UArizona Nursing Professor Awarded Diplomate Status by the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology

“Becoming a board-certified Diplomate in Clinical Lipidology is an important way for me to demonstrate clinical knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical lipidology. Lipidology is an evolving field that requires clinicians to stay abreast of the latest clinical research and treatment guidelines and to apply this knowledge in practice," ~ Joseph DeBoe, DNP, ACNPC-AG, CCRN

“Becoming a board-certified Diplomate in Clinical Lipidology is an important way for me to demonstrate clinical knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical lipidology,” Dr. DeBoe said. “Lipidology is an evolving field that requires clinicians to stay abreast of the latest clinical research and treatment guidelines and to apply this knowledge in practice.”

 Dr. DeBoe is one of the first nurse practitioners from across the nation who has achieved this important credential. ACCL Diplomates can use the title of “Clinical Lipid Specialist” and append the letters “CLS” to their names in formal contexts. The designation indicates those healthcare professionals who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues by having satisfied the credentialing and testing requirements established by the ACCL.

To obtain Diplomate status with the ACCL, candidates must complete a range of continuing medical education requirements and successfully pass a rigorous examination. Professionals in the area of lipid management specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol disorders known as dyslipidemia, which may cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Atherosclerotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, account for approximately one-third of all deaths in the United States. Lipid management employing dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacologic modalities has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective strategies for the prospective treatment of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the number of specialists with expertise in lipid management is inadequate to address this large population of patients.

A Diplomate has successfully credentialed and passed the certification exam and has been endorsed by the ACCL as displaying a high level of experience, knowledge, and competence in clinical lipidology.

The rigorous training requirements to becoming a Diplomate include:

•Doctoral degree in clinical health science (MD, DNP, PharmD)

•Minimum 3,000 hours of demonstrated clinical and/or fellowship experience in the management of patients with lipid or other related disorders

•Certification in a primary board (e.g., ANCC, AANP), or other appropriate certificate programs

•Relevant academic practice and faculty appointment at a recognized institution

•Clinical research and/or scholarly publications in the management of lipid disorders