This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in JAMA  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

William D. Holden, MD

JAMA. 1970;213(6):1016-1018.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

Today there are basically three methods of recognizing, formally and publicly, professional competence to provide medical services to the public. These consist of receipt of the MD degree, acquisition of a license to practice medicine, and certification by a specialty board. The historical development of these methods of recognition is a fascinating and almost incredible story, documented most effectively by Shryock.¹ The history of this development displays degrees of parochialism by medical educators, practitioners, and administrators alike that could easily deter the most sanguine advocate for change from proceeding with any realistic analysis of existing conditions and recommendations for improvement. If the medical profession intends to keep its own house in order, however, it must recognize the changing significance of the MD degree, state licensure, and board certification. Adaptation to the changes is essential if these awards are to be meaningful to the individual, the profession, and the public. . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
From Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Footnotes
Read before the 66th annual Congress on Medical Education, sponsored by the AMA Congress on Medical Education, Chicago, Feb 9,1970.

Reprint requests to 2065 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland 44106 (Dr. Holden).

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?