Philadelphia, PA, July 1, 2008 – Wendy E. 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-Elect of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Board of Directors. She continues to serve as a member of the 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 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. All ABIM Directors participate in ABIM's Maintenance of Certification program, which promotes ongoing learning and in which doctors demonstrate their commitment to the Board’s standards.
“Wendy is committed to advancing the concept of medical professionalism, an area of great importance to ABIM, and I look forward to her continued leadership,” 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.”
Dr. Levinson renewed her internal medicine certificate in 2005. ABIM has issued more than 220,000 certificates in Internal Medicine.
“I share ABIM's dedication to improving the quality of health care,” said Dr. Levinson. “I am honored to be a part of the Executive Committee and am privileged to be the next Chair of its Board.”
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. She has led studies funded by the National Institute of Aging and the Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research on informed decision-making with elderly patients, discussing conflict of interest and disclosure of medical errors to patients.
Dr. Levinson has contributed to large-scale training programs to enhance the skills of primary care physicians and surgeons in communicating effectively with their 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, and is board certified in internal medicine.
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.