Obstetrics & Gynecology Board Certification Eligibility Requirements Highlighted

OBGYN Board CertificationCompletion of the obstetrics & gynecology board certification exam through the Board of Certification in Surgery (BCS) demonstrates that a physician has the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care in obstetrics and gynecology. As with any Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), the BCS requires its candidates to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics and hold a current, unrestricted license in every state where he or she practices medicine.

Also like every other board certification exam with the ABPS, obstetrics & gynecology has eligibility requirements that are specific to this particular specialty. Here are the highlights of those eligibility requirements:

  • A physician must have practiced as a specialist in this field for a period of at least one year, subsequent to the completion of the required minimum of four years of special training, and prior to being examined.
  • An applicant must provide notarized documentary evidence that they have performed a minimum of 50 major obstetrical & gynecologic operations on their own responsibility. An applicant’s scope of surgical and obstetrical practice must be such that their records will demonstrate that he or she has handled and is capable of handling (as shown by their morbidity, mortality, and end results) major gynecological surgical and obstetrical procedures.
  • An applicant must submit detailed case records, acceptable to the BCS Credentials Committee, of five major gynecological surgical and five obstetric cases, in which the candidate was the responsible surgeon and obstetrician respectively and handled the cases. Case reports must be no older than twelve months from the date the candidate’s application for certification is received by the ABPS. These records shall include history, physical examination, routine and special laboratory examinations, preoperative diagnosis, detailed findings, detailed operative procedures, postoperative diagnosis, progress notes, gross and histological description and diagnosis of the excised tissue and case summary.
  • An applicant must provide letters of recommendation from two certified obstetricians and gynecologists, who are personally acquainted with the applicant and will vouch for his or her obstetric and surgical training, experience, personal character and who have personally observed the skill of the applicant.

To learn more about the details of the eligibility requirements to become board certified in obstetrics and gynecology through the BCS, contact the ABPS. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

 

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine