2025, I hope that we can embrace our differences while still acknowledging that they exist. I hope to engage in open communication with those with whom we may disagree and show empathy to those who have challenges that are not our own or even visible. This is true in both my personal and professional lives, where family members and patients may have a completely different perspective on topics of which I thought I had a clear understanding. I have taught my young adult children that we are always learning from others, if we listen. That is my goal: to listen and hear so that I can learn.