To certify or not...that is the question.

[raggedredfiber]

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From all these threads regarding the ABP boards, I've come to some conclusions. However, one question is still bugging me - is certification really necessary? I know it's important to get a job, but no state requires board certification to actually practice pathology (AP or CP). I know of a private practice where one of the pathologists does not have CP certification but still oversees CP lab duties. There have been some vague references to maybe higher malpractice rates if uncertified but not much else...am I missing something? Is it just a break-your-balls useless right of passage?

 

[yaah]

I suppose it's a good question, but why would you not certify? I don't know if this is true, but there are probably jobs which hire you (if you are not yet certified) on the contingency that you will be certified within x number of years. You probably can't be a lab director without certification, but that may not apply in certain areas.

And if you are ever sued, the opposing lawyer might make just a bit of an issue out of the fact that you are not certified.

 

[LADoc00]

Cert or not has little to do with lawsuits, in fact almost none in my experience. If you make a derm mistake and are derm certified you will still get sued and your insurance company will still likely settle out of court.


The issue is many many hospital staffs now are requiring hospital based MDs to have speciality certs to even get privelages. Meaning the days of working at a hospital provisionally until you get your board results are ending. Likely you will need to either get an interim position at a crappy desperate employer OR take boards and then do a fellowship waiting for the results.

 

[listeriaismfb]

Certification indicates that you are adequately trained and have met the minimum standard to practice independently. The MOC part of the current certification scheme indicates that you are actively involved in lifelong learning.

These are both generally regarded as good things, and prospective employers look for this.