The Monthly Dose: January 2026
Posted by Jorge Francisco on
The Monthly Dose
January 2026
Insights, advocacy, and updates from NBPAS
NBPAS Continues to Grow
Strong Momentum to Close Out 2025!
In December alone, NBPAS received a total of 539 applications, including 131 physicians certifying with us for the first time.
This growth reflects a shared commitment to reducing administrative burden and keeping recertification focused on patient care, not paperwork.
We’re grateful to the physicians choosing NBPAS and to those speaking up within their hospitals. Your leadership makes this progress possible.
Hospital Acceptance
Change doesn’t require a formal campaign. It often starts with one conversation. Sharing information about NBPAS with hospital leadership helps move acceptance forward and keep the focus on education and patient care.
Advocate for NBPAS at Your Hospital »Physicians Corner
Physician Perspective on ABIM MOC Reform:
"Did ABIM MOC reform actually fix the problem for physicians?"
In a recent KevinMD article, Brian Hudes, MD, offers a thoughtful critique of ABIM’s decision to eliminate the unpopular two-year Maintenance of Certification requirement and asks whether this change truly helps practicing physicians. Dr. Hudes argues that while the move was a positive acknowledgment of physician concerns, it does not fix the core problems of duplicative requirements, misaligned CME and credentialing systems, and lack of evidence that current board maintenance improves patient care.
This piece is part of a broader series by Dr. Hudes on the challenges and complexity of board certification and recertification, including how the current landscape has evolved into a patchwork of standards that often burdens physicians rather than supports meaningful lifelong learning.
NBPAS thanks Dr. Hudes for his clear, physician-centered analysis and for raising issues we have long advocated, including the need for certification rooted in relevant education and evidence instead of box-checking.
NBPAS Wants to Hear your Perspective on MOC Reform
If you have a perspective on MOC reform and how it affects your practice, NBPAS invites you to share your experience and insights with the NBPAS community. Send your article to info@nbpas.org
One Thing You Can Do This Month
Share One Article
Many physicians come to NBPAS through conversations with colleagues they trust. If you know someone asking questions about MOC, consider forwarding one of the articles below as a simple way to introduce them to NBPAS.
Recent Articles:
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Did ABIM MOC reform actually fix the problem for physicians?
Author: Brian Hudes, MD -
WSJ Opinion: The Gatekeeper Driving Doctors From Medicine
Author: Paul Teirstein, MD, President and Founder, NBPAS -
Are ABMS’ lobbying tactics misleading politicians and the public?
Author: Karen Schatten, MLS, Associate Director, Policy and External Relations, NBPAS
Supporting Physicians, Together
Do you have an NBPAS pin?
NBPAS mugs and pins offer a simple way to show support for physician-led, evidence-based certification. Whether on your desk or jacket, these small symbols can prompt conversation and signal support for reducing unnecessary administrative burden in continuing certification.
Proceeds support NBPAS’s ongoing advocacy, education, and outreach on behalf of practicing physicians.
Shop the NBPAS Store »
Not yet a Diplomate?
Apply for NBPAS Certification today.
The process is simple and takes less than 6 minutes to complete. All you need is initial certification from an ABMS or AOA board, an active/unrestricted medical license, and 50 hours of specialty-specific Category 1 CME within the past 24 months.
Apply Now »Suggestions
Have an idea, need help? Reach out to NBPAS at
info@nbpas.org.
Someone from the team will be happy to get back to you.