Doctor, Are You Eligible for ABPS Board Certification?

Doctor, Are You Eligible for ABPS Board Certification?If you are a physician who is considering board certification – congratulations. You’re on your way to a smart decision, one that can yield a slew of career advantages, not to mention the benefits it offers to both your employer and your patients. Here at the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), where we offer board certification in a range of specialties and subspecialties, we have seen our Diplomates embrace leadership positions in facilities across the nation. It’s not surprising when you consider what a differentiator board certification can be, helping to single out qualified physicians who, through an extensive application process and stringent testing, have demonstrated extraordinary talent in their specialty.

Moreover, the prestige that certified physicians can bestow on hospitals is immeasurable. Knowing that a facility has certified doctors on staff eases patients’ anxiety and helps to instill them with confidence that they will receive the knowledgeable and compassionate medical care they seek.

With the goal of offering the highest standards in certification to meet the public’s evolving healthcare needs while helping physicians achieve career success, the ABPS has established general eligibility requirements that include:

  • Three to five years of advanced training, depending on the specialty, and completion of an ACGME- or AOA-approved residency
  • Attestation of a full, unrestricted medical license
  • Completion of a non-remedial medical ethics course
  • At least 50 hours a year of continuing medical education
  • Achieving recertification after eight years

In keeping with our commitment to helping provide a high level of medical care that ensures patient safety, the ABPS is the only multi-specialty that requires its Diplomates to complete a medical ethics course to earn recertification.

To learn more about our eligibility requirements, or for information about our standardized exams, which are offered across a network of testing centers in the United States and Canada, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®

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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.

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