Osteopathic pathology boards

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There are Osteopathic path boards? If so, what's the point in taking them? There aren't even any DO pathology residency programs...not to mention in order to get certified by the by the AOBP, you have to have completed an "AOA-approved internship or equivalent" (whatever that means) prior to your residency training.
 
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Torsed said:
Its called family medicine! Jebus! Where do these critters come from? :scared:
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When you have physicians like Torsed around, it's no wonder the general population has no idea what DOs are.


DOPathologist: I'm not saying that you shouldn't, but is there a reason why you want to take the AOBPa boards? After completing a MD residency, you're eligible to take the ABP boards.

I received an email a while back in regards to DO pathologists who want to be certified by the AOBPa. You need to be ABP certified & pass the AOBPa exam. I don't think the 2 exams would be that different. I'm sure very few people who have any information about the test outside the board itself. There haven't been any DO pathology residencies since the late 90's I believe.


----- Antony
 
If I recall correctly, one of my DO pathology friends mentioned something about an oral portion of the exam for DO Boards. I could be wrong though.
 
Why not take the AOBP test? It may be easier than the ABP test and I already have done the internship.
 
What defines an osteopathic pathologist? Isn't osteopathy like allopaths but mixed with body manipulations?
 
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An osteopathic pathologist is a doctor from an osteopathic medical school (DO) who completed a residency in pathology. Right now there are only allopathic pathology residencies but we can still take the allopathic (ABP) or osteopathic (AOBP) pathology boards.
 
DOPathologist said:
An osteopathic pathologist is a doctor from an osteopathic medical school (DO) who completed a residency in pathology. Right now there are only allopathic pathology residencies but we can still take the allopathic (ABP) or osteopathic (AOBP) pathology boards.
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Unless you want to open a do path residency, I don't see the benefit,
 
I have never heard of anyone who is osteopathic board certified in pathology. I would suspect the only use for it would be if you planned on (as said above) teaching at an osteopathic med school, or if you wanted to be on some board or educational committee that was DO related. Or maybe if you really wanted to work at a DO hospital but I doubt that would make a difference if you were otherwise qualified.

Save your money, as I presume this would cost more than a few dollars.
 
i went thru residency a guy who was a D.O. back in the early 80's in the military. he took both boards and after he got out he went to a DO hospital but stayed only about a year. he (much later) did derm path and got boards. after his short stint at the DO hospital all his time was at non-DO.
 
lipomas said:
I have never heard of anyone who is osteopathic board certified in pathology. I would suspect the only use for it would be if you planned on (as said above) teaching at an osteopathic med school, or if you wanted to be on some board or educational committee that was DO related. Or maybe if you really wanted to work at a DO hospital but I doubt that would make a difference if you were otherwise qualified.

Save your money, as I presume this would cost more than a few dollars.
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There are DO boards for pathology via the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology for those who wish to take them rather than the ABP...the misconception is that the DO/AOA boards are somehow inferior to the ABP boards. Rest assure we have to undergo stringent review of our exams , not just by the AOA/Bureau of Osteopathic specialists, but also by the state medical Boards. If you are a DO who has done a DO internship or a rotating ACGME internship, then you can go right to the pathway for osteopathic certification via the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology. There is an extra step or two for those who have not done that...but rest assured that because there are NO osteopathic Pathology residencies..it is easier to progress than in some other residencies.
The other misconception I see here is that you can't get a job as an osteopathic Pathologist. I did a fellowship with ABA in dermatopathology and took the DO dermpath boards. I found no trouble getting a job on the east coast and received multiple job offers in the mid west and southwest...the sticker was jobs on the west coast(where I needed a job due to family issues)....the west coast seems to feel DO's are inferior...and I got a lot of "don't call us" replies to job apps...except for those who were ABA BUDS...
Other friends who are DO trained have had not problem getting jobs...and military trained DO's are sought after..DO boarded or not...
so the main thing here is..don't talk about what you don't know...
 
