Nov 6, 2023 | admin
Volunteering makes you an integral part of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) and offers a more fulfilling experience both personally and professionally. ABOMS volunteers help shape the future of the specialty, collaborate with peers, and influence the development of the next generation of surgeons.
There are several benefits to volunteering at ABOMS, and there are currently numerous opportunities for you to make a difference.
Benefits for ABOMS volunteers
We know your time is valuable, and we appreciate the dedication of our volunteers to uphold ABOMS standards and contribute to the advancement of the Board and the future of the OMS specialty. Here are just some of the benefits our volunteers enjoy:
- Leadership and camaraderie: Volunteering with ABOMS allows you to become a leader in the OMS specialty. You’ll be forming bonds and experiencing camaraderie with other OMS leaders as you help sculpt the next generation of surgeons.
- Continuing education: Volunteers can earn 30-50 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits, depending on the position.
- Expense coverage: ABOMS ensures that all travel expenses related to volunteer work are covered with few exceptions.
ABOMS volunteer opportunities
You’ve found your niche as a surgeon; now it’s time to find your place as a volunteer. We recognize that our Diplomates bring a wide breadth of skill sets to ABOMS, and we encourage you to find the volunteer opportunity that resonates with you.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of 8 members. The primary focus of the Board is to shape the direction and policies of ABOMS and administer the certification process and Certification Maintenance to advance the professional growth of our Diplomates.
- Requirements: Board members must be an ABOMS Diplomate and Fellows of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. One Director is elected each year to an eight-year term.
Regional Advisors
Regional advisors are appointed by the Board. They interview potential committee members, review applications, and relay pertinent information to the Board.
- Requirements: Prior service on the Oral Certifying Examination (OCE) is preferred. Regional advisors volunteer an average of 2-3 hours monthly. No travel is required.
Oral Certifying Examination (OCE) Committee
Volunteers in this position are part of the ABOMS Examination Committee. They serve as Examiners, prepare cases for the Oral Certifying Examination (OCE), and submit items for the Qualifying Examination (QE) and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery In-service Training Examination (OMSITE). The Board appoints Examiners for one-year terms.
- Requirements:
- Be an active Diplomate in good standing for 3+ years
- Must serve a minimum of 2 years as a computer-based question writer to be eligible to serve as an OCE Examiner
- Submit an application with a referral form from 2 previous Examination Committee members
- Demonstrate contemporary knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Have no former or pending actions against any dental or medical license
Examination Committee Co-Chair
Co-chairs serve in leadership roles within the ABOMS Examination Committee and help oversee committee members and facilitate the examination process. The Board of Directors appoints Examination Committee Co-Chairs at the annual spring meeting.
- Requirements: Co-Chairs volunteer less than 5 hours per month, with the exception of attending in-person meetings in Raleigh, NC (7 days) and Chicago, IL (2 days).
Certification Maintenance Committee
Members of the Certification Maintenance Committee facilitate the re-certification of ABOMS Diplomates by conducting a rigorous peer evaluation process. Diplomates seeking Certification Maintenance must present and maintain appropriate professional credentials and demonstrate the requisite training, experience, and knowledge of the OMS specialty.
- Requirements: Certification Maintenance Committee members volunteer less than 5 hours per month, with the exception of attending in-person meetings in Raleigh, NC (7 days) and Chicago, IL (2 days).
Section Editor for the ABOMS Examination Committee
Section Editors are part of the ABOMS Examination Committee and review questions and cases for the Oral Certifying Examination (OCE), Qualifying Examination (QE), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery In-service Training Examination (OMSITE), and Examination Preparatory Portal (EPP) to ensure relevance and accuracy.
- Requirements: Section Editors volunteer between 2-3 hours every month and attend the AAOMS Annual Meeting for the item writers workshop for training new members.
Computer-based Question Writers
Newly appointed Examiners are considered Junior Examiners and are part of the ABOMS Examination Committee. They are responsible for writing questions for the Qualifying Exam (QE), the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery In-service Training Examination, and the Examination Preparatory Portal. After a minimum of 2 years in this role, Diplomates may qualify for the OCE committee.
- Requirements: Question writers volunteer between 2-3 hours every month and attend the annual spring meeting for the item meeting workshop for training new members.
CAQ Item Writer Committee
Members of the CAQ Item Writer Committee write and review items for the ABOMS Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery and the ABOMS Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Surgery (Cleft and Craniofacial). After a minimum of 2 years in this role, Diplomates may qualify for the OCE committee.
- Requirements: CAQ Item Writer Committee members volunteer between 2-3 hours every month and attend the AAOMS Annual Meeting meeting for the item meeting workshop for training new members.
Partner with ABOMS
Whether you’re considering a role that demands regular involvement or one that fits a busier schedule, there’s an opportunity for all Diplomates to help pioneer the future of ABOMS and the OMS specialty! To get started, apply to become a Board Examiner or contact us with any questions.