IASH-Hypertension Specialist Program

The Inter-American Society of Hypertension (IASH) in recognition of its steward role in the advancement of educational efforts to reduce the impact that high blood pressure has on participating countries of the Americas and the Caribbean basin will credential with the title of IASH- Hypertension Specialists those physicians who in their country of origin are primarily responsible for the care of patients with primary disorders of the heart, kidney, and blood vessels.  In the establishment of this certification process, the IASH responds to the growing recognition that the hypertension problem throughout the Pan America region requires the coordinated effort of front-line health care providers and those physicians with documented expertise in managing hypertension.

The IASH-Specialist in Clinical Hypertension designation will recognize physicians with expert skills and knowledge in the management of clinical hypertension and related disorders in the countries which are defined by the Bylaws of the Society as comprising the region of influence for the organization. 
It is the intent of this certification to facilitate the recognition and status of those physicians who are certified as described below to act as local and regional consultants for the more complex and difficult cases and also assist in advice regarding dissemination of local and national guidelines, as well as processes improvement.

Method for Credentialing:
The process by which members of the IASH will be granted the title of IASH-Hypertension Specialist will adhere to the following general principles, not withstanding special circumstances which for local demographic, national, or regional considerations may require a modification of the rules.

Eligibility:  Candidates with a medical degree who have at least 5 years of clinical practice beyond completion of their training are eligible to qualify for the certification process.

Credentialing:  Physicians in the practice of medicine must be residing in the country of origin and be currently certified by their local authorities to be in full compliance with the rules governing the licensing and practice of the medical discipline (s) in their country. 
Candidates eligible for consideration for the title of IASH-Hypertension Specialist should obtain a written endorsement from their national or local organization, chapter, or Society which is chartered to facilitate educational and scientific efforts on hypertension and related disorders.  For those candidates residing in a country where there is no organized group dedicated to hypertension, the decision of eligibility will be rendered by the IASH-Advisory Committee on Hypertension Specialists.

The Process:  Candidates for consideration for the title of IASH-Hypertension Specialist will submit to the IASH-Advisory Committee on Hypertension Specialist the following materials:

A notarized copy of their medical title.

A written endorsement provided by the office of the local chapter or Society that has a role in the post-graduate education or affiliation of physicians.  Organizations deemed acceptable are: National or Regional Societies of Hypertension, Internal Medicine, Cardiology (including their chapters in Hypertension), Nephrology, Public Health, and Epidemiology.

A properly completed application form including a full copy of the curriculum vitae and any other documentation material that the IASH-Advisory Committee on Hypertension Specialist may deem a requirement for eligibility.

Be or be willing to become a member of the IASH for a span of five consecutive years.
Attendance as a candidate for certification the IASH-Educational Refresher Course to be held at designated locales or at the Biennial Scientific Sessions of the IASH.

Pass with a minimum grade of 75%, the examination to be offered within forty-eight hours following completion of the IASH-Educational Refresher Course. 

Pay all necessary fees associated with the credentialing process. 

Those interested in obtaining additional information may send an E-mail to iash@wfubmc.edu.  Please include your complete contact information including mailing address, telephone and fax number.

Fees: 

The fee for the credentialing and award of the IASH title of Hypertension Specialist will be: 

Registration and Processing: $50.00 USA dollars;

Refresher Course: $300.00 USA dollars;

Certification and Award Plaque: $50.00 USA dollars