I have been on this forum for a few years now and this is actually the first time I have heard of DO path boards. I have met a few DO pathologists and have not heard of it mentioned by them either. Being a DO is most certainly not a barrier to getting a job, I have not really seen that suggested.
 
dermpathdoc said:
I did a fellowship with ABA in dermatopathology and took the DO dermpath boards.
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I didn't realize there were AOBPa DP boards. Does that mean at one time there were AOA approved DP fellowships? I'll have to find one if any exist. There should be less competition than ACGME DP fellowships.


----- Antony
 
green mantis said:
I didn't realize there were AOBPa DP boards. Does that mean at one time there were AOA approved DP fellowships? I'll have to find one if any exist. There should be less competition than ACGME DP fellowships.


----- Antony
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There are no AOA approved DP boards...you need to apply for an ACGME fellowship be accepted and then apply for AOA certification. some pathways for this include...finishing your ACGME pathology residency and getting accepted into an ACGME DP fellowship...(some dermatology residents have done this and been accepted to Indiana University DP, and even Mass Gen DP) Then as you go thru the program have your osteopathic Board..Derm or PAth approve your program and then you can take the Do boards.
I encourage going to the AOA website then pulling up their info on certification process.
As former Chair of the AOBPa I have posted many messages about this, here on these forums and wonder why no one is paying attention!
 
dermpathdoc said:
There are no AOA approved DP boards...you need to apply for an ACGME fellowship be accepted and then apply for AOA certification. some pathways for this include...finishing your ACGME pathology residency and getting accepted into an ACGME DP fellowship...(some dermatology residents have done this and been accepted to Indiana University DP, and even Mass Gen DP) Then as you go thru the program have your osteopathic Board..Derm or PAth approve your program and then you can take the Do boards.
I encourage going to the AOA website then pulling up their info on certification process.
As former Chair of the AOBPa I have posted many messages about this, here on these forums and wonder why no one is paying attention!
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I'm aware of how to be certified by the AOA. I just have no desire to take another board exam. I was just hoping that there would be a DP fellowship that would be easier to get into. There can't be that many DO pathologists or dermatologists to compete against. 😛


----- Antony
 
Yes I have taken and passed the osteopathic boards. AOA gives you full credit for 4 year ACGME training and also gives you exemption for AOA internship. Exam is very similar to ABP exam except for additional oral part. It is conducted once a year ( with the annual convenstion). The website is www.aobpath.org. It is fully recognized in whole of USA and is equivalent for all purposes. Even CAP and ASCP give you fellow status if you are diplomate of AOBPATH. Exam for each part (ap or CP)lasts whole day. Starts at around 8 in the morning and ends at around 6 or 7 in the evening. Fees is listed on the website. They also have Dermpath and forensic subspeciality boards.
 
dermpathdoc said:
There are no AOA approved DP boards...you need to apply for an ACGME fellowship be accepted and then apply for AOA certification. some pathways for this include...finishing your ACGME pathology residency and getting accepted into an ACGME DP fellowship...(some dermatology residents have done this and been accepted to Indiana University DP, and even Mass Gen DP) Then as you go thru the program have your osteopathic Board..Derm or PAth approve your program and then you can take the Do boards.
I encourage going to the AOA website then pulling up their info on certification process.
As former Chair of the AOBPa I have posted many messages about this, here on these forums and wonder why no one is paying attention!
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Bottom line is: WTF cares?
The notion of "osteopathic pathology boards" is a freakin' joke---why would I even consider paying an extra few thousand dollars to get a certification by an organization whose existence is moot by the simple fact that said organization has provided & will continue to provide me with not one single solitary IOTA of graduate medical education... What, my ACGME training now has the official "DO seal of approval"? I now have the blessing of the osteopathic community at large & have proved my osteopathic training & heritage haven't gone to waste because I've paid for the privilege to be called an "osteopathic pathologist"? Bull honkey.

It is not only disgusting, it it outright shameful opportunism that would even warrant the existence of an osteopathic pathology board exam in the setting of ACGME-only training.

Complete BS.
 
schrute said:
Bottom line is: WTF cares?
The notion of "osteopathic pathology boards" is a freakin' joke---why would I even consider paying an extra few thousand dollars to get a certification by an organization whose existence is moot by the simple fact that said organization has provided & will continue to provide me with not one single solitary IOTA of graduate medical education... What, my ACGME training now has the official "DO seal of approval"? I now have the blessing of the osteopathic community at large & have proved my osteopathic training & heritage haven't gone to waste because I've paid for the privilege to be called an "osteopathic pathologist"? Bull honkey.

