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APWCA - Physician Wound Care Certification Exam (Overview)
The Council for Medical Education and Testing (CMET) offers THE Physician Wound Care Certification Examination
and opens a New Era for
Certification in Wound Care. It is Endorsed by the American Professional Wound
Care Association and Recognized by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine
as the Physician Wound Care Certification.
“This new examination changes the dynamics of this field and advances wound
care to a new level. It brings us one step closer to the goal of specialty
recognition. The next challenge will be the initiation of residencies and
fellowships which are commensurate with the evolution of knowledge and practice.
This examination will be available to all prescribing physicians, (MD, DO, DPM)”
Robert Bartlett, MD, FAPWCA, Professional Examination Chair.
History, Background and Rationale:
The American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA) was contacted about
two years ago by members of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM)
who expressed their opinion that there was a need for a certification process in
wound care available to their members that was physician oriented. After
reviewing options, they concluded that the APWCA was the most appropriate
organization for them to work with and collaborate. An ad hoc committee was
established with key members of both organizations which investigated the
concept further and found that there is a growing need for some formal process
to distinguish those who are skilled in the art and science of wound care. Dr.
Bartlett explains “Hospital administrators, managed care organizations,
physicians and podiatrists alike noted there is a growing need for some method
to specifically recognize physicians working in this area. The field of wound
care is no longer a simple affair of wet to dry dressings. Twenty-first century
wound care has entered the molecular age of medicine with the advent of advanced
therapies that require skill and discernment to achieve cost effective
outcomes.” Based on these observations, an examination construction committee
was established with members from the two professional societies. This gave a
tremendous jump start to the creation of a physician certifying exam. APWCA supports this initiative, and endorses
this as the first and premiere certification in wound care for physicians.
It also recognized by the ACHM. This exam is administered by the
Council for Medical Education and Testing.
The first exam was offered in June 2008 and the next exam is scheduled for
September 12, in conjunction with the
VEITHsymposium.
The exam will also be offered in other locations,
including APWCA2009 in Philadelphia, PA in April. A preparatory board
review course will be offered in January, 2008.
The development of this physician exam is a first step toward the long term
goal of achieving specialty recognition of wound care by the American Board of
Medical Specialties, American Osteopathic Association and the Council of
Podiatric Medical Education. The evolution of specialty recognition may not
occur for quite some time. In the interim this exam will provide formal
recognition to those practitioners who have substantial expertise in wound
management. The committee is chaired by Robert Bartlett, MD, FAPWCA and
co-chaired by Jeffrey Niezgoda, MD, FAPWCA.
Open enrollment for membership in the APWCA is still available to become a
Fellow or Associate. With the launch of this exam, that opportunity will be
discontinued and alternate pathways will be offered to become a Fellow in the
organization.
For further information go to the CMET web site
www.CouncilMET.org or
www.WoundCareExam.org you can
contact CMET at Certification@CouncilMET.org or
by telephone at 215-364-4100.
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