Philadelphia, PA, July 1, 2008 – Stephen A. Paget, MD, the Joseph P. Routh Professor of Medicine and Rheumatic Diseases at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research at Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, has been elected to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Board of Directors. ABIM sets the standards and certifies physicians practicing in internal medicine and its subspecialties who possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide high quality care.
The Board of Directors, composed of physicians board certified in internal medicine and one of its subspecialties, guides ABIM's overall mission and direction as it works to improve health care quality. All ABIM Directors participate in ABIM's Maintenance of Certification program, which promotes ongoing learning and in which doctors demonstrate their commitment to the Board's standards.
Dr. Paget renewed his certification in 2006. ABIM has issued more than 5,000 certificates in Rheumatology.
“Rheumatology is a specialty spanning the frontiers of cutting-edge science with the skills of coordinating care for patients with chronic conditions,” said Christine K. Cassel, MD, ABIM's President and CEO. “Stephen's knowledge and expertise will be very valuable to our Board.”
Dr. Paget is also Chair of ABIM's Subspecialty Board on Rheumatology, which is charged with developing the policies, standards and requirements for Certification and Maintenance of Certification in Rheumatology, with special focus on developing the cognitive exam physicians must take to certify or maintain their certification.
“My background in internal medicine provided the foundation for my specialization, and has helped me to improve care for patients suffering from rheumatologic and musculoskeletal conditions,” said Dr. Paget. “Through my work on ABIM's Board, I have an exciting and unique opportunity to impact the quality of our nation's health care.”
In 1995, Dr. Paget became Physician-in-Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery and Chairman of the Division of Rheumatology and the Joseph R. Routh Professor of Medicine and Rheumatoid Disease at Weill Medical College and the New York Presbyterian Health Care System. Under his leadership, the hospital and college have expanded their educational and investigative excellence in rheumatologic, autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders. While a Clinical Associate at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Paget's research focused on defining the character of the immune cells that infiltrated rheumatoid synovial membranes. His findings resulted in a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine. His recent publication in that journal and the Annals of Internal Medicine defined a profound increase in premature atherosclerosis risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Dr. Paget's work has been published extensively in professional journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of Rheumatology and Arthritis and Rheumatology. He is a co-editor of Arthritis and Rheumatism. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology.
Dr. Paget received his medical degree from Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology.
ABIM Board Certified Doctors Make a Difference
Internists and subspecialists who earn and maintain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) differentiate themselves every day through their specialized knowledge and commitment to continual learning in service of their patients. Established as an independent nonprofit more than 80 years ago, ABIM continues to be driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. Visit ABIM's blog to learn more and follow ABIM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ABIM is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.