It is not only disgusting, it it outright shameful opportunism that would even warrant the existence of an osteopathic pathology board exam in the setting of ACGME-only training.

Complete BS.
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IF you wish to make a choice between DO and ABP boards, you can...as a matter of fact at this time the DO pathology Boards are CHEAPER than the ABP boards by a couple thousand bucks, despite the fact they have the extra oral component. You seem to imply in your posts it is more expensive...NOt SO.
also it might interest you to know that the AOBPa inititiated recertification exams in 1995, well before the ABP even considered the process.

I sense a bit of antagonism in your posts...are you possibly a troll?
 
dermpathdoc said:
IF you wish to make a choice between DO and ABP boards, you can...as a matter of fact at this time the DO pathology Boards are CHEAPER than the ABP boards by a couple thousand bucks, despite the fact they have the extra oral component. You seem to imply in your posts it is more expensive...NOt SO.
also it might interest you to know that the AOBPa inititiated recertification exams in 1995, well before the ABP even considered the process.

I sense a bit of antagonism in your posts...are you possibly a troll?
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Cheaper.... a virtual bargain if you will... except that no one will recognize your certifications as legit. Sorry... not a gamble I was willing to take at the time.
 
DOPathologist10 said:
Yes I have taken and passed the osteopathic boards. AOA gives you full credit for 4 year ACGME training and also gives you exemption for AOA internship. Exam is very similar to ABP exam except for additional oral part. It is conducted once a year ( with the annual convenstion). The website is www.aobpath.org. It is fully recognized in whole of USA and is equivalent for all purposes. Even CAP and ASCP give you fellow status if you are diplomate of AOBPATH. Exam for each part (ap or CP)lasts whole day. Starts at around 8 in the morning and ends at around 6 or 7 in the evening. Fees is listed on the website. They also have Dermpath and forensic subspeciality boards.
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If the bolded portion above is really true, then it may be a good enough reason to take the osteopathic boards if you want/need to be able to practice in one of the 4 states that require an osteopathic internship to get a license (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida).
 
Entgegen said:
If the bolded portion above is really true, then it may be a good enough reason to take the osteopathic boards if you want/need to be able to practice in one of the 4 states that require an osteopathic internship to get a license (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida).
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If you're still a resident, you can just get the AOA to approve your PGY1 year as a DO-internship. I think most of the DO pathologists practicing in those 4 states took this choice. I doubt they would've taken the AOBPa exam.


----- Antony
 
The Osteopathic Pathology boards are available in anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine. The board also have subspecialty certifications in dermatopathology and forensics. The AOBP is a certifying body under the umbrella of the AOA and is accepted by every state in the US. Medicare and medicaid payments accept AOBP certification. If you are a D.O., I recommend supporting your specialty and taking the AOBP exam.

The AOBP, its a DO thing!
 
DOPathologist said:
The Osteopathic Pathology boards are available in anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine. The board also have subspecialty certifications in dermatopathology and forensics. The AOBP is a certifying body under the umbrella of the AOA and is accepted by every state in the US. Medicare and medicaid payments accept AOBP certification. If you are a D.O., I recommend supporting your specialty and taking the AOBP exam.

The AOBP, its a DO thing!
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Right, because boards is such an enjoyable experience I'd love to pay twice as much for twice the stress to obtain a meaningless certification...

Taking the COMLEX and USMLE simultaneously was bad enough...you can bet your cookies I'm not taking the "dual boards" route again. And NO DO path resident in their right mind is going to take the AOPB exam in lieu of the APB exam.

Seriously if I hear the AOBP plugged one more time I'm going to effing puke. Why should I be obliged to take a test to validate my training as having undergone the rigors of "osteopathification" for the mere sake of posterity, especially considering the complete absence of osteopathic AP/CP GME...

My specialty is "pathology"...NOT "osteopathic pathology"...paying for the abuse of a secondary & superfluous credential would only benefit me were I a sycophantic brown noser working my way up some self-perpetuating DO bureaucratic ladder.

Bogus.
 
