UCNS COVID-19 Response

3-31-2020 We are all experiencing an unprecedented time and are trying to adapt to the many challenges created by COVID-19. The UCNS has been actively reviewing how the recent challenges are impacting our diplomates and volunteers as well as our UCNS certification, accreditation, and operational processes. As a result, the UCNS is making the following changes:

Certification
  • Headache Medicine certification examination application deadlines are extended to provide additional time for completion. New application deadline: April 15; Extended deadline: April 30.
  • C-cert quiz launch date is delayed tentatively until at least May to provide examination committee volunteers additional time to complete required exam development tasks.
  • C-cert quiz completion deadline extended to October 31 to allow diplomates more time for completing the annual C-cert reading list articles and C-cert online quiz.
  • Implemented in 2019, but an added benefit at this time, all initial certification examinations can be taken at home and are administered online with virtual live proctoring reducing risk of exposure in testing centers.
​Accreditation/Fellowship Programs
  • Deadlines have been extended for training programs requiring additional time to submit their accreditation reports.
  • Due to the challenges facing medical and training institutions, UCNS-accredited training programs may choose to graduate currently enrolled fellows not meeting the minimum training duration as outlined in the appropriate subspecialty program requirements if the program verifies that the fellow is competent to practice the subspecialty independently. Fellows graduating from these programs will be considered graduates of an accredited program and will be able to apply for certification as appropriate using that pathway.
  • Annual report reviews and program change requests may be delayed accommodating our physician volunteers serving on the Accreditation Council to allow for adequate time to review submissions.
Operations​
  • UCNS Councils, Committees, and Board of Directors meetings scheduled through May will take place via Zoom video conferencing to eliminate air travel and volunteer time away from their practices.
  • UCNS staff are working remotely and are available to receive and answer all phone calls and emails as usual.

UCNS leadership and staff will continue to monitor the situation and consider modifications as needed to address issues that impact UCNS diplomates, fellowship programs, fellows, and certification examinees.

Our thoughts are with you and your patients. Stay safe. Stay well.