Certification Maintenance
BOIM has developed the certification maintenance process to test continued proficiency and growth in the art, science and practice of Integrative and Orthomolecular Medicine. Proficiency in integrative and orthomolecular medicine is a combination of academic, work-based, personal, and relationship growth. Certification maintenance (recertification) therefore evaluates the growth of BOIM diplomates in each of these areas. Note: diplomates are first year registrants who are still in the process of developing their skills).
Recertification maintenance with the BOIM is required every 5 years. Diplomates achieving their certification in 2009 have until 2015 to complete recertification. Continuing education credits of thirty (30) hours and maintenance of professional labiality are required yearly to validate membership on BOIM registry.
The maintenance of certification process is a multi-layered experience involving education, and personal growth and transformation. This is divided into three phases:
Phase one: Diplomate candidate status
- As a (First year member) Doctor or Practitioner of Integrative Medicine or Doctor of Orthomolecular Medicine; as a diplomat status candidate, you will be required to take at least 40 hours of professional development from our from our mentorship professional pool. This mentorship and guidance is created to support your growth and development as an integrative or orthomolecular medicine doctor/practitioner and to prepare you for the examination and review courses.
- As a candidate, you will be asked to write a journey paper describing your journey and growth of interest in Integrative/Orthomolecular medicine.
Note: First year registration is conditional upon completing the required professional development within twelve months proceeding annual registration renewal.
Phase two: Review courses and examination
- You will attend the annual congress to expand your knowledge work and network with other BOIM members.
- You will take the written BOIM examination
Phase Three: Maintenance and growth
- You will attend a variety (at your choice) of CE based course work approved by BOIM. This will increase your knowledge in the integrative and orthomolecular medicine arena. Note BOIM, CE courses are offered in collaboration with the Canadian College of Humanitarian Medicine www.cchm-edu.org
- You will attend a variety (at your choice) of self growth processes which will enhance you capacity to administer a wellness based healthcare approach to your patients.
- You will provide free community integrative or orthomolecular medicine healthcare services to the poor in your local community (20 hours per year) or international communities under the World Organization of Natural Medicine- Clinics for Humanity program.
- You are required to use your designations on your business cards, websites and other advertising materials to bring more awareness to the public on Integrative and Orthomolecular Medicine
Designations
Registrants may use the following designation which are exclusive to BIOM and help to identify your area of healthcare specialty to the public. They are not academic degrees and of such are invalid if not used as a suffix after an academic degree or healthcare professional license.
DOCTOR OF ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (O-MD)
DOCTOR OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE (I-MD)
PRACTITIONER OF ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (O-MP)
PRACTITIONER OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE (I-MP)
You may use your designations on your business cards, websites and other advertising materials to bring more awareness to the public on Integrative and Orthomolecular Medicine.
Sample of advertising your designations
Dr. Green Brown, MD, I-MD, Green Brown, RDH, I-MP
Or Green Brown, MD, O-MD, Green Brown,O-MP
Note: The MD first accolade is a degree or license from a Medical school or licensing body, the second accolade, “I-MD” is a designation granted to a licensed doctor who practices Integrative Medicine.
