Virtual KSA Study Group Format Details & FAQs

Format Details

  • Videoconferencing software: Zoom Meetings (free download here)
    Attendees are able to see their colleagues and unmute if they would like to make a verbal comment. 
  • The goal of each Study Group is to complete all 60 questions of each module. We begin by reading the question and asking attendees to enter their best guess at the answer in the chat box. We then review some editorial information intended to help physicians determine the correct answer. Following the editorial information, we  ask you to enter your answer in the chat box again.
  • Throughout each Study Group we announce 6 code words. Attendees receive an evaluation form following the session via email, which requires them to enter all 6 code words to document their full participation.
  • We take a ten minute break after 30 questions.
  • The IAFP reports each participant's answers to the ABFM within 48 hours of completion of each Study Group. Logging in to the Physician Portfolio at the ABFM website should reflect successful completion of the module. Physicians will be able to access the module's critique information in their ABFM account.
  • ABFM points and AAFP CME credit are reported automatically by the IAFP.

FAQs

  • Where does a KSA Study Group fit in with the rest of the Continuing Certification Process?
    To maintain your certification, you are required to earn certification points by completing Self-Assessment and Performance Improvement activities. The Self-Assessment options are designed to help family physicians identify gaps in knowledge through regular participation in activities. The ABFM offers three activities to satisfy your Self-Assessment requirement. Virtual KSA Study Groups satisfy requirements in the first category.
    - Knowledge Self-Assessment activity
    - Continuous Knowledge Self-Assessment activities
    - National Journal Club article assessments
    Read more about maintaining ABFM Board Certification.  

  • How do I know if I need to take a KSA to meet my certification requirements? 
    The IAFP will check that any KSA Study Group registrant is eligible to take the module they have registered for. We will let you know if you are not eligible. You can log in to your MyABFM Portfolio at https://www.theabfm.org/ to find out more about your current status and view your outstanding requirements. Alternatively, call the ABFM Support Center at 877-223-7437 (or email [email protected]).

  • Do I need to pay the ABFM as well as the IAFP?
    Yes. Our nominal Virtual KSA Study Group fee covers faculty honoraria and AV costs. The ABFM has several payment options, and your Academy does not have access to your ABFM account or current payment status. We advise our members to call the ABFM Support Center at 877-223-7437 (or email [email protected]) for answers to their questions about their account status.