Articles - Articles

What is it Like to Specialize in Dermatology?

Lori Honeycutt, MD, was first exposed to dermatology practice as a registered nurse at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX. She was amazed at how so many systemic diseases had skin manifestations and how the diagnostic process took that into account. “I loved medicine in general,” she says “but I was also interested in performing surgeries and cosmetic procedures, ...

Dermatologists Have a Choice in Board Certification

The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) offers qualified and experienced practitioners a choice in dermatology certification through one of its Member Boards, the Board of Certification in Dermatology (BCD). Successful candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the core concepts and competencies necessary to provide the highest level of care for patients with skin maladies and other dermatological ...

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Physicians Seeking Certification or Recertification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, Radiology and Dermatology have a CHOICE

At the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), we strongly encourage physicians who are seeking certification or recertification in their specialty area to explore all of their options and find a certifying organization that is aligned with their needs and expectations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, “To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency ...

About the BCD Exam for Board Certification in Dermatology

The exam for the Board of Certification in Dermatology (BCD) consists of written multiple choice questions. Candidates must pass the computer-based, written exam in order to achieve board certification. The exam is offered twice a year, in May and November, at testing centers throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The exam consists of approximately 200 multiple choice questions, ...

Dermatology Board Certification Eligibility Requirements

There are specific dermatology board certification eligibility requirements in place for Dermatology candidates, but there also are eligibility requirements this specialty shares with others. The baseline requirements for all specialties offered by the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) include owning an unrestricted medical license for every state in which the physician is licensed, annual attestation to the currency of ...

Physician Board Certification in Dermatology Through the ABPS

Physician board certification in Dermatology through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) is an opportunity for successful candidates to demonstrate their mastery of the experience and knowledge necessary to provide the best possible care for patients suffering from skin maladies and other dermatological issues. It also reveals a professional commitment to abide by the ABPS medical code of ethics ...

Patient Care Is Our Priority

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