Dr. Philip Haddad has the distinction of achieving board certification in five different ABMS-recognized specialty and subspecialty areas, including two ABPM subspecialties: Clinical Informatics and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. Dr. Haddad provides a unique perspective as a member of ABPM’s Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Longitudinal Assessment Program (LAP) subcommittee.
In our interview with Dr. Haddad, he tells us about his journey to medicine, explains the intersection of his hematology-oncology practice with both Clinical Informatics and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, and offers a glimpse into the work of an ABPM LAP question writer.
What led you to a career in medicine, and specifically to the subspecialties of Clinical Informatics and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine?
Since I was a kid, I have liked science and idolized physicians. So, it was unsurprising that I pursued medicine and its subspecialties. My interest in Clinical Informatics developed during my Master’s in Public Health (LSUS, 2017) and Health Administration (LSUS, 2018) as I began to appreciate the value of leveraging technology and data-driven decision-making to improve patient outcomes. However, my interest in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine stems from my love for scuba diving in its many forms and different environments, as a diver and instructor.
How does your work in Clinical Informatics and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine intersect with your work as a practicing hematologist/oncologist, if at all?
As the Chief of Hematology-Oncology at Overton Brooks VAMC, VISN16 Cancer Care Committee Chair, and the Chief of Research, I am frequently involved in data-driven decision-making, quality improvement, and precision medicine—all key components of Clinical Informatics. My informatics skills allow me to analyze clinical outcomes, optimize electronic health record (EHR) systems and applications, and implement digital tools to enhance cancer care. On the other hand, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine intersects with oncology through its use in radiation soft tissue injury recovery and wound healing.
As someone who is boarded in multiple specialties and subspecialties, what is the value of board certification to you?
Board certification is not just about professional credentials. It signifies dedication to continuous education, mastery of evolving medical knowledge, and adherence to the highest standards in a specific discipline, ensuring that my patients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatments.
How would you describe your experience as a question writer for ABPM’s Longitudinal Assessment Program (LAP)? What have you learned?
As a member of the ABPM’s Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Longitudinal Assessment Committee and Exam Question Writing Committee (since 2023), I work with awesome members, respected colleagues, and field giants to help shape the knowledge assessment process for medical professionals.
As a question writer, I ensure assessments reflect real-world clinical scenarios, emerging medical trends, and best practices. This experience taught me the importance of evidence-based questions, how to balance difficulty levels, and the need for continuous adaptation as medical knowledge evolves.
How does your expertise in multiple specialties influence the way you approach question writing?
My broad expertise across hematology-oncology, clinical informatics, vascular medicine, and hyperbaric medicine gives me a unique multidisciplinary perspective in question writing. By integrating these perspectives, I ensure that exam questions are rooted in evidence-based data, reflecting current medical practice, highlighting interspecialty connections, and challenging physicians to think critically.
What do you most want ABPM diplomates to know about the LAP question-writing process?
The LAP question-writing process is evidence-based, clinically relevant, and designed to reflect real-world medical practice. The rigorous peer review and continuous refinement ensure the quality and fairness of the exam.
Based on your experience as a question writer, do you have any advice or suggestions for ABPM diplomates, to help them get the most out of the LAP?
My advice is:
- Engage actively with the material – Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization.
- Use real-world clinical scenarios – Approach questions like real patient cases.
- Stay updated on guidelines – Follow the latest medical advancements and best practices.