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ABPS Offers a Recognized Choice in Orthopedic Surgery

ABPS Offers a Recognized Choice in Orthopedic SurgeryIf you are a physician researching your options for board certification in orthopedic surgery, consider the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS). As one of three multi-specialty certifying bodies in the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook, the ABPS offers certification in several medical specialties, including orthopedic surgery. We developed the Board of Certification in Orthopedic Surgery® (BCOS) to give qualified physicians the opportunity to display mastery of the core concepts and competencies of orthopedic surgery. Today, certification with the BCOS carries distinction in all 50 states.

To be eligible for certification in orthopedic surgery, candidates must meet baseline requirements common to all ABPS Member Boards. 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 BCOS also requires that candidates applying for certification:

  • Show evidence that they have practiced orthopedic surgery for a minimum of 18 months post-residency/fellowship training
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of a certification board recognized by the ABPS, ABMS, or AOA
  • Submit a list of surgical procedures as evidence that they have performed at least 100 surgical procedures in the twelve months preceding the application, or two months preceding a scheduled oral exam

BCOS Certification Exams

After candidates are deemed eligible, they must pass both a written and an oral exam in order to earn initial board certification in orthopedic surgery. The written certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice items and is administered over a four-hour session. Like all ABPS certification exams, the BCOS exams were developed under the most stringent standards in the industry, which means that only the finest physicians go on to achieve certification. Candidates for BCOS certification must pass the written exam first before taking the oral component. Once granted, BCOS certification is good for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.

Why Certify With the BCOS?

While BCOS certification is demanding, it serves to validate dedicated physicians. It enhances marketability, opens doors for career growth, and garners the respect of medical colleagues. It’s no surprise that Diplomates of the ABPS practice in some of the most prestigious healthcare institutions in the country. Additionally, there are ABPS Diplomates in all 50 states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Orthopedic surgeons who are board certified by the ABMS or the AOA are eligible to recertify with the ABPS once they have met eligibility requirements determined by our specialty board.

For more information about the BCOS, or to learn more about the advantages of pursuing board certification in orthopedic surgery, contact the ABPS.

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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.

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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