Choice for Board Certification Matters

Choice for Board Certification MattersThe road to becoming a practicing physician is long and arduous. After graduating from medical school and completing residency training, physicians must obtain a state medical license to show that they have the expertise to provide safe and effective medical care. But, in the United States, these are minimum standards, and to distinguish themselves as leaders in their fields, many dedicated physicians seek board certification. Although certification is a voluntary process, it’s notably stringent and requires eligible candidates to pass challenging exams and complete several hours of continuing medical education. When physicians achieve certification, however, benefits accrue not only for themselves and their employers but, most importantly, for their patients as well.

As a measure of one’s ability to deliver expert medical care, certification instills patients with confidence that they are in good hands. It confirms for patients that certified physicians are uniquely qualified in their specialty and indicates that by taking the extra step of earning certification these dedicated practitioners stand at the vanguard of a healthcare model that puts patients first.

Founded in 1952, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) has become one of the premier multi-specialty certifying bodies in North America. We offer board certification in a range of specialties, from primary care fields like internal medicine and family medicine to innovative specialties like integrative medicine and disaster medicine. Our Diplomates practice their specialties in all 50 states as well as Canada and Puerto Rico and are part of a respected community of skilled professionals focused on exceptional patient care and safety rather than the business of medicine.

To ABPS stakeholders, our mission is straightforward – better patient care. But in the wide-ranging medical industry, not every program will serve the best interests of either patients or health care providers. Take physician certification, for example. When a certifying body wields a monopoly, it can impose unnecessary certification requirements. This is what the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a landmark 2018 opinion that argues for more options in physician board certification.

As a nationally recognized certifying body, the ABPS understands that vigorous competition is instrumental to the success of the American economy. Increased competition among certification boards gives physicians the flexibility to choose the organization that best reflects their values, meets their professional needs and expectations, and fosters their career development. Given that only the most skilled and knowledgeable practitioners earn board certification, it’s not hard to see how expanded choices in certification can result in more medical innovations and better care for the people we all ultimately serve – patients.

If you would like more information about the ABPS, or how to apply for certification through one of our Member Boards, 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.

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