LEAD Program MDT Requirement

One of the most exciting elements of the new LEAD program is its process of continuous, ongoing learning. The LEAD program is not a pass/fail examination, and how a Diplomate answers quarterly assessment questions does not produce a pass/fail score. Instead, ABFAS uses the science of Measurement Decision Theory (MDT) to analyze the probability that a Diplomate is keeping up with topics relevant to the practice of foot and ankle surgery. We refer to this probability as the Diplomate’s MDT p-value.

How LEAD MDT Works

All Diplomates start the program with the same initial MDT p-value: 0.95 (95 percent). A Diplomate’s MDT p-value will move up and down as they participate in the LEAD program, depending on how they answer each question and the difficulty of each question.

It’s the Diplomate’s job to keep their p-value at or above the current minimum: an MDT p-value of 0.1 (10 percent). Anything lower indicates a probability of less than 10 percent that a Diplomate is keeping up to date on their knowledge. Each year, ABFAS will review—and potentially update—this standard.

Probability varies as you answer questions.

ABFAS wants its Diplomates to succeed—and to keep learning! Diplomates who fall below the MDT standard have until June 30 of their certification expiration year to bring their p-value to 0.1 or higher. In future quarters, ABFAS may re-introduce questions the Diplomate answered incorrectly, allowing them additional opportunities to learn and raise their p-value.

Diplomates who fall below the MDT standard have an opportunity to improve.