A Recognized Choice in Physician Board Certification

The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) was founded in 1952 to recognize licensed and qualified physicians who have mastered their respective fields of medicine. As a multi-specialty physician certifying body that includes 12 Member Boards with Diplomates in 20 specialties, the ABPS has itself been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a leading choice for physician board certification.

We take a pragmatic approach to certification that enables physicians to gain personal and professional advancement while meeting today’s increasing demands for patient care. Our Diplomates practice throughout the United States, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, and are widely considered to be leaders in their fields. Top medical entities and professional organizations have taken note, updating their bylaws, policies, and standards to include the ABPS.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Veterans’ Health Administration, and the United States Armed Forces under the GI Bill are just a few of the federal organizations that recognize ABPS certifications. State medical boards also retain strict language that recognizes the ABPS, and some, such as Florida, has in fact written ABPS into their stringent language. Furthermore, leading healthcare and credentialing organizations such as Greely, HCPro, and the National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS), recognize the ABPS.

More Competition Leads to Improved Health Care

The ABPS believes that physicians should certify with the organization that best aligns with their values and priorities. That’s why we welcome the 2018 U.S. Department of Justice opinion that essentially favors more competition in physician board certification. More competition fosters innovation and improvements. By providing physicians with another recognized choice for board certification besides the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the ABPS promotes competition that can lead to better patient care.

According to a comprehensive assessment by industry leader Castle Worldwide, our rigorous certification standards are equivalent to those set by ABMS and AOA. We are the smallest of the three multi-specialty certifying entities, but our size allows us to be more responsive to the needs of physicians in health care today. We are tireless advocates for our Diplomates, working with legislators and other decision-makers to ensure that our community is well represented while providing our Diplomates with opportunities to share best practices, success stories, and learning moments to improve patient care as a whole.

If you would like more information about our opportunities for physician board certification, contact the ABPS. We are the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®, a 501 (c) (6) not-for-profit organization.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
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.

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
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