title: The History, Role, and Value of Public Directors on Certifying Boards: The American Board of Ophthalmology Experience.
abstract: The mission of the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is to serve the public by improving the quality of ophthalmic practice through a continuing certification process that fosters excellence and encourages continual learning. Since 2001, achieving this mission has been enhanced by including public directors in the ABO governance. We review the evolution of including nonprofessional members on the governing boards of professional regulatory and self-regulatory organizations generally, provide history about the incorporation of non-professional public directors into the governance structure of the American Board of Medical Specialties and the ABO, and offer insights about the perceived impact of public directors on the ABO.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Mason Health System, Seattle, Washington; American Board of Ophthalmology, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: suzanne.anderson@virginiamason.org.
authors.forename: Suzanne T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: American Board of Medical Specialties, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Lois M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Nora
authors.affiliation: American Board of Ophthalmology, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Christine W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: McEntee
authors.affiliation: American Board of Ophthalmology, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.affiliation: American Board of Medical Specialties, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Samantha Guastella
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Nugent
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification / Q000266:history*; D049674:History, 21st Century; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000266:history*; D008486:Physician Executives; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000266:history; D013044:Specialty Boards / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States