To the ABOM Community:

When the board of directors of the American Board of Obesity Medicine met for a strategic planning session late last year, one of the primary goals that emerged was to continue to improve the infrastructure of this growing organization. I am pleased to report that this process is well underway.

 
Over the last six months, we have added numerous diplomates to the exam item writing committee and this group now numbers more than 40. These volunteers come from many different fields of medicine and incorporate obesity medicine into their practices in different ways. What they have in common is a solid understanding of how to treat obesity and the willingness to devote their time to create the best possible exam to test competency in obesity medicine. All new item writers will be trained by the experts at the National Board of Medical Examiners, ABOM’s test administration partner, later this year. At the same time, veterans of the committee will receive advanced training to further improve the development of exam questions.

 
We have also made great strides in improving infrastructure through technology. Earlier this month, ABOM launched a new certification management system. This serves as the initial application portal for new candidates and a “home base” for current diplomates. With the number of applicants growing quickly, it also has created an improved process that will allow staff members to carefully and accurately review applications in a timely manner. This will enhance our ability to meet the needs of applicants eager to move through the application process. Diplomates can benefit from the new system by having the flexibility to manage their recertification process continually throughout the 10-year term. There is even the ability for diplomates to order additional diplomas through the new system. I encourage you to explore the portal at https://abom.learningbuilder.com.

 
Finally, ABOM also launched a new website earlier this month. With a modern layout that clearly guides users through the eligibility, application and recertification process, the website is another example of using technology to support the ABOM mission. With diplomates and applicants leading busy lives, the web site upgrade meets the important threshold of being easily accessible on all devices: desktop, laptop, and perhaps most importantly, mobile.

 
Sincerely,

Louis J. Aronne, MD
Sanford I. Weill Professor of Metabolic Research
Weill Cornell Medical College
Chair, ABOM