ABOIM Offers Physician Board Certification in Integrative Medicine

Jun 03, 2013

Tampa, FL – The American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM®) is now accepting applications for qualified physicians interested in becoming certified in integrative medicine. ABOIM is a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), the first multi-specialty certifying body to offer physician certification in integrative medicine.

The deadline for completed applications is December 1, 2013 for the initial exam in May 2014. Applications are available online and may be obtained by contacting the ABPS Certification Department at (813) 433-2277.

The formation of ABOIM marks an important milestone in the development in the field of integrative medicine. “Finally there’s a way for qualified physicians to present themselves as experts in offering competent integrative care to patient.” said Andrew Weil, MD, a visionary physician and author, who helped establish integrative medicine as a specialty. “I strongly support the American Board of Integrative Medicine,” Weil said.

ABOIM certification is available to both allopathic and osteopathic physicians in the United States and Canada who are currently practicing integrative medicine and have completed a residency training program approved by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME,) the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). As with all ABPS board certification examinations, the ABOIM exam is psychometrically valid. Complete eligibility requirements are available online.

Integrative medicine is defined by ABOIM and the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine in the following way: It is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

ABOIM is one of 18 Member Boards of ABPS, the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. (AAPS) with headquarters in Tampa, FL. ABPS is keenly aware of the changes in the practice of medicine. In addition to integrative medicine, ABPS has been innovative in responding to the industry trends in urgent care, disaster medicine, hospital medicine and family medicine obstetrics. Additional information is available online.

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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.

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
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