Yes and my specialty is Pathology also, NOT Osteopathic Pathology. I do not understand why you are so anti DO and refuse to acknowledge some might wish to take an alternate pathway. Are you a DO? Or a troll?

please understand that There might actually be DO residents in ABP programs who prefer the right to make a choice to take the AOBPa exams. Per federal laws they HAVE that right and can freely work anywhere in the US and at any hospital without discrimination. You made the choice to do the ABP exams. Also some of your fellow candidates do not enjoy the attitudes of the ABP staff, if I read the message board accurately. It is too bad not all have a choice to be able to take thier boards elsewhere.



schrute said:
Right, because boards is such an enjoyable experience I'd love to pay twice as much for twice the stress to obtain a meaningless certification...

Taking the COMLEX and USMLE simultaneously was bad enough...you can bet your cookies I'm not taking the "dual boards" route again. And NO DO path resident in their right mind is going to take the AOPB exam in lieu of the APB exam.

Seriously if I hear the AOBP plugged one more time I'm going to effing puke. Why should I be obliged to take a test to validate my training as having undergone the rigors of "osteopathification" for the mere sake of posterity, especially considering the complete absence of osteopathic AP/CP GME...

My specialty is "pathology"...NOT "osteopathic pathology"...paying for the abuse of a secondary & superfluous credential would only benefit me were I a sycophantic brown noser working my way up some self-perpetuating DO bureaucratic ladder.

Bogus.
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dermpathdoc:

i think some of the anti-DO sentiment you note by MDs relates to the fact that DOs are eligible to take the same residency spots as MDs PLUS their own DO spots for many specialties, such as EM, IM, peds. also relating to the issue of reduncnacy. if a DO pathologist is the same as an MD pathologist, why is there a need for a separate certifying body?
 
Can you enlighten me on what the DO Dermpath boards are? Where and who gives that? The American Board of Pathology? I have never heard that there are 2 different derm path boards. :luck:

Maybe I'm not in loop with "the plan."
 
http://www.aobpath.org/

Here is the site, I have never heard anyone speak of this, not even DO's in training programs. I never heard of any program directors blabberin' about this to DO's.

I think the problem (if some see a problem) is that it will be viewed as inferior to the grand rear end rapin' that the ABP puts on, ABP diplomates may view it as chickin' out. Much like USMLE combatants view the COMLEX. I wonder how many DO's take this a year, can't be a massive number. It may be a legit institution but who knows, it doesn't affect me.
 
Torsed said:
Can you enlighten me on what the DO Dermpath boards are? Where and who gives that? The American Board of Pathology? I have never heard that there are 2 different derm path boards. :luck:

Maybe I'm not in loop with "the plan."
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The DO Dermpath boards are jointly administered by the American osteopathic Board of Pathology and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology( equivalents of the ABP and the ABD which jointly administer the allopathic Dermpath Board exam). It is given yearly during the OMED convention and the exam was just given in early November.
 
The AOBPa has been sending pamphlets about yearly Osteopathic Board exams to all the Allopathic pathology residency programs for the last 5 years or more. I suspect program directors are throwing the pamphlets in the trash
 
dermpathdoc said:
Yes and my specialty is Pathology also, NOT Osteopathic Pathology. I do not understand why you are so anti DO and refuse to acknowledge some might wish to take an alternate pathway. Are you a DO? Or a troll?

please understand that There might actually be DO residents in ABP programs who prefer the right to make a choice to take the AOBPa exams. Per federal laws they HAVE that right and can freely work anywhere in the US and at any hospital without discrimination. You made the choice to do the ABP exams. Also some of your fellow candidates do not enjoy the attitudes of the ABP staff, if I read the message board accurately. It is too bad not all have a choice to be able to take thier boards elsewhere.
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Yes, I am a DO.
And if you're not an "Ostopathic Pathologist", how does the agency you claim to be valid differ from the agency that grants you the title certified "Pathologist"?
It's a really simple question: the AOBP vs the APB...what's the difference? The "O".
What does that "O" stand for? "Osteopathic."
If you're not an "Osteopathic Pathologist", it begs the question, "what is the AOBP conferring upon you other than an empty title??

