Meet the New Board Chair
Wendy Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM, stepped into the role of Chair of the Board following the Board meeting in August 2021. Learn more about Dr. Braund and what she hopes to achieve during her term.
Why did you get into medicine and how did you come to choose the specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine?
I wanted to help people – in a different way than I was doing as a special education teacher and school counseler. And so, I started to revisit the desire to become a physicians that I had felt when I was much younger – and ended up a first-year medical student in my thirties! I discovered preventive medicine while reading a “how to get into residency” guide that I was reviewing for a medical society journal. The prevention and population health focus really appealed to me after caring for so many patients with preventable injuries and conditions as a neurosurgery resident.
What do you think the value of board certification is?
ABMS board certification connotes a physician’s competence in their specialty. Initial certification verifies successful residency completion and mastery of the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to practice one’s medical specialty. Continuing certification confirms a diplomate’s currency and demonstrates a commitment to practice improvement.
What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure as Chair of the ABPM?
At the top of my list is establishing a longitudinal assessment platform that is responsive to our diplomates’ needs, provides high-quality assessment and learning opportunities, and satisfies ABMS requirements. Also very important: increasing the public profile and awareness among stakeholders (and “should be” stakeholders) about preventive medicine, its specialties and subspecialties, and all that we have to offer that will improve healthcare and public health systems, operations and, ultimately, the public’s health.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Mostly I hang out with my dog, Max, a border collie-Australian Shepherd rescue who makes sure I stay active! Also, I am a Washington Capitals season ticket holder, so the NHL hockey season keeps me busy nearly year-round.
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