ACR white paper: task force on timing of oral boards in diagnostic radiology.

The direction that the American Board of Radiology intends to follow relative to the diagnostic radiology oral board examination has risen quickly up the list of fundamental challenges for the radiology community. The formation of an ACR task force to study these changes was necessary, because this issue carries a high stake for the future of the profession and the patients we serve. After a careful review of the potential impacts, the committee discovered that consensus would be difficult to achieve relative to the merits of these changes. Accordingly, this white paper is focused objectively on the potential impacts on radiologists, practices, academic institutions, the ACR itself, and the ACR's membership. It is suggested that these concepts be used as starting points for future discussion and consideration of potential action.