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What is the American Board of Integrative Medicine?

ABOIMThe American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM) was formed to provide physicians who practice Integrative Medicine the means to demonstrate that they have mastered the core competencies necessary to provide the best medical care possible. Integrative Medicine focuses on the whole person, with decisions about prevention and treatment made based on medical evidence. It also makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare modalities, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

Board Certification Through the ABOIM

Becoming board certified through the ABOIM® also reflects a physician’s commitment to adhering to the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) Medical Code of Ethics. The ABPS is the only multi-specialty certifying board in the United States to offer Integrative Medicine board certification. As a relatively new specialty, it continues to evolve. Becoming certified through the ABOIM shows a physician’s willingness to position him- or herself at the forefront of that evolution. Yet, even as Integrative Medicine continues to gain wider acceptance, its basic foundational tenets remain constant:

  • Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness and disease – including mind, body and spirit
  • Use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body’s innate healing response
  • Appropriate consideration given to use of less-invasive and less-harmful interventions, when possible, while addressing the whole person in addition to the disease
  • The concept that medicine is based on good science, is inquiry-driven and open to critical consideration of new paradigms
  • Healthcare is best provided as a partnership between physician and patient

In addition to scientifically sound treatment concepts, an Integrative Medicine practitioner espouses the broad concepts of health promotion/illness prevention and healthy living. Practitioners also are expected to exemplify these concepts and to remain open to self-exploration and self-development. The ABOIM’s rigorous, clinically based exams are designed to allow qualified physicians to demonstrate their proficiency in all of these concepts.

Eligibility Requirements for Board Certification in Integrative Medicine

To be eligible to apply for initial board certification in integrative medicine, an applicant must first satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These include being a graduate of a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine, and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

The American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM®) has its own eligibility requirements that include:

  • Completing an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency or a residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
  • Current or previous board certification granted by a Member Board of the ABPS, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the AOA, the RCPSC, or the CFPC
  • Completing an Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health-recognized Fellowship in Integrative Medicine
  • Submitting a current curriculum vitae that includes medical school, degrees earned, and work experience, in chronological order

After applicants are deemed eligible, they must successfully complete a computer-based written exam in order to earn board certification in integrative medicine. For information about dates and fees for the application and the exam, click here.

Once granted, all ABPS certificates are good for a period of eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.

To learn more about the ABOIM, or for more information about eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS.  ABPS is the official 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.

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
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