And don't turn this into some abstract argument about "rights", "choices" and "discrimination"...give me a break. This is about JUSTIFICATION. You talk as if the AOA/AOPBA is simply fulfilling a need & providing a service to cater to the desires of DOs.

That's a complete farce. The "desire" wouldn't be there if the AOPBA wasn't incessantly emailing DO residents about their "options."

My point has been and always will be this:
The AOPB claims to offer board certification for newly minted patholgists--ALL of whom received 100% of their specialty training at allopathic institutions, gearing towards ABP certification--that will qualify them to profess the title of OSTEOPATHIC Pathologist. Now, it's one thing to argue about the difference between OSTEOPATHIC radiologists, psychiatrists, et al OSTEOPATHIC specialties, and radiologists, psychiatrists, et al specialties, because ALL those specialties at LEAST OFFER Osteopathic TRAINING...ie: DO residencies.

This is NOT the case with pathology, as there are ZERO osteopathic pathology residencies, and thus the mere existance of a professional OSTEOPATHIC BOARD OF PATHOLOGY begs the question, "WHAT does the AOBPA have to offer?"

It's offering certification that every ALLOPATHICALLY trained DO pathologist can take a test and claim to be board certified by an osteopathic organization, despite the fact the "osteopathic" component of the title comes from a TEST, not the TRAINING.
You can't call yourself a pathologist by simply taking a test...you must undergo the training.

The AOPBA is saying the training is not what's important...it's simply a test.

It would be a complete joke if it weren't utterly pathetic.
 
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Do you have to recertify with a DO path board? If not, can I take it as an MD. I am already so sick of the ABP/MOC particularly due to the time and cost.
 
pathstudent said:
Do you have to recertify with a DO path board? If not, can I take it as an MD. I am already so sick of the ABP/MOC particularly due to the time and cost.
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Osteopathic pathologists have to re-certify and have been recertifying long before the ABP started the process with their candidates. I am sorry but if you are an MD you cannot go thru the osteopathic certification process.
 
schrute said:
Yes, I am a DO.
And if you're not an "Ostopathic Pathologist", how does the agency you claim to be valid differ from the agency that grants you the title certified "Pathologist"?
It's a really simple question: the AOBP vs the APB...what's the difference? The "O".
What does that "O" stand for? "Osteopathic."
If you're not an "Osteopathic Pathologist", it begs the question, "what is the AOBP conferring upon you other than an empty title??

And don't turn this into some abstract argument about "rights", "choices" and "discrimination"...give me a break. This is about JUSTIFICATION. You talk as if the AOA/AOPBA is simply fulfilling a need & providing a service to cater to the desires of DOs.

That's a complete farce. The "desire" wouldn't be there if the AOPBA wasn't incessantly emailing DO residents about their "options."

My point has been and always will be this:
The AOPB claims to offer board certification for newly minted patholgists--ALL of whom received 100% of their specialty training at allopathic institutions, gearing towards ABP certification--that will qualify them to profess the title of OSTEOPATHIC Pathologist. Now, it's one thing to argue about the difference between OSTEOPATHIC radiologists, psychiatrists, et al OSTEOPATHIC specialties, and radiologists, psychiatrists, et al specialties, because ALL those specialties at LEAST OFFER Osteopathic TRAINING...ie: DO residencies.

This is NOT the case with pathology, as there are ZERO osteopathic pathology residencies, and thus the mere existance of a professional OSTEOPATHIC BOARD OF PATHOLOGY begs the question, "WHAT does the AOBPA have to offer?"

It's offering certification that every ALLOPATHICALLY trained DO pathologist can take a test and claim to be board certified by an osteopathic organization, despite the fact the "osteopathic" component of the title comes from a TEST, not the TRAINING.
You can't call yourself a pathologist by simply taking a test...you must undergo the training.

The AOPBA is saying the training is not what's important...it's simply a test.

