BCEM Diplomates Play an Integral Role in Emergency Medicine

Dr. Lewis MarshallLewis W. Marshall, MD, the two-time president of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®, credits his certification with the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM) with helping to advance his career. His interest in the BCEM was prompted by a conversation that he had while working in a Level 1 trauma center in Queens, New York.

“The chairman of the department told me that if I became board certified in emergency medicine, I would be promoted to assistant director of emergency medicine,” Dr. Marshall said. “Once I obtained my certification, I was promoted. I believe that being certified in emergency medicine helped me in several positions, including as the city medical director for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), chair of emergency medicine at two large, busy urban trauma centers, and in my continued involvement with EMS.”

Dr. Marshall’s resume is impressive. In addition to his certification with the BCEM – a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) – Dr. Marshall also holds disaster medicine certification through the ABPS, as well as certification in internal medicine, legal medicine, and health care management from other certifying bodies. Today, he is a healthcare executive whose career is highlighted by progressive experience in primary care, hospital care, and leadership of large healthcare organizations, including the country’s largest prehospital ambulance service through the FDNY. He is a recognized expert in delivery, best practices, and standards of care for internal medicine, ambulatory care and community health services, and emergency medicine and disaster response.

Back when Dr. Marshall sought emergency medicine certification, the ABPS was the only multi-specialty board that gave qualified physicians trained in a primary care specialty the opportunity to show that they had the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the highest level of emergency room care. Today, that fact has not changed, and as more hospitals choose to staff their emergency rooms primarily with EM-certified physicians, the ABPS represents an ideal board certification option.

Whether career EM physicians are certified in family medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, or internal medicine, applying for certification with the BCEM can go a long way toward broadening their opportunities. These doctors have already demonstrated that along with their propensity for teamwork, they are quick thinkers who have the composure and confidence to deliver critical care in stressful emergency room environments. With the BCEM as an option, there is no need for such exceptionally capable professionals to face the prospect of stalled careers due to the lack of EM certification.

The ABPS encourages experienced EM doctors trained in a primary specialty to follow in the footsteps of high achievers like Dr. Marshall by applying for certification with the BCEM. For more information about the BCEM’s eligibility requirements, or the benefits of earning certification through the BCEM, contact the ABPS today.

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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