Qualified ABMS, AOABOS, RCPSC & CFPC Diplomates Can Recertify with the ABPS

Dual Board CertificationRecertification through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) is not limited to Diplomates of the ABPS. Eligible physicians who have achieved board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association Board of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Board, or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Board also may seek recertification from their corresponding ABPS specialty boards.

Physicians who currently are board certified through one of the certifying bodies listed above must be in good standing with their board and their status must be current. Diplomates from other certifying bodies have a slightly different path to recertification than current ABPS Diplomates, who are required to document 50 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) per year with at least 25 in specialty for the eight-year period after the most recent certification or recertification exam. Current ABPS Diplomates also must complete 50 self-assessment questions per year and complete a non-remedial medical ethics program.

Diplomates from other bodies may have the medical ethics requirement and the self-assessment questions waived, but will be required to meet additional requirements, including:

  • Completion of a National Practitioner Data Bank Self-Query
  • A copy of their medical degree
  • Documentation of their internship
  • Documentation of their residency training

To learn more about the physician board recertification standards and requirements for Diplomates from the ABMS, the AOABOS, the RCPSC and the CFPC, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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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