Cardiologist Scott Shurmur, M.D., assistant professor of UNMC Internal Medicine, is the only board-certified lipidologist in the state of Nebraska.
In fact, he’s one of only 150 physicians from across the nation to make up the inaugural 2005 class of certified lipidologists.
Dr. Shurmur recently was awarded Diplomate status with the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL). The ABCL is a nonprofit certifying organization dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality from dyslipidemia and related diseases by assessing qualifications and certifying knowledge in clinical lipidology.
“The certification confirms a physician’s level of expertise in treating cholesterol problems and assures patients that they are getting expert care,” Dr. Shurmur said.
The certifying examination was offered for the first time in Dallas in November. It now will be offered two times per year in conjunction with National Lipid Association chapter meetings. The ABCL certifies those physicians who have distinguished themselves amongst their colleagues and who have satisfied the credentialing and testing requirements established by the ABCL.
To obtain Diplomate status with the ABCL, a physician must complete a range of continuing medical education requirements and successfully pass a rigorous examination. Professionals in the area of lipid management or “lipidologists” specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol disorders known as dyslipidemia, which may cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is responsible for approximately one-third of all deaths in the U.S.
Dr. Shurmur received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa and his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts. He was an intern, resident and fellow at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston and served as clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He joined UNMC in 1991.
For more information on certification, visit www.lipidboard.org. To learn more about dyslipidemia and the field of lipidology, visit the National Lipid Association Web site at www.lipid.org.