Guest guest Posted November 29, 1999 Report Share Posted November 29, 1999 No argument from me regarding how much doctors have to go through in the way of testing and proving themselves. Compared to many other medical fields, we as EMS providers have it easy when it comes to proving our knowledge and abilities. That is just one more reason why I think we should have some process whereby we have to continue to prove ourselves--maybe not the same test/process as for initial certification, but some test/process. And, of course, there should be an opportunity for remediation and retesting for those who do not meet the standard. One more comment--if a doctor were to retake the FLEX and not pass, I am not sure that I would want that doctor taking care of me or my family. (I hope none of you take this as a personal criticism of Dr. Bledsoe. I have never met him, but do know him by reputation and have no reason to doubt that he deserves the good reputation that he has.) Maxine In a message dated 11/29/99 4:12:08 PM Central Standard Time, bbledsoe@... writes: << Doctors are routinely retested. I graduated from medical school in 1987. I took a 4 day exam called the Federal Licensure Examination (FLEX). It cost over $1,000.00. In addition, I had to take the texas Medical Jurisprudence Examination. I am board certified in two specialities (family practice and emergency medicine). Family practice boards require you to recertify every seven years (everbody takes them in 6 years so they will have a year in case they fail.) Emergency Medicine requires that you recertify every 10 years. These exams are expensive. For example, Part I of emergency medicine was given in Chicago. I had airfare costs, hotel costs, plus $900.00 for the exam. Part II was in Philadelphia. I had the same costs again. By law, we are required to take approved continuing education courses each year including mandatory classes on medical ethics and AIDS. Again, as Gene said, this is after 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 4 years of residency. Believe me, retaking the FLEX every couple of years would, in no way, make me a better physician. Bledsoe, DO, FACEP, FAAEM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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