ABPS Diplomate Dr. William Garrity Explains Why the BCFM is a Good Choice for Physician Certification in Family Medicine

William Garrity, MDWilliam Garrity, MD, a Diplomate of the Board of Certification in Family Medicine (BCFM), which is a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), says his decision to choose the ABPS was a good one. He believes family medicine physicians and residents would do well to seek BCFM certification because the process assures a sustainable path to excellence.

“The educational opportunities and testing provide the physicians with the expertise to effectively address the exponential changes in health care as well as the emerging health issues facing Americans such as the  COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Garrity says.

The path to achieving medical success, he explains, also requires using the right interventions at the right time with the best organization and the most qualified people in charge. And, to this end, he says, it is the nucleus of seasoned and successful administrative staff who make a difference for family medicine success at the ABPS.

Dr. Garrity could have chosen another certifying body, but he has found certification with the ABPS especially meaningful. Consistent high marks by the board’s valued Diplomates across the multiple specialties speak volumes, he says.

The learning opportunities and rigorous testing for which the ABPS is well-known are among his primary reasons for choosing the BCFM. Equally important, he points out, is that when a physician holds ABPS certification, patients can feel reassured knowing their doctor is more than adequately prepared to meet and address their health care needs. “Certification by the ABPS may be equated to excellence across the various specialties,” Dr. Garrity says.

If you would like to learn more about becoming certified in family medicine through the BCFM, contact the ABPS. We can give you information about the general requirements of the ABPS as well as the eligibility requirements of the BCFM.

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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.

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