The AABIP is committed to enhancing the practice of bronchoscopy to improve the lives of patients with pulmonary disease. Recent advances in diagnostic bronchoscopy have changed the landscape of how many pulmonary diseases are evaluated and managed. The spectrum of new technologies and tools at the disposal of the bronchoscopist has grown rapidly in the past two decades. While many pulmonologists receive exposure to advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy techniques during traditional pulmonary fellowship training, most require additional experience to master these advanced procedures. Pulmonologists with skills in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy provide specific expertise and added value to complex patient care, and currently it may be challenging for patients, institutional administrators and third-party payers to identify these physicians.
A core mission of the AABIP is to educate, train, test, certify, and advocate for all bronchoscopists. To this end we have committed our resources to provide educational material via our website, seminars, newsletters, webinars, annual postgraduate courses, research symposia, and now an annual AABIP Conference to provide members with up-to-date information, clinically relevant guidelines, and helpful expert opinions to enhance patient care. We are confident that these educational opportunities can support a clear pathway for physicians interested in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy to develop their skills and expertise.
To assist in the recognition of competency for advanced diagnostic bronchoscopists, the AABIP Board of Directors (BOD) has approved the creation of a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ). We believe that this CAQ is a means by which these skilled pulmonologists can demonstrate legitimacy and recognition of expertise to their institutions and colleagues. We anticipate that such certification may also facilitate contract negotiations to secure the resources required to set up a successful advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy program.
The CAQ in Advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy will consist of two parts: a Knowledge Assessment Test (KAT) and a Procedural Skills Assessment Test (PAT). Convenient test sites around the country will be available to conduct a computer-based KAT every year. The test will consist of clinical vignettes and a multiple-choice question-based format similar to other board certification examinations.
To validate procedural competency, procedure logs and the PAT will be used. There will be multiple test sites around the country that will offer the PAT at different times throughout the year to provide flexibility for the candidates. A detailed step-by-step preparation guide will be released to help candidates prepare for the PAT.
The eligibility criteria for CAQ will be released in the next few weeks to allow candidates ample time to submit eligibility documents and prepare for the test. We also hope to offer a comprehensive review course for people planning to take this test. If you are interested in attending this course, please tentatively mark your calendars for August 14, 2019. We are hoping to hold the CAQ in Advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy Review Course a day before the AABIP national conference in Denver to allow you to attend the conference as well. The AABIP Conference will provide even more preparation for the test and a great venue to meet other colleagues who are planning to take the same examination. Conference attendance will be discounted for those attending the CAQ Review Course. Further details will be released on the AABIP website at www.aabronchology.org.
The AABIP has already seen a massive wave of support for CAQ in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy from advanced diagnostic bronchoscopists and IP physicians around the country, and we are looking forward to working with you in advancing the practice of bronchoscopy in the U.S.
Ali I. Musani MD
Chair, Certification Committee AABIP
