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The American Board of Physician Specialties® Is a Choice for Board Certification

After dedicating a big part of their lives to medical training, to say nothing of the financial investment it requires, physicians should have the flexibility to choose the certification board that is most consistent with their values and best fosters their career development. Fortunately, there are several physician certification choices in the industry. Among the most prominent are those of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), the ABMS, and the AOA, and of those three boards, the ABPS is the only one that offers certification in the growing field of integrative medicine and the only that requires that recertification candidates complete a medical ethics course. Furthermore, as a multi-specialty certification body committed to offering the highest certification standards in an evolving industry, the ABPS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a leading choice for physician board certification.

The ABPS Takes a Pragmatic Approach to Certification

The ABPS’s unique position among certification entities has roots that go back to 1952. That’s when a group of osteopathic surgeons who were denied certification by the AOA and ABMS because they did not complete osteopathic residencies created a certification board that didn’t discriminate on training and actually tested a physician’s knowledge of the specialty. Today, the ABPS maintains that non-discriminatory and pragmatic approach, offering both allopathic and osteopathic physicians certification options in a range of specialties.

Physician Certification That Aligns With the Public’s Healthcare Needs

If you’re interested in pursuing certification in a traditional field like family medicine or dermatology, we encourage you to apply to the ABPS. But in addition to our many certification options in traditional specialties, we offer unique certifications. For instance, physicians who have extensive experience working in emergency departments, but who completed their residencies in a primary care field, can earn board certification in emergency medicine with the ABPS without needing to complete an additional residency. As an organization committed to meeting the challenges of emerging public health issues, the ABPS has developed boards that are unique in the certification industry, including the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM), the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM), the Board of Certification in Urgent Care Medicine (BCUCM), and the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics (BCFMO).

To learn more about the ABPS, the advantages to board certification through our organization, and our various eligibility requirements, contact us today.

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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.

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
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