1.  NRC AU-Eligible: ABR Update Mickey Guiberteau, MD, FACR, FACNM
Trustee, American Board of Radiology 1

2. ABR Certificates “AU-Eligible”
AU-E Status is a value to Diplomates
Certification Pathway to NRC AU Status
AU Enduring – Can Last an Entire Career
But, Process to AU-Eligibility Can Change

3. ABR AU-Eligible Process Factors Necessitating Change
Changes by the NRC
Enhanced Recognition of ABR Process
Changes by ABR in Certification Process
Format of the Examinations
Timing of Process

4. I. Changes by the NRC

5. Change by the NRC: Enhanced Recognition of ABR Certificates
§ Imaging and Localization Studies
§ Low-Dose I-131 Therapy
( ≤ 33 mCi GBq)
NEW!
§ High Dose I-131 Therapy
( > 33 mCi) – Effective June 2011 5

6. ABR Certificate Recognition by NRC “High Dose” I-131 Tx Survey
Prior Survey of Dx Rad Programs (187)
183 Responses
90% Can Provide Training
4 Programs Cannot Arrange Training
Majority Already Providing Training
Prior to 2005
NRC Recognized ABR 6

7. ABR I-131 Therapy Requirements “AU-E” Elevation to High-Dose Tx
ABR Form A
Attestation to NRC T&E (§ & )
ABR Form B
3 cases of Low-dose Therapy
3 cases of High-dose Therapy
2011 Exams will include
Low-dose Therapy (≤ 33 mCi) (§ )
High-dose Therapy (> 33 mCi) (§ )
NRC AU-Eligibility on Certificates (June 2011)
Low Dose I-131 Therapy
High Dose I-131Therapy 7

8. II. Changes by ABR

9. Change by the ABR: Future ABR Examination Format
Examination of the Future
Oral Examination  Certifying Examination
AU-E Content must be re-positioned
“AU-E” Computer-Based Exam (2013)
Administered at Time of Core Exam (R-Yr-3)
Separate from the Core Examination
~50 Questions related to Radiation Safety, Safe Handling, NRC Curriculum 9

10. ABR AU-Eligible Process Computer-Based AU-E Exam
Purpose of the Examination
Demonstrate Mastery of Radioisotope Safety
Must Pass for AU-Eligible Certificate
There Will Be ”Make-up” Examinations
No “AU-E “ Questions on Certifying Exam 10

11. Change by the ABR: Future ABR Examination Timing
Enter Core End Certifying
Residency Exam Residency Exam
__________3 yrs ____1 yr ___________ mo
AU-E Exam No AU-E 11

12. ABR AU-Eligible Process 15-Month Gap - Residency/Au Eligibility
NRC Advisory Committee (ACMUI)
Considered the Issue in 2009
Recommendation: “AU-E” feasible, if -
1. Successful Core Exam Completion
2. Pass Radioisotope Safety Examination
3. Completion of Residency
NRC Awaits Specific Proposal From ABR 12

13. III. AU-E Special Cases

14. ABR AU-Eligible Process Alternate Pathway Candidates
Lack of ACGME - Accredited Residency Program
No AU-E Certificates will be awarded
But, Exemption may be requested, case-by case
Depends on willingness of department to train & attest
Forms A & B required
May Receive a Certificate with AU-E

15. ABR AU-Eligible Process ABNM Certified Candidates
Dx Rad Residents
Prior ABNM Certification
Achieved AU-Eligible status by ABNM
May be granted exemption
Forms A & B not Required
Will Receive Certificate without AU-E
But, Exemption is not Required
Can Received Certificate with AU-E
Forms A & B required

16. 
Thank You.