American Board of Pediatrics Improves Care through Testing
Contact:
Donald W. Boucher
443.923.8031
donald.boucher@prometric.com
Prometric Teams with Pediatricians to Test Skills and Enhance the Quality of Patient Care
(BALTIMORE, MD - November 26, 2001) Prometric, a Thomson Learning business that is the global leader in the delivery of technology-enabled testing and assessment services, and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), today announced a new computer-based examination as part of the ABP's new Program for Maintenance of Certification in PediatricsTM (PMCPTM).
"PMCP is a program of continuous activity designed to provide assurance to the public that ABP-certified pediatricians and sub-specialists are up-to-date with the specialty and continue to be qualified to practice pediatric medicine competently," said Dr. Hazen P. Ham, Director of Re-certification Programs.
According to Craig Hannas, Prometric Vice President, Domestic Sales and Marketing, "The ABP's maintenance of certification program has a single objective – to promote excellence in medical care for children and adolescents. Prometric is pleased to help this professional organization to leverage the latest technology to help achieve such a noble and necessary goal."
The ABP will deliver its PMCP general and sub-specialty exams each year, several times a year, via Prometric's extensive global testing network. Approximately 6,000 exams will be delivered each year. Prometric will begin delivering ABP's testing program in November 2002. The program will be fully implemented in the spring of 2003. Work has already begun on converting existing exams and building the supporting infrastructure.
"PMCP is comprised of four parts – professional standing, lifelong learning, cognitive expertise, and performance in practice. The new computer-based exam will be delivered by Prometric in a secure environment in order to evaluate cognitive expertise. The goal of PMCP is to augment professional development of pediatricians and ultimately to enhance the quality of care for children and adolescents," said Dr. Ham.
Founded in 1933, the ABP is one of the 24 certifying boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABP is an independent, nonprofit organization, with certification signifying a high level of physician competence. Although the certification process is voluntary, nearly all qualified pediatricians seek this recognition. Certification signals dedication to the highest level of professionalism in patient care.
About Prometric
Prometric, a Thomson Learning business, (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in the delivery of technology-enabled testing and assessment services for information technology certification, academic admissions, and professional licensure/certification, delivering standardized tests for more than 200 clients, in 25 languages, through a network of more than 4,200 testing centers in 128 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Prometric employs more than 3,000 employees worldwide. Prometric is a Thomson Learning technology-based business (www.thomsonlearning.com), one of the world's leading providers of learning solutions. Thomson Learning serves the needs of individuals, learning institutions, and corporations with products and services for traditional and electronic learning and is part of the Thomson Corporation (TSE: TOC), a leading, global e-information and solutions company in the business and professional marketplace with 2000 revenues of U.S. $6.0 billion. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto and London Stock Exchanges.
About the American Board of Pediatrics
The American Board of Pediatrics (www.abp.org) was created to advance the science, study and practice of pediatrics by evaluating the credentials of physicians applying for certification as pediatricians, by examining applicants, and by certifying those who qualify. The purpose of certification is to provide assurance to the public and the medical profession that a certified pediatrician has successfully completed an accredited educational program and an evaluation, including an examination, and possesses the knowledge, skills and experience requisite to the provision of high-quality care in pediatrics.
