Board Certification Options for Rural Physicians

Male doctor using a stethoscope to listen to elderly woman's breathingFamily medicine physicians are an essential part of the emergency medicine safety net. Without their contribution, many rural areas of the country would lack adequate emergency care. Still, studies show that rural areas are grossly underserved medically. In fact, for patients in some rural communities, the ER is their only access to health care. Given the nation’s ongoing shortage of rural physicians in emergency medicine and obstetrics, the certification options offered by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) are critically important.

Founded in 1960, the ABPS is a nationally recognized multi-specialty certification body that provides opportunities for physicians to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. Known for our non-discriminatory approach to board certification, we place special emphasis on enabling qualified rural physicians to become board certified and offer them certification in emergency medicine and family medicine obstetrics.

At the ABPS, we remain committed to expanding board certification opportunities for rural physicians. We also think it’s important for primary care physicians to be board certified in the specialty they practice, whether that is in an emergency department setting or by providing their community access to family medicine obstetrics care. We believe that by helping rural physicians enhance their careers through board certification, patients will reap the benefits of enhanced public health standards.

To learn more about rural physician board certification through the ABPS, contact us today. We would be happy to give you details about eligibility requirements for certification with our Member Boards, the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM) and the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics® (BCFMO).

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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