Shattering some misconceptions about MOC
We’ve noticed some common myths about the MOC Program among our Fellows and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program Participants. These misunderstandings may be preventing you from getting the most out of your continuing professional development (CPD).
If you think any of the following statements are true, follow our myth-busting advice for what to do instead!
Myth: Obtaining Section 3 credits is a barrier to CPD
Not anymore! We’ve considerably expanded the number and diversity of Section 3 credits available to Royal College Fellows and MOC Participants this year. There are now upwards of 9,000 more accredited assessment activities eligible for Section 3 MOC credits in our new self-assessment database.
Read how to access the database in your MAINPORT ePortfolio.
Myth: I can report all of my CPD activities in the fifth year of my cycle
MOC Program requirements specify that you must report yearly (by the January 31st deadline) at least 40 credits per year, and report CPD activities in the same year as you completed them. Reporting beyond this deadline will be more work since you will be required to provide supporting documentation for credit validation purposes. It is also in your best interest to report yearly in case you need to renew hospital privileges or report to your medical regulatory authority.
Refresh your knowledge about MOC requirements.
Myth: Rounds and journal clubs must be recorded as individual entries in MAINPORT ePortfolio
You can enter your yearly attendance at rounds (or journal clubs) either individually or as a “block” of hours, which is considerably less tedious. For example, if you attended 20 hours of rounds during the year, you may choose to record each round separately or you may record it as one entry worth 20 credits in Section 1.
Get more information about this type of reporting on our FAQ page.
Myth: Teaching and giving presentations does not count towards MOC
Although the time you spend actually teaching or giving your presentation does not count, what you have learned from the experience does. You may report the new learning acquired while preparing or researching for your teaching sessions or presentations under Section 2 as a personal learning project (PLP). In addition, reviewing feedback from your teaching sessions can also be reported in Section 3 (Feedback on Teaching).
Use these six steps to complete a PLP.
Myth: I don’t have to tell the Royal College if I’m going on leave
Remember to let us know if you are going to be absent from practice for a period of time, such as for parental or sick leave. It may have an impact on your MOC cycle. For example, if the duration of your absence is more than four months but less than one year, you may be eligible for an extension to your cycle. If the duration is more than one year, you will eligible to receive a new cycle.
More information about the impact of leaves is in our MOC Program regulations.
We’re here to help
Contact your Royal College Services Centre if you need assistance:
- 1-800-461-9598 (toll-free)
- 613-730-6243 (Ottawa region)
- cpd@royalcollege.ca
Extended Hours: January 2020
Jan. 25: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., EST
Jan. 26: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., EST
Jan. 27-31: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., EST
Paul Hwang | December 19, 2019
