FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2019 Contact: Karyn Howard khoward@theabr.org (520) 790-2900 Valerie P. Jackson, MD, executive director of the American Board of Radiology (ABR), has announced her decision to retire by July 1, 2020. She assumed the role of executive director in July 2014. “I have been honored to be the ABR executive director and fortunate to work with such amazing people,” she said. “I look forward to being able to spend more time on my photography and have more time to travel—especially to see my son. I will continue to live in Tucson after I retire.” During Dr. Jackson’s tenure, the ABR initiated and completed vital new projects and initiatives. She played an integral role in the development and improvements of the ABR’s core programs and oversaw the following initiatives:

• Redesign and launch of a new, more user-friendly website
• Rollout of Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA), the new way to satisfy Part 3 of Maintenance of Certification
• Relocation of the ABR’s radiation oncology and medical physics oral exams from Louisville to Tucson
• Development of enhanced benefits for ABR diplomates participating in MOC, such as the simplification and inclusiveness of a wider range of Practice Quality Improvement requirements
• Enhancement of exam content and production through the onboarding of additional volunteers and a revamping of volunteer committee organization, production schedules, and item-editing and imaging processes
• Creation of ABR Certification Advisors Department, a group of ABR staff dedicated to serving the needs of candidates and diplomates
• Forging closer alliances with candidates, diplomates, societies, and boards
• Implementation of a simplified MOC attestation process, eliminating the requirement for diplomates to report detailed data on participation
• Establishment of a new exam eligibility policy allowing candidates with extended leave between PGY-2 and PGY-4 the option to take the exam with their class
• Recognition of Platinum status, the highest offered, by GuideStar, an information service specializing in reporting on U.S. nonprofit companies
• Launch of ABR’s social media presence, which includes Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

In addition to her considerable volunteer efforts for the ABR, Dr. Jackson has been the recipient of numerous honors throughout her career. She is a fellow of the American College of Radiology and has received the gold medals of the Indiana Radiological Society, SBI, ACR, and AUR. The Valerie P. Jackson Education Fellowship also recognizes her work with the ACR. She is also a member of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) since 1982, and currently serves as RSNA president.

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