Dr. Gary Becker, executive director of the American Board of Radiology (ABR), plans to retire at the end of June 2014.
Becker has served in the position since December 2007, after six years of service on the ABR's board of trustees and two years as the ABR's associate director for diagnostic radiology and subspecialties, according to the group.
The ABR noted that during Becker's tenure, the ABR staff increased from 33 to more than 70. He also played an integral role in the development of ABR programs, including the following:
- The development of a new computer-based certification exam and the phasing out of oral exams, with the final oral exam taking place in Louisville, KY, in June
- The creation of two new ABR exam centers in Chicago and Tucson
- The establishment of standards and processes for improved security of ABR exams
- Development of a continuous certification process for the ABR's maintenance of certification (MOC) program
However, Becker was also a lightning rod for criticism among some in radiology circles after his comments to CNN in January 2012 during the network's piece on the ABR's board exam for radiologists. Becker was critical of the longstanding practice of using recalled questions to prepare for board exams, and likened use of recalls to "cheating" on the tests.
The ABR has not yet announced a replacement for Becker, and an executive search is underway, according to a spokesperson.
