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About NBE

The National Board of Echocardiography, Inc®. is a Physician, volunteer-led not-for-profit corporation established in 1996 to:

The examination of special competence and certification in echocardiography is not intended to restrict the practice of echocardiography. The process is undertaken, rather, in the belief that the public desires an indication from the profession regarding those who have made the effort to optimize their skill in the performance and interpretation of cardiac ultrasound.

We hope you will find this site useful in making decisions about, and going through the process of, taking these exams. To get started, you may want to read Certification Explained , and our Examination FAQ’s and Certification FAQ’s. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@echoboards.org.

Mission Statement

To improve the quality of cardiovascular patient care by developing and administering examinations for physicians leading to certification that recognizes special knowledge and expertise in echocardiography.

Core Purpose

To develop and administer examinations and certifications that enhance and recognize physician expertise in echocardiography and related fields.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The NBE shares a collective desire for setting standards for knowledge in echocardiography.

We believe diverse backgrounds, knowledge and interests are strengths in reaching that objective, and we are dedicated to providing an equitable and inclusive environment in all our pursuits, where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and accepted.

We strive to have executive leaders and staff who embody all facets of diversity and who endorse the diversity, parity, and inclusion that are vital to our success.

The National Board of Echocardiography, Inc. (NBE) was created by the merger of SCA Exam and ASCeXAM, Inc. in November 1998. Working in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners, NBE has developed two examinations to allow physicians to test and demonstrate their knowledge of echocardiography, based on an objective standard:

The first examination in clinical echocardiography was given under the auspices of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) as a field test in 1995. An examination of special competence was then given in 1996, again under the ASE, and in 1997 and 1998 under ASEeXAM, Inc. In parallel, the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) developed the PTEeXAM. This examination was administered in 1998 under the auspices of the SCA.

Since 1999 the exams have been administered annually by the NBE. For these examinations, the title of “Testamur” was designated for successfully passing the examination. This designation was chosen since applicants were not requested to supply information regarding successful completion of training dedicated to the study of Cardiovascular Disease nor completion of special training in echocardiography. With a mature and well-tested examination, a well-defined body of knowledge, published training guidelines, and published continuing quality improvement the NBE began offering certification through the ASCeXAM in 2001 and Board Certification through the PTEeXAM in 2004. The title of “Diplomate” is designated for physicians who are certified in echocardiography and certification is valid for ten (10) years from the year that the Examination of Special Competence was passed.

The NBE administered the first Recertification Examination of Special Competence in Adult Echocardiography (ReASCE) in 2005. The NBE has developed a Recertification Examination that is similar in format to the ASCeXAM but designed specifically for those who have previously passed the ASCeXAM. The purpose of the Recertification Examination is to promote continued excellence in the performance and interpretation of cardiac ultrasound. This examination should be considered in conjunction with on-going continuing medical education in the field.

Officers

PRESIDENT
Roberto Lang, MD
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PRESIDENT-ELECT
Allan Klein, MD
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SECRETARY/TREASURER
Nova Panebianco, MD, MPH, FACEP
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IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Christopher Troianos, MD
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Executive Director
Sherry Barrow, MPA
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Board of Directors

Mario Jorge García, MD
Art Labovitz, MD
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Wyman Lai, MD
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Jonathan R. Lindner, MD
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Alina Nicoara, MD, FASE
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Wanda Popescu, MD
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Thomas Ryan, MD
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Linda Shore-Lesserson, MD
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Stanton K. Shernan, MD, FAHA, FASE
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Nikolaos Skubas, MD
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Neil J. Weissman, MD
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Sherry Barrow, MPA
Executive Director
Christine Johnson, CAE
Senior Associate Executive Director
Shanique Keen-Hargett
Director of Operations
Krista Russell
Director of Examinations
Jennie Phillips
Director of Certification
Jeanine Condon
Certification Specialist
Michelle Selvidio
Examinations Coordinator
Pamela Cunningham
Administrative Assistant

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