Dermatologists Have a Choice in Board Certification

Dermatologists Have a Choice in Board CertificationThe 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 conditions.

To be eligible for board certification in dermatology, physicians must meet baseline requirements common to all ABPS Member Boards, which includes owning an active unrestricted medical license to practice in the U.S., the U.S. territories, or Canada. Physicians applying for dermatology certification must also meet the following requirements of the BCD:

  • A current curriculum vitae that lists medical school experiences and degrees earned
  • Graduation from a medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Liaison Committee for Medical Education, or the Committee for the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools
  • Completion of an ACGME, AOA, or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons accredited residency in Dermatology
  • Submission of two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of a certification board of the ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC

Candidates who are deemed eligible must pass a psychometrically validated examination that evaluates practical knowledge in dermatology. Like all ABPS certification exams, the BCD exam was developed under the most rigorous standards in the industry to ensure that only the finest physicians go on to achieve certification.

If you’re considering becoming board certified in dermatology through the ABPS, you will be pleased to know that we are one of three multi-specialty certifying bodies in the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook. As with any ABPS Member Board, certification with the BCD lasts for eight years. The ABPS has no formal Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process, but physicians are required to complete self-assessment continuing medical education (CME) and ethics training, apply for recertification, and sit for a written recertification exam every eight years.

For more information about the BCD’s eligibility requirements, or to learn more about why the BCD represents an ideal choice in dermatology certification, contact the ABPS today.

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House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
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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.

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