Certification as a Clinical Lipid Specialist

The National Lipid Association spearheaded the formation of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL) to provide an opportunity to acknowledge the specialized training and expertise of its members. The ABCL was incorporated in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit corporation that is now an independent certifying organization, separate from the National Lipid Association and any other organization, association or society. Although the ABCL and the NLA are independent from each other, the two organizations work closely together to ensure that there are adequate educational opportunities for lipid professionals to help them meet the prerequisites of the ABCL certifying examination. (Visit www.lipidboard.org for more information.)

Through the ABCL Certification process, successful physician candidates are awarded "Diplomate" status and are certified as specialists in Clinical Lipidology. To become credentialed, candidates must meet:

1. All Basic Requirements, and
2. The Training Requirements, which require candidates to earn 200 credit hour equivalents or "points" based on documented participation in "lipid-focused" CME and expertise in lipid management. Although rigorous, the requirements have been designed to provide any physician with demonstrated knowledge and experience in Lipidology an avenue to become certified as a clinical lipid specialist. Visit www.lipidboard.org for the eligibility requirements.

Sources of Lipid-Focused CME
The NLA provides numerous opportunities for you to earn "lipid focused" CME credit. Any CME activity that is endorsed or sponsored by the NLA or a regional chapter (the Midwest Lipid Association, Northeast Lipid Association, Southeast Lipid Association, or Southwest Lipid Assoication) will be automatically accepted by the ABCL Credentialing Committee. Two ways to earn a significant amount of CME credit are to complete the NLA Self-Assessment Program (NLA-SAP) and/or the NLA Masters in Lipidology Board Review Course. Visit the Education page of the NLA website for information on NLA-sponsored CME activities.

NLA Endorsement of Educational Programs: What Does It Mean?
To ensure that Board candidates will have numerous opportunities to earn the required 200 CME credits, the NLA proactively develops new educational opportunities (see the NLA Self-Assessment Program) and seeks out existing lipid related symposia, conferences and enduring materials to endorse. The National Lipid Association is recognized to endorse the credit hours offered by these approved CME activities as "lipid-focused" continuing medical education that meets the credentialing standards established by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology for its certification exam for lipid specialists. Look for the NLA Endorsement Logo on program materials.

For course directors interested in applying for endorsement, the guidelines and an application can be found online at www.lipid.org/endorsement.

Important Deadlines in 2006

Friday, June 1, 2007 or Saturday, June 2, 2007
Hyatt Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Call 1-800-223-1234 by April 30, 2007 to secure the room rate of $185 a night.
Ask for the NLA/ABCL discounted rate.