Becoming an Item Writer

A physician who is appointed to be an item writer and who has never served as an ABEM item writer must meet the following four criteria:

• Be an ABEM diplomate;
• Have been an ABEM diplomate for the previous five years; This period will be calculated from the date of the oral examination in which the individual achieved certification to the date of the appointment decision.
• Have successfully completed an ACGME- or RCPSC-approved Emergency Medicine residency; and
• Be actively involved in the practice of clinical Emergency Medicine.

A physician who is appointed to be an item writer and has previously served as an ABEM item writer but is not currently an item writer, must meet the following three criteria:

• Be an ABEM diplomate;
• Have successfully completed an ACGME- or RCPSC-approved Emergency Medicine residency; and
• Be actively involved in the practice of clinical Emergency Medicine.

Item Writer Nomination Procedure

A diplomate who is interested in being considered for an item writer position should submit a current curriculum vitae and a letter briefly describing his or her current clinical practice. Alternately, a current ABEM examiner, item writer, director or senior director can submit a letter of nomination for a diplomate, at which time ABEM will request of the nominee a current curriculum vitae and a letter briefly describing his or her current clinical practice.

The names of all interested individuals and nominees that meet the criteria stated above will be submitted to the Test Development Committee at the summer Board of Directors meeting, which is normally held during the month of July. The Committee may also consider individuals for appointment who have not volunteered or have not been nominated prior to the Committee meeting; however, these appointments will be contingent on later verification that the appointee meets the selection criteria stated above.

The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as new item writers are needed. Newly appointed item writers will be notified in writing following the Board meeting.

Page Revised 4/5/04