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About the American Board of Physician Specialties

ABPS AboutThe American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. (AAPS). As the third largest nationally recognized physician multi-specialty certifying body in the United States, ABPS is known across all 50 states and Puerto Rico for offering a path toward board certification and recertification for qualified allopathic and osteopathic physicians in 20 different specialties.

In order to be eligible for board certification or recertification through the ABPS, licensed physicians must meet the stringent eligibility requirements that have been defined by the specialty boards. While these minimum standards vary depending on the specialty, ABPS places an emphasis on not only psychometrically evaluated testing and advanced training but also moral character and experience. Furthermore, ABPS has a clear path toward recertification for qualified physicians. Our standards for recertification vary depending on the specialty board, but typically include a commitment to continuing medical education, successful completion of a recertification examination, participation in a non-remedial medical ethics program, and other similar requirements.

ABPS is also well known for working with physicians to provide unique opportunities for board certification in their specialty. For instance, physicians who have extensive experience working in emergency departments, but completed their residencies in a primary care field, have the opportunity to earn board certification in Emergency Medicine with the ABPS without needing to complete an additional residency. It’s just one example of how we address the individual needs of healthcare professionals.

Another defining characteristic of the ABPS is our commitment to emerging public health issues. This is why we’ve developed innovative new boards in Disaster Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Family Medicine Obstetrics, and Urgent Care Medicine – among others. In the case of Disaster Medicine, we’re the only board certifying organization to offer this essential and increasingly relevant board certification.

The ABPS was founded to recognize licensed physicians who have mastered their respective fields of medicine. Increasingly, hospitals and medical staff placement agencies are prioritizing hiring board certified physicians, and we feel it is important to offer qualified professionals a choice when they’re researching board certifying bodies. The AAPS was founded by a group of surgeons in 1950, and over the last several decades our team of professionals has worked tirelessly to improve the certification process in order to ensure that our Diplomates are recognized for their achievements in the medical profession.

If you are interested in pursuing board certification in your specialty and you are exploring your options, contact ABPS today. We’ll be happy to explain the eligibility requirements for certification through the ABPS, the advantages that ABPS Diplomates enjoy, and answer any questions you may have.

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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.

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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