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ABPS Mission: Medical Certification That Focuses on Patient-Centered Care, Not Only the Business of Medicine

ABPS MissionWhether interested in disaster medicine, emergency board certification, family medicine, family medicine obstetrics, or integrative medicine certification, be assured the ABPS examination process will fairly and accurately measure your skill and knowledge of the core competencies required to provide the absolute best patient care available. ABPS acknowledges that experience counts, and the reason for rigorous eligibility requirements which includes advanced training and significant time spent practicing in your chosen field. ABPS content development process was independently vetted by renowned testing agency, Castle Worldwide, which concluded that ABPS physician board certification examinations “meet or exceed the equivalent standards of any other certification organization, including other health-related organizations.”

Physician Board Certification That Puts Patient Care at the Forefront

Most importantly, the ABPS never deviates from its commitment to keep the attention of the medical community focused toward the ongoing improvement of patient care, rather than the business of medicine. ABPS is the only board certification body that requires non-remedial medical ethics training as part of the recertification process, and strive to bring compassion back to the forefront of patient care. There is no greater commitment we can make, and  invite qualified physicians throughout the U.S. and Canada to join ABPS in this obligation.

Why ABPS Certification Stands Out in the Medical Field

ABPS certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the medical community, reflecting rigorous psychometric testing, advanced training, extensive experience, and strong moral character. Only the most dedicated and capable physicians achieve ABPS certification, joining a community of like-minded professionals known nationally for their medical achievements. ABPS-certified physicians serve in some of the most esteemed institutions across all 50 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, sharing clinical insights, engaging in best practice exchanges, and accessing significant leadership opportunities.

Key Points to Consider About ABPS Certification

When considering your board certification options, keep these critical aspects of the ABPS in mind:

  • Rigorous standards – The ABPS’s certification and recertification criteria match the high standards set by the ABMS and AOA.
  • Clinical focus – Examinations by ABPS Member Boards emphasize clinical knowledge, prioritizing practical expertise over medical politics.
  • Unique recertification opportunities – The ABPS is unique as the only multi-specialty body that offers recertification to qualified diplomates of both the ABMS and AOA.
  • Broad recognition – The ABPS has a widespread influence, with Diplomates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Eligibility Requirements of the ABPS

The ABPS believes that board certification should be reserved only for physicians who demonstrate the highest level of expertise in their specialty. That’s why we maintain strict eligibility requirements. These may vary depending on the specialty, but all ABPS Member Boards share some requirements, including:

  • Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, being acknowledged as an ethical member within the professional community, and actively practicing in the specific specialty for which certification is sought.
  • Graduation from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine in the United States, Canada, or any international institution recognized by the ABPS. International graduates must also possess a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate.
  • Possession of a valid and unrestricted license(s) to practice medicine in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.

For information about our eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today. We would be happy to provide you with detailed information.

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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.

Far too often, medicine is led by less than 5% of non-practicing physicians taking away and replacing the voice of the 95% of physicians practicing and placing patient safety and care first on the front lines every day. The American Board of Physician Specialties has raised the standards in physician board certification not only in the quality of their boards of certification, but in hearing and allowing for the voice of those active physicians caring directly for patients. Having been a part of the ABPS over the last 28 years has allowed me to grow as a woman leader in a field often wrought with challenges. It helped me and others raise the bar of the standards of care in my specialty, Emergency Medicine, through their Board Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM). ABPS also helped raise the standards of care for 21st century medicine through their certifications in other specialties, particularly in Integrative Medicine & Disaster Medicine. Having physician voices heard matters to medicine and is essential in the betterment of patient safety and care.

Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Emergency Medicine
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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