ABHM is the Exclusive Dedicated Board of Certification for Hospitalists

ABHMThe American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) developed the ABHM – the American Board of Hospital Medicine® – because we recognized a need for board certification for hospitalists in America. More than just a subspecialty, the rapidly expanding field of hospital medicine represents a growing need in America, and dedicated hospital medicine physicians deserve an opportunity to become board certified in their chosen field. By obtaining board certification through the ABHM, physicians are able to demonstrate their unique experience and knowledge base in hospital medicine in this essential medical field. What’s more, the ABHM is the only nationally recognized board of certification that is governed exclusively by hospitalists.

Traditionally, hospitalists have undergone a residency in general internal medicine, family practice, or a similar field and received their certification in the respective field of study, while slowly gaining experience working closely with patients in their hospital. These physicians often refer to themselves as hospitalists but don’t have the board certification to speak to their unique experience and insight. The ABHM seeks to rectify this shortcoming by offering hospitalists an opportunity to become certified in their specialty. This is particularly important when you consider that hospitals and hospital organizations – particularly in rural communities – continue to change their hiring policies and bylaws, which makes it more important than ever to have relevant certification if you practice hospital medicine.

In order to be eligible for board certification in Hospital Medicine, the ABHM requires:

  • A current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine
  • Submission of six case reports during the past 12 months in which the physician has taken a lead management role
  • Submission of verification of active hospital staff privileges
  • Verification that the physician has managed a minimum of 50 patients in the last 12 months, with 50 percent of the practice consisting of hospital medicine patient care
  • And other eligibility requirements outlined here

To learn more about the ABHM, ABPS, and our other board certifications, contact us today. 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.

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