ABMS- and AOA-Certified Physicians Are Eligible to Recertify With the ABPS

Doctor and patient shaking hands at front desk of doctor's officeThe American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is a nationally recognized physician multi-specialty certifying body that offers both allopathic and osteopathic physicians board certification in a variety of specialties. Founded in 1952, the ABPS has long maintained a non-discriminatory approach and the sense that it’s a community of diverse but like-minded professionals. Therefore, we invite Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to recertify with the ABPS.

We are highly regarded in the healthcare industry, and our Diplomates practice specialties at respected institutions across the country, as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico. Through our recertification process, which includes continuing medical education (CME), work experience, and testing, our accomplished Diplomates not only maintain their distinction as leaders in their fields but also broaden their base of skills and knowledge.

Requirements for Recertification With the ABPS

The ABPS recognizes licensed physicians who have shown, through testing and performance, mastery of their medical specialties. We are committed to offering the highest standard of board certification that meets the health care needs of the public while helping physicians to achieve success in the medical industry. To become recertified with the ABPS, Diplomates of the ABMS and AOA must provide documentation of their certification, which must be current or no more than two years past the expiration date. Candidates may apply for recertification as early as two years before their certification expires.

Once certified by the ABPS, physicians become part of an organization whose members prioritize patient care over the business of medicine, exchange information about best practices, and actively advocate for their specialties. What’s more, Diplomates participate in a regular schedule of maintenance of competency and must also:

  • Complete a non-remedial ethics course
  • Complete at least 16 CME hours during the preceding eight years through programs sponsored by the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®
  • Certify annually that they have an unrestricted medical license in every state in which they practice
  • Pass a written exam in the final year of the eight-year certification cycle

Benefits of Recertifying With the ABPS

There is no shortage of prestige or relevance when a physician earns ABPS certification. We have certified numerous extensively qualified and highly talented physicians in traditional medical fields such as dermatology and family medicine, as well emerging specialties such as integrative medicine, and family medicine obstetrics. As a tireless advocate for our Diplomates, the ABPS works with legislators, healthcare organizations, and other decision-makers in the healthcare industry to ensure that our Diplomates have a strong voice within the community, sharing best practices, success stories, and learning moments to improve patient care. To put it simply, the ABPS community’s strength and unity enable our Diplomates to help shape the future of healthcare in North America.

To learn more about the benefits of recertifying with the ABPS, or for information about our Member Boards, contact us today. We will gladly provide you with detailed information about our application process and eligibility requirements.

The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is a nationally recognized physician multi-specialty certifying body that offers both allopathic and osteopathic physicians board certification in a variety of specialties. Founded in 1952, the ABPS has long maintained a non-discriminatory approach and the sense that it’s a community of diverse but like-minded professionals. Therefore, we invite Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to recertify with the ABPS.

We are highly regarded in the healthcare industry, and our Diplomates practice specialties at respected institutions across the country, as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico. Through our recertification process, which includes continuing medical education (CME), work experience, and testing, our accomplished Diplomates not only maintain their distinction as leaders in their fields but also broaden their base of skills and knowledge.

To become recertified with the ABPS, Diplomates of the ABMS and AOA must provide documentation of their certification, which must be current or no more than two years past the expiration date. Candidates may apply for recertification as early as two years before their certification expires.

Once certified by the ABPS, physicians become part of an organization whose members prioritize patient care over the business of medicine, exchange information about best practices, and actively advocate for their specialties. What’s more, Diplomates participate in a regular schedule of maintenance of competency and must also:

  • Complete a non-remedial ethics course
  • Complete at least 16 CME hours during the preceding eight years through programs sponsored by the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®
  • Certify annually that they have an unrestricted medical license in every state in which they practice
  • Pass a written exam in the final year of the eight-year certification cycle

To learn more about the benefits of recertifying with the ABPS, or for information about our Member Boards, contact us today. We will gladly provide you with detailed information about our application process and eligibility requirements.

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.

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