Higher Standards for Exceptional Medical Care

The American Board of Physician Specialties® offers physician board certification that meets the public’s evolving healthcare needs and helps physicians achieve career success.

array(2) { [0]=> string(1) "e" [1]=> string(32) "https://www.abpsus.org/brochure/" }
About Us
The mission of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS®) is to offer the highest standards in physician board certification that meets the healthcare needs of the public while benefiting physicians and helping them achieve success in the evolving medical environment.
Learn More
array(2) { [0]=> string(1) "e" [1]=> string(37) "https://www.credentialsmart.net/abps/" }
For Credentialers
Hospitals and other employers can verify a physician’s credentials and identify practitioners as ideal candidates for career opportunities.
Learn More
array(2) { [0]=> string(1) "i" [1]=> string(36) "https://www.abpsus.org/for-patients/" }
For Patients
Patients can receive complete assurance that ABPS physicians have the knowledge and skills to provide outstanding medical care.
Learn More
What Is ABPS?

The American Board of Physician Specialties is a nationally recognized multi-specialty certifying body that offers both allopathic and osteopathic physicians certification in a range of specialties. While certification is a voluntary process, its achievement represents an abiding commitment to patient care and is one of the highest honors that physicians can receive. We certified our first physician in 1960, and our Diplomates can now be found across all 50 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.

Administrative Medicine
Learn More
Anesthesiology
Learn More
Dermatology
Learn More
Diagnostic Radiology
Learn More
Disaster Medicine
Learn More
Emergency Medicine
Learn More
Family Medicine
Learn More
Family Medicine Obstetrics
Learn More
General Surgery
Learn More
Geriatric Medicine
Learn More
Hospital Medicine
Learn More
Integrative Medicine
Learn More
Internal Medicine
Learn More
Interventional Pain Management
Learn More
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Learn More
Ophthalmology
Learn More
Orthopedic Surgery
Learn More
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Learn More
Psychiatry
Learn More
Radiation Oncology
Learn More
Urgent Care Medicine
Learn More
Swipe for More
Why Choose ABPS?
Validate Your Expertise

Board certification with the ABPS serves as demonstrable proof that a physician has the skills and knowledge to deliver world-class medical care. Our eligibility requirements are stringent and our certification process is notably rigorous, but once certified, physicians become part of a respected organization dedicated to patient care above all else. Our Diplomates practice at prestigious institutions across North America and are widely considered to be leaders in their fields.

Broaden Your Career

Earning ABPS board certification enables physicians to gain professional advancement while meeting today’s increasing demands for patient care. With more medical institutions requiring that their physicians be board certified, ABPS Diplomates can present themselves as eminently qualified job candidates. APBS Diplomates also receive ongoing training to stay updated on advancements in their specialty and can expect more career opportunities, which can lead to higher earnings.

Give Patients Confidence

For many patients, consulting a physician for a health issue can be a nerve-racking experience. But your certification with the ABPS can give patients peace of mind. It’s a distinction that lets patients know their physician is uniquely qualified to deliver compassionate and expert medical care. Given that a patient’s health and well-being are always a good physician’s priority, the assurance that ABPS certification instills in patients cannot be overstated.

Receive Ongoing Training

Physicians certified through the ABPS receive ongoing education to stay updated about new and effective techniques and treatment methods. As members of a distinguished community dedicated to providing exceptional medical care, physicians enjoy numerous opportunities to exchange information about clinical experiences that can advance their specialties. Supported by a solid foundation of training, ABPS Diplomates are well-positioned to shape the course of medical care for years to come.

Boost Your Organization’s Prestige

It’s well-known throughout the healthcare community that physician certification requires a significant investment of time and effort, and only the most talented and dedicated doctors become certified. Physicians certified through the ABPS have demonstrated through our rigorous process that they are experts in their field. Having ABPS-certified specialists on staff confers prestige on healthcare organizations, allowing them to legitimately market themselves as world-class medical facilities.

Patient Care Is Our Priority

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
Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
We're Committed to Matching Physician Recruiters to ABPS Board Certified Physicians

Medical recruiters can submit job openings to the ABPS Career Center free of charge. Openings are distributed digitally through the ABPS Career Bulletin, a trusted resource for ABPS board-certified physicians and other practitioners considering a career change. Physicians will be able to browse job openings by specialty. The ABPS performs this valuable service as part of our mission to help improve patient care throughout the country.