It would be a complete joke if it weren't utterly pathetic.
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The AOBPa only offers this pathway to those who did their original medical training in Osteopathic medical institutions (ie DO schools). we understand there are DO pathology trainees who go to ACGME programs and decide to get ABP certification. But what about those who wish to acknowledge their "DO"ness as it were? They have that option to reflect that...I trained in the last active DO pathology residency and hated that it had to close due to lack of funding...I was the last pathology residency program director in a DO program and tried mightily to keep the program funding from being absorbed by primary care programs in that school.... but here is the deal...there aren't any more osteopathic residencies...we can only encourage those who want to acknowledge their roots..maybe the problem is you never wanted to go to a DO school in the first place....is that why you are so...for want of a better word....antagonistic?
frankly who cares where YOU want to GO! There are others who may want to take that pathway..this is for them!
 
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"Antagonistic"? No. Realistic? Yes.

We've clearly established that I couldn't care less about the AOBP, and that consequently, the AOPB "board exam" is not for me. The "you don't care but others might" excuse, however, is not valid justification for the existence of an accrediting organization.

You said it yourself: DOs wanting to honor their heritage may opt for DO board cert.

But Jesus tap-dancing Christopher since when does posterity provide justification enough for the existence of a medical specialty board?

"...we understand there are DO pathology trainees who go to ACGME programs and decide to get ABP certification..."
--No...ALL DO pathology trainees go to ACGME programs and get ABP cert. Are you nuts? You say that as if DOs reluctantly accept an allopathic board in lieu of a DO board.

I realize the futility in this argument, so I'm inclined to just shut-up, but you can bet your sweet A.S.I.S. (told ya I'm a DO) I will never waste money on that exam and will campaign whenever & wherever physically, emotionally and spiritually possible to ensure no other DO path resident in their right mind makes the same mistake.
 
."ALL DO pathology trainees go to ACGME programs and get ABP cert. "

and this is where you are wrong... Some ACGME DO residents decide they are so fed up with the ABP BS that they decide to take the AOBPa exam.

their reasoning is the ABP treats all pathology applicants like dirt and they have the choice to go another route...OR they want to stay in the DO fold.

still I don't really care what you want to do..you made your choice...so allow those who want a choice to make theirs.
At least while there is a field of Pathology to practice in. I am grateful I will retire before the end.
 
I would be curious who is on the Board of Trustees of the DO pathology boards. At least I know of at least half at the ABP boards (old Juan was glaring at me while I was looking over my shoulder). I just can't imagines DO pathology boards can hold a candle to the nightmare of ABP AP/CP. Interesting how heated some of these raw emotions are, quite surprised to see another DO attacking this. :luck:
 
Torsed said:
I would be curious who is on the Board of Trustees of the DO pathology boards. At least I know of at least half at the ABP boards (old Juan was glaring at me while I was looking over my shoulder). I just can't imagines DO pathology boards can hold a candle to the nightmare of ABP AP/CP. Interesting how heated some of these raw emotions are, quite surprised to see another DO attacking this. :luck:
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the DO boards are part of the Bureau of osteopathic specialists. the site that lists the members of the Board of the AOBPa is here
http://www.aobpath.org/about.html
the site lists everything there is to know about the board as well as the fact that the board has been in existence since 1943.
 
Wow what a passionate thread. I haven't been on this site for years, I was just looking for posts of others' perspectives on the MOC for ABP, and stumbled upon this thread.

I am a DO, trained in Philly, did not complete an internship because I frankly had no desire, 4 year AP/CP residency and dermpath fellowship. COMLEX only, no USMLE and certified in all three by the ABP. The AP board is not tough, neither is DP. I studied mostly for CP when I certified for AP/CP, and it was tough but I was ready for it. I have not had any issue with the ABP in particular. Personally, I would never take a osteopathic dermpath board. I do not see the point after I went through the ABP process. But I agree, the choice depends on the individual.

I do have a beef that I'd like to voice. I am sure others have brought this up before. The grandfather clause of pathologists or any other physician for that matter, not being accountable for MOC and recert prior to 2006 (in the case of pathology) is total B.S. Every physician in this country practicing medicine in any specialty, old or young, in practice for 30 years or 3 should be held to the same standard as far as MOC goes. In my opinion if MOC was mandated, across the board, a large amount of jobs would open up in this country for eager new pathologists out of training to fill, simply because a group pathologists enjoying the pleasure of having grandfathered certificates at the end of their career, would not be able to meet or bother with MOC requirements. Does the current mandate make any sense? It goes against the purpose of MOC to have a huge population of physicians exempt from it. Sure, as years go by the number of MOC participants will outweigh the grandfathered, but that will take awhile for that to happen.
 
