BCFMO Now Offers a Non-Surgical Pathway to Board Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics

BCFMOTo better serve family physicians practicing obstetrics in the United States, the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics® (BCFMO) now offers a non-surgical option for certification. The BCFMO is a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), which is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

Subject matter experts in non-surgical and surgical obstetrics have participated in the development of parallel pathways for eligibility and certification, incorporating the previously designed standards of “Comprehensive Maternity Care” (Family Medicine Obstetrics) and “Advanced Maternity Care” (Family Medicine Obstetrics with Surgical Qualifications).

The new non-surgical path to family medicine obstetrics certification requires a log of non-surgical deliveries and successful completion of the written certification exam. The surgical path to certification, which is now referred to as Family Medicine Obstetrics with Surgical Qualifications, requires an additional log of cesarean deliveries and successful completion of the written and oral exam.

The application deadline for the May 2022 written exam is October 31, 2021. Full details regarding eligibility, exam content, exam schedule and fees, and the application process can be found here.

Why Seek Certification With an ABPS Member Board?

ABPS Member Boards, such as the BCFMO, are committed to offering qualified physicians board certification based on education, practice, and experience, enabling successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in family medicine obstetrics. The ABPS has developed an excellent reputation within the medical community for our commitment to our network of Diplomates, which extends across all 50 states and into both Canada and Puerto Rico.

Of the three primary multi-specialty physician certifying organizations, the ABPS is the smallest, which allows us to be more responsive. We are committed to empowering our Diplomates by providing them with a platform to exchange best practices, success stories, and learning moments, ultimately enhancing patient care collectively.

Furthermore, advocacy is at the core of ABPS, as we actively collaborate with legislators, healthcare organizations, hospital groups, and other stakeholders to ensure our community is represented and voices are heard.

Most importantly, ABPS certification sends a powerful message to patients. When deciding where to seek medical treatment, whether at a hospital, clinic, or private practice, patients often consider a physician’s credentials. While various specialists may be available in a community, certification serves as a clear indicator of a physician’s competence and expertise. While not the sole determinant in choosing a specialist, certification can significantly influence a patient’s decision-making.

What Are the Benefits of BCFMO Certification?

By becoming certified through the BCFMO, family medicine obstetrics physician can solidify their reputation as exceptional healthcare providers and enjoy benefits such as:

  • More opportunities for career advancement, which can lead to higher earnings
  • Recognition and respect from medical colleagues
  • A voice as a valued member of the healthcare community
  • Ongoing education that keeps physicians updated on advancements in family medicine obstetrics

The ABPS invites qualified physicians to apply for certification in family medicine obstetrics. As a nationally recognized choice for certification, we are committed to improving healthcare by giving physicians a path toward board certification. To learn more about the BCFMO and its eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today.

 

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
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