“If you’re a hospitalist and you’re invested in the field, this is an important statement to make on behalf of your specialty,” he says. “It can give you some added respect within your institution when people ask you about specialized training in hospital medicine.”
Even if hospitalists didn’t have specialized training, the FPHM MOC demonstrates that they “did have to pass a specialized certification process that gives different credentials,” Dr. Brotman says. “This is the best way to do that.”
He also sees it as an individual benefit for hospitalists—both for their career advancement and their peace of mind—knowing that they are more up to date with their clinical practice.
“You practice hospital medicine. If you want an exam that hits the ball to your forehand, this is it,” he says. “If you’re nervous about the board exam, I’d be more nervous about taking a generalized exam.”
Brendon Shank is SHM’s associate vice president of communications.