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James N Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to James N Thompson.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The future of medical licensure in the United States.

Medical licensure in the United States is undergoing significant change. With calls for greater accountability and transparency, state medical boards and their membership association, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), are seeking ways to assure the public that physicians are maintaining their competence throughout the lifetime of their practice of medicine. At present, competence in cognitive, clinical, and communicative skills is regularly measured only at initial licensure. Yet, the public and policy-related organizations are demanding ongoing assessment of physicians' ability to safely and competently practice medicine. The author reports on activities that involve the FSMB and other national organizations, including the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, in planning for a future of increased accountability and transparency of the licensing and regulatory communities that oversee the practice of medicine. He notes that topics of discussion include possible nationalization of what has been traditionally state-based licensure. He raises questions about a future that may include specialty-based licensure and greater national and even international license portability.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2005

Role of state medical boards in continuing medical education.

The evaluation of physician competency prior to issuing an initial medical license has been a fundamental responsibility of medical boards. Growing public expectation holds that medical boards will ensure competency throughout a physician's career. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) strongly supports the right of state medical boards to require physicians to demonstrate continuing qualification for medical licensure. The FSMB views continuing medical education (CME) as an important component of any maintenance-of-competence initiative. Most medical boards require CME as part of their license renewal process. Learner-focused CME with measurable outcomes enables the medical profession's emphasis on core competencies, training, and assessment, and the general public's expectation for maintenance of physician competence. To effectively move their licensee populations toward the most effective CME tools and structure, medical boards must recognize physicians' educational needs and preferences. Medical boards can be proactive by fostering educational consortia involving medical boards, medical societies, and academic medical centers and featuring educational sessions that represent the best in current CME practices.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