Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment

Saturday, July 28, 2007

ABEM and LLSA – What is the relationship?

The main goal of LLSA is to promote continuous learning by diplomates. ABEM facilitates this learning by identifying an annual set of LLSA readings to guide diplomates in self-study of recent EMCC LLSA literature. The readings are designed as study tools and should be read critically. They are not intended to be all-inclusive and are not meant to define the standard of care for the clinical practice of EM.
One criterion for choosing articles is that they be easily available from a variety of sources, such as common Emergency Medicine texts, libraries, and Internet websites. In addition, some publishers allow access to the articles directly from the ABEM LLSA website, EMCC ABEM Online, or both by clicking on the underlined listings below:
· The Massachusetts Medical Society has provided full access to most readings selected for LLSA from the New England Journal of Medicine
· Elsevier, Inc. has provided Adobe Acrobat files to ABEM diplomates logged onto EMCC Online for readings selected for LLSA
· Some publishers provide direct access to their website, possibly charging a fee or requiring login information to view the article
· Occasionally, as is the case for many book chapters, the publisher will not provide direct access or does not have Internet access to the article

Concert Examination

Let’s try to understand the ConCert examination process for Emergency Medicine. In order to take a particular year’s ConCert exam, you must complete a specific number of LLSA test equivalents. An LLSA test equivalent is defined as an LLSA test that the physician takes and passes, or a ConCert exam that the physician takes instead of an LLSA test but does not pass.

You may check the eligibility requirements and status through EMCC Online.