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Review
. 2020 Nov 16;1(6):1614-1622.
doi: 10.1002/emp2.12317. eCollection 2020 Dec.

Physician reentry-A timely topic for emergency medicine

Todd A Guth  1 , Samuel D Luber  2 , Evie Marcolini  3 , Bruce M Lo  4
Affiliations
Review

Physician reentry-A timely topic for emergency medicine

Todd A Guth et al. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. .

Abstract

As physician workforce shortages persist, physician reentry is an important and timely issue for the specialty of emergency medicine. Physician reentry is defined as a return to clinical practice following an extended period of clinical inactivity not resulting from discipline or impairment. This review provides a general overview of the physician reentry published literature with a focus on the specialty of emergency medicine. Transition into a non-clinical position, personal health, family issues, and career dissatisfaction all contribute to physicians leaving the workforce voluntarily. Previously, the majority of reentry physicians did not pursue additional training prior to returning to the workforce; however, regulatory agencies are now increasingly requiring additional training, standardized testing, and fitness to practice evaluations prior to restarting clinical work. The burden of proof is on the reentry physician to meet the appropriate requirements for licensure, certification, and credentialing prior to returning to clinical work.

Keywords: certification; credentialing; licensure; reentry; regulatory; workforce.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Guth accepted an invitation from the Center for Personalized Education for Physicians to develop a series of high‐fidelity simulations for use in their physician reentry program. Dr. Guth received no compensation for this activity. Luber: no conflicts. Marcolini: no conflicts. Lo: no conflicts.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Framework for physicians considering reentry
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Emergency physician reentry checklist for legal and regulatory considerations ABEM, American Board of Emergency Medicine
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Association of American Medical Colleges . Resources for Physicians Returning to Clinical Practice. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/career-development/resource.... Accessed May 30, 2020.
    1. Kenagy GP, Schneidman BS, Barzansky B, Dalton CE, Sirio CA, Skochelak SE. Physician reentry into clinical practice: regulatory challenges. J Med Regul. 2011;97(1):10‐15.
    1. American Board of Emergency Medicine. Board Eligibility. https://www.abem.org/public/become-certified/board-eligibility. Accessed May 30, 2020.
    1. Kenagy GP, Schneidman BS, Barzansky B, Dalton C, Sirio CA, Skochelak SE. Guiding principles for physician reentry programs. J Contin Educ Health Prof. 2011;31(2):117‐121. - PubMed