ABOG recognizes simulation training as an effective method to enhance a physician’s technical, clinical, and teamwork skills. Diplomates may participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities involving simulation, provided the course is approved in advance by the Continuing Certification (CC) Department of ABOG. After reviewing the simulation course activity, ABOG will approve course applications that meet CC standards, which include relevant and meaningful simulation and self-assessment. For example, CC standards require that simulation activities closely mimic real clinical scenarios and include structured opportunities for participants to reflect on their performance.
The simulation activity must provide advanced, hands-on clinical education experiences for participants. It may integrate task-trainers, low- and high-fidelity simulators, computer-based simulations, and/or actual medical devices.
Application Process
Apply
Apply via the online Portfolio Program application system, MOCAM.
- Diplomates can access via the Part IV section of the ABOG Physician Portal.
- External Sponsors can apply to MOCAM by creating a Login and Password.
Review Process
ABOG staff will review the application within two weeks. During the review period, applicants may be asked for clarification.
Report on Participants
The applicant and/or the sponsor representative must submit a list of participants by October 15. This is crucial to ensure that processing is completed in time for the Continuing Certification (CC) deadline on November 15. Participants should be submitted via the online application system.
Please note that any participant lists received after October 15 will result in Part IV credit being awarded in the following year's Continuing Certification period.
Simulation Course Standards
To ensure high-quality learning experiences that meet the simulation requirements of CC, ABOG has established standards and will approve activities and CME courses that meet those standards. The following core curricular components for simulation courses must be present:
- A minimum of 4 (four) hours of total course instruction
- Active participation in simulation procedures or scenarios
- Feedback or post-scenario debriefing
- One instructor must be an ABOG Diplomate in good standing
- Sufficient and appropriate resources to support the successful conclusion of the activity without introducing a conflict of interest relevant to equipment or pharmaceutical manufacture or other commercial products that may bias the participant in their future practice
- The instructor-to-student ratio must be no greater than 1:5
Continuing Certification and CME Credit
To receive CC Part IV credit, the Diplomate must actively participate in the entire simulation course and complete a course evaluation. After the activity, the physician will receive email instructions to reflect on the simulation and answer web-based questions about the impact on their practice.
ABOG CC Part IV credit is independent of CME credit. Some activities and courses may provide CME credit. Diplomates should contact the site or sponsor for specific CME information about their courses.
