Before the subspecialty of medical oncology was established, a few internists
and endocrinologists had started projects devoted to the treatment of cancer patients; they
also played a crucial role in the creation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Medical oncology became a subspecialty under the American Board of Internal Medicine
(ABIM) through the persistent efforts of Dr. Byrl J. Kennedy whose key contributions to
this endeavor are acknowledged by all. A Subspecialty Examination Committee on
Medical Oncology was appointed to prepare guidelines for training and accreditation in this
field and to prepare questions for the first examination. On October 16, 1973, 351
candidates passed the examination: the first cohort of certified medical oncologists.
Keywords: Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty
Examination Committee.
