CSME INITIATIVE FOR AN AREA OF COMPETENCE DIPLOMA IN MEDICO LEGAL EXPERTISE

CSME has submitted an application for an Area of Competence Diploma in Medico Legal Expertise with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This CSME initiative is co-sponsored by the Société des experts en évaluation medico légale du Québec (SEEMLQ).

RCPSC Area of Competence Diplomas

The Royal College provides certification for specialities, subspecialties and diplomas. The Royal College website describes the following regarding Area of Focused Competence Diploma Programs:

Areas of Focused Competence (Diploma) Programs
The format for diploma programs:

• Typically 1-2 years of additional training, but competency-based
• Built upon training in a broader discipline
• Supported within the existing Specialty Committee of the primary discipline (unless one does not currently exist)
• Assessed through summative portfolio
• Training programs accredited by the Royal College (C Standards)
• A separate annual dues fee and Maintenance of Certificate (MOC) requirements

Candidates successfully completing all requirements of an approved program and who annually maintained their status as a Diplomate or Diplomate Affiliate of the Royal College would receive an added qualification known as a Diploma of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or DRCPSC. Members with a DRCPSC will be known nationally, and internationally, as individuals who have sought to advance their knowledge and expertise with additional complementary skills and competencies.

Implications for Royal College Fellows and Other Stakeholders
By introducing a mechanism to recognize established disciplines of medicine that enhance scope of practice, the diploma programs will:

• Establish national standards for training and specialist competence, thereby improving quality of care and patient safety;
• Avoid unnecessary fragmentation of specialty training, care and practice by mitigating the recognition of subspecialties;
• Provide Fellows with another opportunity to acquire nationally and internationally portable credentials, DRCPSC;Offer universities opportunities to enhance the academic environment, with new nationally accredited programs; and
• Provide a mechanism for the Royal College to formally recognize disciplines that meet a legitimate societal health need, but that do not meet the current criteria for a primary specialty or subspecialty.”

The CSME Area of Competence Diploma in Medico Legal Expertise Submission

CSME’s submission outlined the following goal for the Area of Competence Diploma in Medico Legal Expertise:

“On completion of specific medico-legal training or through experience in the field, the candidate in this area of focused competency is expected to be a competent expert in medico-legal medicine, capable of assuming a consultant’s role in this discipline. This may include an involvement in administrative law, legal regulation of medical practice, and provision of consultations to physicians and other professionals on matters of legal regulation and administration. The candidate must demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes for effective evaluee assessment, and deliver medico-legal services to a diverse population across the lifespan. The candidate must acquire an advanced knowledge of the role of their medical discipline within the Court system, including specific legal issues involving legislation and case law, legal tests and objectives, and specific ethical and legal requirements inherent in the assessment of the individual for third parties. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to engage in continuing medical education.

“In all aspects of medico-legal practice, the candidate must be able to address related issues of, age, culture, ethnicity, and ethics in a professional manner.

“Only candidates certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in a primary specialty or subspecialty (or the equivalent recognized by the RCPSC), will be eligible to apply for the Diploma in Medico-legal Expert. The candidates will have to submit a portfolio demonstrating their achievements in Medico-Legal Medicine. The portfolio should present the candidate training, experience and level of competency in Medico-Legal Medicine.  The portfolio should demonstrate the attainment of focused objectives and Medico-Legal Medicine and will be assessed according to a standardized point system.”

CSME plans to have a similar program with the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

This is an opportunity for CSME to work with its Canadian partners (universities, societies and associations) to provide accreditation for courses, mentorships and other educational initiatives.

The presentation to the Committee of Specialties is scheduled for November 19, 2015.

We will have a webinar in January 2016 to explain how CSME members can work towards recognition in this Area of Competence Diploma.

Respectively,

Michel Lacerte MDCM M.Sc. FRCPC CCRC DESS MC