Working my way through questions from the ACR’s self-assessment modules (CARE) for the last three years, all of which are reviewed each year at the annual ACR MOC course, not only got me 80 of my 100 recertification points, but taught me many valuable things, some new and some more familiar. I also reviewed in detail the handouts from the MOC and board review course. Who knew that so much was known about autoinflammatory syndromes? For example, while etanercept may be magic in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor–associated periodic syndrome, monoclonal antibody TNF inhibition is contraindicated; testicular torsion is a complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura; probiotics can cause lactobacillis sepsis in immune compromised individuals; B-blockade, lithium, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition can exacerbate psoriasis; and statins can induce an autoimmune myositis with antibodies directed against HMG CoA-reductase—to highlight just a few tidbits of knowledge. I could literally go on for pages about the disease states and clinical practice tools I reviewed.
By the time I showed up for the secure exam. I felt ready to ace the test. (By the way, they are not kidding about the secure part. I felt like it was a “strip” search—I was relieved of my watch, belt, keys, billfold, and ring. My palms were so sweaty that I was afraid they would somehow mess up the “Star Wars” like venous scan that is required to get in and out of the testing facility.)
Although the ABIM fees and time spent completing modules and studying are not inconsequential, there is no denying that I am a better rheumatologist and teacher today than I was a year ago, now that I’ve gone through recertification. This knowledge refresher has already led to better patient care. For example, I recently made a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome, quickly recognized the inadequate bisphosphonate treatment in a veteran with Paget’s disease, and found vitamin D deficiencies in several bisphosphonate treated, but poorly responding, patients that I might have missed without completing MOC.
It seems unfair that the oldest among us are immune to the MOC requirement based on the age of our certificates … So, I decided to step up, confront my hypocrisy, and take advantage of all the wonderful recertification programs the ACR has to offer.
MOC Tools from the ACR
For its part, the ACR has worked hard to help make the recertification process as educational—and painless—as possible for members. The ACR has a full lineup of rheumatology-focused learning modules that can earn you the full 100 self-evaluation points needed for MOC, including the Continuing Assessment, Review, and Evaluation (CARE) Program, the ACR’s online self-assessment tool for medical knowledge that include relevant clinical case-based questions reflecting the content areas ABIM uses for the rheumatology MOC exam. Each CARE module contains 75 unique questions and grants 30 MOC points upon successful completion. There are always three CARE modules available; each September, a new module is released and an old one is retired.
