ABFM Professional Evaluation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A family physician receives a negative online patient review alleging rudeness. What is the most appropriate initial response?
- Respond publicly with a detailed rebuttal
- Report the review to the platform for removal
- Reflect privately on the feedback and discuss with a trusted colleague (Correct answer)
- Ignore the review entirely
Correct answer: Reflect privately on the feedback and discuss with a trusted colleague
Physicians should use negative feedback as an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement rather than public rebuttal or dismissal.
Question 2: Which metric is most directly associated with the ABFM's Performance in Practice (PiP) module?
- Patient panel size
- Comparison of a physician's clinical data to evidence-based benchmarks (Correct answer)
- Number of CME credits earned annually
- Peer review scores from hospital committees
Correct answer: Comparison of a physician's clinical data to evidence-based benchmarks
PiP modules compare a physician's practice data against established clinical benchmarks to identify improvement opportunities.
Question 3: A physician disagrees with a peer reviewer's assessment of their care. The most appropriate action is to:
- Refuse to participate in further peer review
- Submit a written rebuttal through the formal peer review process (Correct answer)
- Contact the reviewer directly to demand a changed rating
- Notify the state medical board about the reviewer
Correct answer: Submit a written rebuttal through the formal peer review process
Formal written rebuttal channels allow physicians to contest peer review findings in a structured, professional manner.
Question 4: Under ABFM Maintenance of Certification (MOC), how often must a board-certified family physician complete a cognitive examination?
- Every 3 years
- Every 5 years
- Every 7 years
- Every 10 years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Every 10 years
ABFM requires diplomates to pass a cognitive examination every 10 years as part of the MOC program.
Question 5: A residency program director observes that a resident consistently dismisses nursing staff concerns. This behavior is best addressed as a deficiency in which ACGME competency?
- Medical Knowledge
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills (Correct answer)
- Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
- Systems-Based Practice
Correct answer: Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Dismissing interprofessional team members reflects a deficiency in Interpersonal and Communication Skills.
Question 6: Which of the following best defines the concept of 'professionalism' as used in medical education frameworks?
- Maintaining a formal dress code and office decorum
- Adherence to professional organizations' membership requirements
- A commitment to the welfare of patients, colleagues, and society guided by ethical principles (Correct answer)
- Achieving top scores on standardized licensing examinations
Correct answer: A commitment to the welfare of patients, colleagues, and society guided by ethical principles
Professionalism encompasses ethical commitment, altruism, accountability, and dedication to patient and societal welfare.
Question 7: A physician is asked to complete a chart audit as part of a quality improvement initiative. She finds the process burdensome but participates fully. This demonstrates which professional attribute?
- Autonomy
- Accountability (Correct answer)
- Advocacy
- Affiliation
Correct answer: Accountability
Accountability means accepting responsibility and participating in systems designed to improve care quality, even when inconvenient.
ABFM Professional Evaluation 2
A family physician receives a negative online patient review alleging rudeness.
What is the most appropriate initial response?