Exploring New Assessment Methods for Pediatricians

Monday, May 11, 2015

More than 75 experts in testing and medical education will gather in Durham, N.C., May 15-16, to explore new ways to measure the knowledge, learning and competency of pediatricians.

The Future of Testing Conference, sponsored by The American Board of Pediatrics Foundation, will feature presentations on innovative testing methodologies, followed by breakout sessions to explore how these new methods might be used to assess physician competencies as part of maintenance of board certification for pediatricians. New methods to be discussed include adaptive testing, computer-based simulations, online proctoring, and the use of Internet or electronic searchable resources.

Professor Cees P.M. van der Vleuten, Scientific Director, School of Health Sciences Education, University of Maastricht, Netherlands, will be the opening keynote speaker. A list of other speakers and topics to be covered is available on the conference website, where summaries and videos of the keynote address and various lightning talks will also be posted following the conference.

“Our goal is to make use of the creativity and innovative ideas generated by our conference attendees to advance our assessment programs,” says Conference Chair John G. Frohna, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Pediatrics. “The ABP recognizes the ongoing changes occurring in physician practice, as well as the rapid advances in the science of assessment, and wants to identify and explore new methods that can assess physician competency more effectively.”

“We believe the expertise and insights offered by conference attendees will provide valuable guidance in shaping the future of testing and assessment, not only in pediatrics but in all disciplines,” says Linda Althouse, PhD, ABP Vice President for Psychometrics, Research, and Testing Services.

Participants from other organizations include representatives from:

  • Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • American Board of Anesthesiology
  • American Board of Dermatology
  • American Board of Family Medicine
  • American Board of Internal Medicine
  • American Board of Medical Specialties
  • Association of American Medical Colleges
  • Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research
  • National Board of Medical Examiners
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing
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