ABOM ANNOUNCES
first primary educational partner organizations and new director of learning pathways
The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) is pleased to announce the first Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations approved to offer Core Obesity Medicine CME credit for physicians applying for obesity medicine certification through the Continuing Medical Education (CME) pathway. The Obesity Medicine Association, Columbia Cornell Obesity Medicine, the Harvard Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery are now approved Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations and will offer required Core Obesity Medicine credits to physicians applying for the obesity medicine certification exam through the CME pathway.
The PEP designation was established as part of ABOM’s previously announced enhancements to the CME pathway for board certification. Through this initiative, physicians seeking certification will have access to educational activities that are directly aligned with the Obesity Medicine Content Outline detailing the knowledge and skills required for the practice of obesity medicine.
Primary Educational Partner (PEP) designation is reserved for organizations that meet rigorous standards established by ABOM. To earn designation, organizations must offer comprehensive educational programming that addresses the full spectrum of obesity medicine knowledge and practice as well as participate in ongoing quality review to ensure educational activities remain aligned with current standards in the field.
To support the launch of the Primary Educational Partner (PEP) program and strengthen oversight of educational pathways, ABOM recently appointed Dr. Diana Thiara to the position of Director of Learning Pathways. Dr. Thiara is Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Medical Director of the UCSF Weight Management Clinic. A nationally recognized educator in obesity medicine, she brings extensive experience in curriculum development, physician training, and medical education leadership to her new position. In her role with ABOM, Dr. Thiara will support continuing certification initiatives, help ensure that ABOM educational pathways remain aligned with the evolving science and practice of obesity medicine, and oversee the PEP initiative.
A list of approved Primary Educational Partners and links to eligible Core Obesity Medicine CME activities is available on the ABOM website. The PEP approval process is ongoing, and ABOM will announce and list all additional PEP organizations when approval is granted.
As previously announced, candidates applying for the 2028 obesity medicine certification exam and beyond must complete at least 60 CME credits related to obesity, including a minimum of 45 Core Obesity Medicine credits earned through approved PEP organizations.
There are no mandatory changes to CME requirements for physicians planning to apply for the 2027 obesity medicine certification exam, although Core credits from PEP organizations will be accepted during the 2027 exam cycle. ABOM encourages physicians considering certification in 2028 or later to familiarize themselves with the updated requirements and available educational options.
What is changing about the ABOM CME exam application pathway?
Beginning with the 2028 exam cycle, ABOM is updating the type of CME credits that will count toward fulfillment of the required 60 total CME credits. Instead of requiring 30 GROUP ONE credits, ABOM will now require 45 Core Obesity Medicine CME credits (Core credits) from designated Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations. The remaining 15 required credits can be either additional Core credits or credits from Flexible Source Obesity Medicine CME providers. Flex credits can be additional Core or obesity-specific non-Core credits offered by PEP organizations or AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits from other organizations that have the word “obesity” in the activity title. In addition, ABOM will only accept credits earned in the 27 months prior to the application deadline, instead of the previously allowable window of 36 months.
Why is ABOM making these changes?
Is the total number of CME credits required changing?
No. Candidates will continue to need a total of 60 CME credits on the topic of obesity.
When is the change going into effect?
The changes are going into effect for the 2028 certification exam.
Will there be any additional Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations?
Yes- the PEP approval process is ongoing and additional organizations will be posted once approval is granted.
When can physicians start earning Core credit?
Physicians can start earning Core credit now.
Is anything changing for 2027?
No. There are no required changes for physicians applying to take the 2027 certification exam.
Why is ABOM announcing these changes now?
We understand some physicians plan many months in advance to acquire CME credits and apply for the exam. ABOM is making this announcement now so candidates can understand the full timeline and make any necessary changes to their current plan. For example, any credits earned before April 1, 2026 will not be accepted for the 2028 exam.
What are "Core Obesity Medicine" CME credits?
How many Core credits are required?
Is there a cap on the number of Core credits that can be used toward the requirement?
How are PEP organizations selected?
Organizations looking to be designated as a PEP and offer Core credits submit a thorough application that is reviewed by ABOM. Detailed information about each Core credit activity is provided as part of the application process to ensure the education offered through the activity aligns with the obesity medicine body of knowledge. The minimum 45 credits offered by each PEP will cover the full obesity medicine body of knowledge.
Are PEP organizations the same as GROUP ONE partners?
No, although several GROUP ONE partners have earned PEP designation.
Can physicians still complete credits outside the PEP organizations?
Yes. Up to 15 of the required 60 credits can be Flex credits. Flex credits are any addirional Core credits or non-Core credits offered by PEP organizations, or any credits from other providers that are designated as AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, or Mainpro-M1 and have the word “obesity” in the activity title. The exception is that ABOM does not accept credits from medical reference tools such as UptoDate.
What activities qualify for Flex credits?
Flex credits may include additional Core credits, non-Core CME activities from PEP organizations, or AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ activities that include the word “obesity” in the activity title from other providers.
How far back can CME credits be earned for the 2028 exam?
For the 2028 exam, only credits earned after April 1, 2026 will be accepted.