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Program Information

Navigating the Board Certification Process: Therapy Physics


D Hyer

B Dirksen

D Hyer1*, B Dirksen2*, (1) University Of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, (2) Mercy Medical Center, Coralville, IA

Presentations

1:45 PM : Preparation strategies for ABR therapy part I and II - D Hyer, Presenting Author
2:15 PM : Preparation strategies for ABR therapy part III - B Dirksen, Presenting Author

TU-F-PinS Room/Hall C-0 (Tuesday, August 1, 2017) 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Room: PinS Room|Hall C


Daniel Hyer – Preparation strategies for ABR therapy part I and II

To be considered a Qualified Medical Physicist, individuals must not only complete formal training in medical physics, but also be certified by an appropriate national certifying body. For therapy physics in the United States, the American Board of Radiology (ABR) is the accrediting organization. The process for pursing certification by the ABR should start in graduate school with part I of the ABR exam, followed by part II upon completion of a medical physics residency program. It is important to note this process relies upon attendance of graduate and residency programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP).

Both the part I and part II exams are computer based and consist of multiple choice questions. Part I of the ABR exam has two components, general physics and clinical, while part II of the ABR exam focuses on therapeutic medical physics. These exams are offered annually, therefore preparation is paramount to avoid delays in the certification process. This lecture will provide an overview of effective methods and resources available to prepare for these exams.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the board certification process
2. Understand how the exams are administered and the general content of each exam
3. Understand strategies to promote successful exam preparation

Blake Dirksen – Preparation strategies for ABR therapy part III

Part III of the ABR certification process is an oral exam administered by experienced Qualified Medical Physicists. Unlike written exams, oral examinations are not a standard part of our education system and therefore present unique challenges for exam candidates.

This lecture will provide an overview of the organization and general content, as well as present an example schedule that outlines the exam day. We will review strategies and techniques that are unique to an oral examination and how preparation differs from a computer based written exam. Lastly, we will review study resources available for preparation of the part III exam.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define the difference between the part III oral exam and traditional computer-based written exams
2. Understand study techniques specific to an oral examination
3. Identify resources available for part III preparation



Handouts


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