Philadelphia, PA, July 1, 2009 – Wendy S. Levinson, MD, the Sir John and Lady Eaton Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, has been named Chair of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Board of Directors. She continues to serve as a member of ABIM’s Board and its Executive Committee. Dr. Levinson is also the Physician-in-Chief at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.
ABIM sets the standards and certifies physicians practicing in internal medicine and its subspecialties who possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide high quality care. The Board of Directors, composed of physicians who are board certified in internal medicine and one of its subspecialties, guides ABIM's overall mission and direction as it works to improve health care quality. The Executive Committee interprets Board policy and provides high level guidance to staff on issues of strategic importance.
“Wendy is committed to ensuring that the next generation of internal medicine physicians have the skills, judgment and knowledge necessary to deliver effective patient care,” said Christine K. Cassel, MD, ABIM's President and CEO. “She has the experience, leadership skills and values we want and need to represent the Board and the medical profession.”
All ABIM Directors participate in ABIM's Maintenance of Certification program, which promotes ongoing learning and in which doctors demonstrate their commitment to upholding ABIM's standards. Dr. Levinson is board certified in internal medicine and renewed her certification in 2008.
“ABIM has a great influence on the training environment for internal medicine,” said Dr. Levinson. “I look forward to helping our trainees embrace the concepts of ongoing certification and quality improvement, which will lead to better patient outcomes.”
Dr. Levinson is an internationally renowned expert in the field of physician-patient communication and the physician-patient relationship. Her research has spanned a number of highly relevant policy issues including the relationship of medical malpractice to breakdowns in communication, the effectiveness of primary care physicians and surgeons in helping patients to make informed decisions and the relationship of communication to patient satisfaction. Her present research focuses on disclosure of medical errors to patients.
Dr. Levinson was on the faculty at Oregon Health Science University and the University of Chicago. She is past-president of the Society of General Internal Medicine and a member of the Board of the Association of Professors of Medicine. Dr. Levinson received her medical degree from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
ABIM Board Certified Doctors Make a Difference
Internists and subspecialists who earn and maintain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) differentiate themselves every day through their specialized knowledge and commitment to continual learning in service of their patients. Established as an independent nonprofit more than 80 years ago, ABIM continues to be driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. Visit ABIM's blog to learn more and follow ABIM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ABIM is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.