The American College of Radiology (ACR) has said that it is "deeply troubled" by the recent CNN report regarding the use of "recalls" -- banks of test questions gathered by residents who have memorized questions -- on American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification exams.
"The most troubling aspect of this report is the implication that all radiologists who pass these examinations are 'cheaters,' " ACR said in a statement posted on its website. "The allegation of cheating not only involves an unspecified and unidentified number of individuals, but smears the entire specialty with a broad and unjustified brush."
Last week CNN published an article that describes doctors' widespread use of recalls on the exam they take to become board-certified in radiology. CNN's report said that the use of recalls is ubiquitous, and it occurs despite the fact that radiology residents must agree not to share test material before taking the exam.
But board certification represents significantly more than passing an exam, and it should not be impugned simply on the basis of examination methodology, ACR said.
"The achievement of board certification requires many years of rigorous clinical education and training and results in a level of expert patient care that has saved millions of lives through early accurate diagnosis and effective sophisticated treatment," the organization said. "The board-certified individuals who comprise this specialty are 'examined' on a daily basis by the complex clinical challenges they face. They pass that examination by providing continuous excellent patient care."
