Why the Medical Ethics Requirement for ABPS Recertification is Important
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) is the only multi-specialty board certifying body that requires its Diplomates to complete a medical ethics course in order to achieve recertification. This requirement is a vital component of the mission of the American Association of Physician Specialists (AAPS), Inc., which is the parent organization of the ABPS.
Medical ethics training is important during the course of recertification because it serves to reinforce the pledge of every ABPS Diplomate to adhere to the following Code of Ethics:
- To maintain the highest standard of personal conduct
- To promote and encourage the highest level of medical ethics in medicine
- To maintain loyalty to the goals and objectives of the AAPS
- To recognize and fulfill the personal responsibility and the responsibility of those who practice the profession to uphold the laws and regulations relating to the practice of medicine
- To strive for excellence in all aspects of medical practice
- To use only legal and ethical means in the provision of care for patients
- To provide patient care impartially; provide no special privilege to any individual patient based on the patient’s race, color, creed, sex, national origin, or handicap
- To accept no personal compensation from any party that would influence or require special consideration in the provision of care to any patient
The AAPS Medical Ethics Course is offered each year in conjunction with the AAPS Annual Scientific Meeting, as well as other times as needed. It is an intensive, one-day course that provides a solid conceptual grounding in medical ethics, as well as proven tools and approaches for the resolution of issues in ethics. At the end of the course, the participants are able to, among other things, recognize the stakeholders in medical ethics decisions and have a grounding in theoretical and historical foundations of medical ethics. It is taught by Mark Pastin, PhD, the president and CEO of the Council of Ethical Organizations.
To learn more about the importance of the medical ethics requirement in ABPS board recertification, contact us today. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty board certifying body of the AAPS.