Patrick O said:
I do have a beef that I'd like to voice. I am sure others have brought this up before. The grandfather clause of pathologists or any other physician for that matter, not being accountable for MOC and recert prior to 2006 (in the case of pathology) is total B.S. Every physician in this country practicing medicine in any specialty, old or young, in practice for 30 years or 3 should be held to the same standard as far as MOC goes. In my opinion if MOC was mandated, across the board, a large amount of jobs would open up in this country for eager new pathologists out of training to fill, simply because a group pathologists enjoying the pleasure of having grandfathered certificates at the end of their career, would not be able to meet or bother with MOC requirements. Does the current mandate make any sense? It goes against the purpose of MOC to have a huge population of physicians exempt from it. Sure, as years go by the number of MOC participants will outweigh the grandfathered, but that will take awhile for that to happen.
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I agree with you completely.

From what I'm told (I don't know if its true) hospitals, state medical boards and insurance companies (for reimbursement) may require that pathologists who are grandfathered by the ABP, "recertify". Does anyone know if this is what happens in other specialties? Perhaps we could ask other forums about this? If this is the case, we need to bring this to regulator's attention.
 
Patrick O said:
I do have a beef that I'd like to voice. I am sure others have brought this up before. The grandfather clause of pathologists or any other physician for that matter, not being accountable for MOC and recert prior to 2006 (in the case of pathology) is total B.S. Every physician in this country practicing medicine in any specialty, old or young, in practice for 30 years or 3 should be held to the same standard as far as MOC goes. In my opinion if MOC was mandated, across the board, a large amount of jobs would open up in this country for eager new pathologists out of training to fill, simply because a group pathologists enjoying the pleasure of having grandfathered certificates at the end of their career, would not be able to meet or bother with MOC requirements. Does the current mandate make any sense? It goes against the purpose of MOC to have a huge population of physicians exempt from it. Sure, as years go by the number of MOC participants will outweigh the grandfathered, but that will take awhile for that to happen.
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I also agree with this...but BOTH the ABP and AOA have decided on the grandfather clause. But the reality is that clause is likely to become obsolete as the states decide who get their licenses and the federated state licensing boards are going to the MOC model for ALL physicians, not just recently minted ones. Some are already telling physicians who wish to license that if they have not received their primary certification within the last 10 years they have to prove they have a re-certification certificate to get a license. This will be come more common.
 
Torsed said:
Can you enlighten me on what the DO Dermpath boards are? Where and who gives that? The American Board of Pathology? I have never heard that there are 2 different derm path boards. :luck:

Maybe I'm not in loop with "the plan."
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The DO Dermpath Boards are offered once a year. Only a few people take it every few years so your chances of passing are very high.
 
When I started this thread, I had a few ideas
1.Allopathic physicians should not be contributing to this thread
2.To expand the opportunities of osteopathic pathologists

Although the AOBP and AOCP is not perfect, the ABP is NOT in the interest in protecting and facilitating the education and degree maintenance of Osteopathic Pathologists. I do not agree with all of the actions of the AOA, but they are the only organization that will protect osteopaths. Osteopathic pathologists are no different than allopathic physicians except for their history and fight for being acknowledged so I ask you why not support the national organization that provided you with D.O. degree in the first place. Dr. Betsy D. Bennett (Executive Vice President of The ABP) might take your money for becoming board certified but I doubt she will support us.

President Nichols Advocates Osteopathic Board Recognition
AOA President Karen J. Nichols, DO, wrote to Betsy D. Bennett, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President of the American Board of Pathology (ABP), on 9/13/10 regarding a letter the ABP sent to the New York Times in response to a 7/20/10 article, "Prone to Error: Earliest Steps to Find Cancer." The letter stated that the ABP "is the only nationally recognized certifying organization for pathologists in the United States." President Nichols admonished the ABP for making this erroneous statement, as it fails to acknowledge the existence of the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology, which has certified pathologists as an AOA member board in the U.S. since 1943. We asked the ABP to refrain from inaccurately portraying the ABP as the only nationally recognized certifying organization for pathologists in the country in its future communications.
http://www.doaocp.org/news.php
 
schrute said:
Bottom line is: WTF cares?
The notion of "osteopathic pathology boards" is a freakin' joke---why would I even consider paying an extra few thousand dollars to get a certification by an organization whose existence is moot by the simple fact that said organization has provided & will continue to provide me with not one single solitary IOTA of graduate medical education... What, my ACGME training now has the official "DO seal of approval"? I now have the blessing of the osteopathic community at large & have proved my osteopathic training & heritage haven't gone to waste because I've paid for the privilege to be called an "osteopathic pathologist"? Bull honkey.

