New Features for the Specialty Certification Program

Online Directory

• A new directory of Board Certified Renal and Pediatric Specialists will be available to all Specialists and to the public online. The online directory includes the names, contact information, practice interests and descriptions for all CDR board certified specialists. A great benefit is that you will be able to enter your own data and update your information through the CDR website at any time. Anyone looking for a CDR specialist in dietetics will be able to search the database using any of the above fields. The directory is available on the following website:

  http://www.cdrnet.org/applications/directory/

  To access your file and enter your data you will need your registration number and your password, which were mailed to Specialists in January. Contact 1-800/877-1600 ext 4705 or kbolek@eatright.org if you need your password or additional information.

Listserve

• We are excited to introduce a new list serve for Specialists. This list serve will provide a forum for discussion and collaborations among Board Certified Specialists in Pediatric and Renal Nutrition. It will serve as another means for networking among your colleagues. This is a closed list and is restricted to only Specialists and designated CDR staff. Subscription to the list is optional. To be subscribed to the specialists list, please send your e-mail address to kbolek@eatright.org.

Specialty Exams Computerized - Now offered twice a year

The Board Certification as a Specialist examinations in renal and pediatric nutrition will be available on computer next Spring. This new and more convenient way of testing will offer over 100 test sites and numerous testing dates and times. What does this mean to you? You will likely have less distance to travel and more availability to take the test. The test will remain in the popular patient management problem format, but will be administered by computer rather than on paper.

There will be two windows of testing for the 2002 examinations. The first window will be May 6-24 during which you will be able to take the exam at any date/time (within regular computer center hours). Applications for the May exam must be postmarked by December 1, 2001. The next testing window will be November 4 - 22, 2002, with an application deadline of August 23, 2002.

You can find general information regarding specialty certification on the Commission on Dietetic Registration web site at www.cdrnet.org/certifications/spec/index.htm. Practice questions will be available on the site soon, to help familiarize you with the computerized delivery of the patient management problems.

If you have questions or wish to be placed on the mailing list to receive the eligibility application, call 1-800/877-1600 ext. 4705 or e-mail kbolek@eatright.org.

Specialty Program Evaluation

A survey conducted during the recent Specialty program evaluation indicated that:

• approximately 20% of Specialists indicated they received a salary increase upon obtaining specialty certification
  
  
• over 50% of Specialists indicated that their employers contributed toward their specialty certification examination fee
  
  
• 89% specialists experienced pride and personal satisfaction as a result of obtaining specialty certification
  
  
• 55% of specialists experienced increased peer recognition
  
  
• 65% of employers reported that their staff members' attainment of specialty certification resulted in increased credibility of their department by other professionals
  
  
• 43% employers indicated that attainment assisted in ensuring staff competence to meet regulatory requirements, (i.e., JCAHO)