The Monthly Dose: August 2025
Posted by Jorge Francisco on
Welcome to the latest edition of "The Monthly Dose"!
Let’s dig in!
News and Announcements
Los Angeles Health Commission Calls for Ending Mandatory MOC
The Los Angeles City Health Commission has officially approved and published its Annual Report which includes recommendations on physician Maintenance of Certification (MOC). The Commission is urging the Los Angeles City Council to pass an ordinance that:
- Prohibits hospitals and medical groups from mandating ABMS MOC as a condition of employment or credentialing, making it voluntary instead.
- Recognizes alternative nonprofit certification boards (such as NBPAS) as valid recertification pathways, provided physicians were initially certified by ABMS, AOA, or similar bodies.
The report underscores that ABMS’s MOC system increases costs without improving outcomes, excludes qualified physicians from practice, worsens shortages in underserved areas, and contributes to burnout. With 3.7 million Los Angeles residents living in federally designated shortage areas, the Commission concluded that MOC has become not just a professional burden but a public health crisis.
We are especially grateful to NBPAS Board Member Howie Mandel, MD, for his leadership and persistence in helping bring these issues forward in Los Angeles.
You can review the full report, including detailed MOC discussion (pp. 63–64), here.
Innovative Tools to Power Lifelong Learning
Doximity has acquired Pathway Medical, a physician-led, evidence-based clinical reference platform designed to transform how physicians keep their knowledge current. Built on seven years of curated guidelines, landmark trials, and pharmaceutical data, Pathway delivers fast, reliable answers at the point of care. Physicians can now earn AMA PRA Category 1™ CME credit for each question asked and resource reviewed—seamlessly integrating lifelong learning into daily practice.
As a proud partner of Doximity, NBPAS supports innovative, physician-driven tools like Pathway that advance lifelong learning through real-time clinical engagement—not outdated, high-stakes exams.
Hospital Acceptance
Advocate for NBPAS Acceptance at Your Hospital
Now is the perfect time to champion NBPAS at your hospital. While some institutions may not yet be familiar with NBPAS, or may have questions about how it works, you can be the voice that clears up misconceptions and opens the door to change.
NBPAS has assembled resources and talking points to make these conversations easier and more effective. With your help, more hospitals can recognize NBPAS as a credible, evidence-based pathway for lifelong certification.
Your voice matters and your advocacy can make a real difference for your colleagues and patients.
NBPAS Leadership Academy
Register Now for Session Four of the NBPAS Leadership Academy
Topic: Advocating for NBPAS with Hospitals, Employers, and Payors
Don’t miss this powerful session of the NBPAS Leadership Academy, designed to equip you with the tools and confidence to lead the conversation on certification reform. You’ll gain practical strategies, real-world data, and actionable talking points to effectively engage hospitals, employers, colleagues, and payors on why NBPAS matters.
This is more than training. It’s an opportunity to join with fellow physician leaders who are driving meaningful change in their institutions and across the country.
Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00 PM EST
RegisterChampions of Change
Thank you to all NBPAS physicians who go above and beyond to champion life-long learning while advocating for competition and choice in continuing certification.
Meet our August Champion of Change: Arthur Guerrero, MD
This month, we celebrate Arthur Guerrero, MD, for his leadership in bringing NBPAS to his team at NEA Endocrinology Associates. Dr. Guerrero not only introduced his colleagues to the benefits of NBPAS certification but also offered to personally cover the cost of their initial applications—removing barriers and making it easy for his team to join.
Dr. Guerrero completed his fellowship training in endocrinology and metabolism at the University of Southern California and has built a respected practice in Los Angeles focused on providing personalized, high-quality care for patients with complex endocrine conditions. His leadership extends beyond the exam room, and we are grateful for his support in advancing a certification model that works for physicians across diverse practice settings.
As Dr. Guerrero has shared: "I strongly believe in maintaining board certification, but not with the current one-size-fits-all ABIM pathway. The CME I need as a private practice endocrinologist is very different from that of a hospital or academic endocrinologist. NBPAS allows us to stay certified in a way that’s meaningful and relevant to our patients."
We thank Dr. Guerrero for his dedication to his patients and his support of our mission to provide physicians with a fair, credible, and sustainable certification option.
Connect with Dr. Guerrero on LinkedInNotes from the Office
Enhancing Communications: Live Chat and SMS Now Available
We’re making it easier than ever to stay connected with NBPAS. To better serve our diplomates, we’ve added two new communication features that put quick, convenient support right at your fingertips:
- Live Chat – Get real-time assistance directly within the application. No waiting for an email response—our team is here to help you right away.
- SMS Messaging – Receive timely reminders and important updates straight to your phone (one-way messaging only, so no spam).
These enhancements are designed to save you time and give you more options for staying informed—whether you’re renewing, updating your profile, or just need a quick answer.
Because your time is valuable, we’re investing in tools that make communication with NBPAS simple, fast, and convenient.
Latest from the NBPAS Store
Support the cause, sip with purpose.
Every mug or pin you purchase fuels real change—powering our physician-led advocacy, raising awareness
nationwide, and keeping the future of continuing certification where it belongs: in the hands of
doctors.
Make a statement. Start a conversation.
Whether it’s on your jacket or at your desk, your NBPAS gear helps spark dialogue and show solidarity in
the movement for choice in board certification.
Your support strengthens our voice and furthers our shared cause.
We’d love to see how you’re showing your NBPAS pride!
Feel free to send us an email with a photo or
tag us on social media.
Not yet a Diplomate? Apply for NBPAS Certification today.
Suggestion Box
Have an idea, need help? Reach out to NBPAS at info@nbpas.org.
We look forward to hearing from you.