It is not only disgusting, it it outright shameful opportunism that would even warrant the existence of an osteopathic pathology board exam in the setting of ACGME-only training.

Complete BS.
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Spoken like a true ignorant resident. Please take your thoughtless ideas and lack of experience to another thread.
 
cookypuss3 said:
Cheaper.... a virtual bargain if you will... except that no one will recognize your certifications as legit. Sorry... not a gamble I was willing to take at the time.
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Sorry to inform you but every state and insurance carrier in the USA accepts the seal of approval from the AOBP.
 
schrute said:
Right, because boards is such an enjoyable experience I'd love to pay twice as much for twice the stress to obtain a meaningless certification...

Taking the COMLEX and USMLE simultaneously was bad enough...you can bet your cookies I'm not taking the "dual boards" route again. And NO DO path resident in their right mind is going to take the AOPB exam in lieu of the APB exam.

Seriously if I hear the AOBP plugged one more time I'm going to effing puke. Why should I be obliged to take a test to validate my training as having undergone the rigors of "osteopathification" for the mere sake of posterity, especially considering the complete absence of osteopathic AP/CP GME...

My specialty is "pathology"...NOT "osteopathic pathology"...paying for the abuse of a secondary & superfluous credential would only benefit me were I a sycophantic brown noser working my way up some self-perpetuating DO bureaucratic ladder.

Bogus.
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Own up to it that you CHOSE to take both the COMLEX and USMLE. You do not have to take both of them just like you don't have to take both pathology boards. I took only the COMLEX and AOBP exams.
 
mlw03 said:
dermpathdoc:

i think some of the anti-DO sentiment you note by MDs relates to the fact that DOs are eligible to take the same residency spots as MDs PLUS their own DO spots for many specialties, such as EM, IM, peds. also relating to the issue of reduncnacy. if a DO pathologist is the same as an MD pathologist, why is there a need for a separate certifying body?
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Historically the AOA and AMA have differences. The AMA would not accept osteopaths as real physicians for many years so the AOA was born.
 
Torsed said:
http://www.aobpath.org/

Here is the site, I have never heard anyone speak of this, not even DO's in training programs. I never heard of any program directors blabberin' about this to DO's.

I think the problem (if some see a problem) is that it will be viewed as inferior to the grand rear end rapin' that the ABP puts on, ABP diplomates may view it as chickin' out. Much like USMLE combatants view the COMLEX. I wonder how many DO's take this a year, can't be a massive number. It may be a legit institution but who knows, it doesn't affect me.
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Who cares what people think!
 
schrute said:
"Antagonistic"? No. Realistic? Yes.

We've clearly established that I couldn't care less about the AOBP, and that consequently, the AOPB "board exam" is not for me. The "you don't care but others might" excuse, however, is not valid justification for the existence of an accrediting organization.

You said it yourself: DOs wanting to honor their heritage may opt for DO board cert.

But Jesus tap-dancing Christopher since when does posterity provide justification enough for the existence of a medical specialty board?

"...we understand there are DO pathology trainees who go to ACGME programs and decide to get ABP certification..."
--No...ALL DO pathology trainees go to ACGME programs and get ABP cert. Are you nuts? You say that as if DOs reluctantly accept an allopathic board in lieu of a DO board.

I realize the futility in this argument, so I'm inclined to just shut-up, but you can bet your sweet A.S.I.S. (told ya I'm a DO) I will never waste money on that exam and will campaign whenever & wherever physically, emotionally and spiritually possible to ensure no other DO path resident in their right mind makes the same mistake.
Click to expand...
A lot of energy for a point that you clearly do not support. Why all the anger and hostility?
 
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