CHEST Guidelines--strong-COUNTERPOINT---strong--Should-Intervention

-strong-COUNTERPOINT---strong--Should-Intervention

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The document debates whether Interventional Pulmonology (IP) should seek subspecialty recognition from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Interventional Pulmonology is a distinct discipline requiring specialized training beyond standard pulmonary medicine, with graduates in high demand due to their procedural competency and advanced technological skills. The crux of the debate focuses on whether ABIM certification is necessary for IP or if existing specialty societies like the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP) should continue overseeing the assessment of expertise.<br /><br />Those opposing ABIM involvement argue that such a move would introduce unnecessary bureaucracy and financial burdens. They suggest that existing IP-specific organizations are better suited to assess expertise and competence in this area and can administer certification tailored specifically to the needs of the field. Additionally, current certification processes established by these specialty societies – such as those provided by the AABIP – adequately assess necessary expertise.<br /><br />The document critiques ABIM’s process as adding layers of administration, which leads to increased time and costs without clear benefits to patient care. Concerns include the high cost of maintaining multiple board certifications and the potential detriment of generic exams in assessing procedural competence. The proponents of maintaining the current system argue that procedural specialties require unique methods of competence assessment best handled by expert-directed organizations.<br /><br />The document also highlights the logistical and financial impracticality of ABIM’s role, including the likely need for programs to gain Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accreditation, which requires significant time, resources, and dedicated funding for training positions already limited. Ultimately, the emphasis is on efficient resource use, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring high-quality, outcome-focused training tailored by those in the field.

Keywords

Interventional Pulmonology

subspecialty recognition

American Board of Internal Medicine

specialized training

procedural competency

American Association for Bronchology

bureaucracy

certification processes

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

resource efficiency