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Emergency Department Physicians: Have You Demonstrated Your Competency in Emergency Medicine?

Emergency Department PhysiciansOne would think that family medicine and emergency medicine would be two specialties that go hand-in-hand. After all, these specialties treat patients of all ages, gender, and health. Yet, there is an interesting competition between those board certified in family medicine and those in emergency medicine. This competition is particularly fascinating when you consider that many emergency departments are staffed by family physicians, especially in rural areas where physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine are few and far between. Yet, despite the fact that family physicians are extremely well equipped for emergency medicine, many find that their expertise is questioned by professional organizations, including emergency medicine professional societies. In some instances, certain promotions and opportunities are also withheld from family physicians who have made a career in the emergency department simply because they are not board certified in emergency medicine.

Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM)

To address this issue, the American Board of Physician Specialties® encourages qualified family physicians with substantial firsthand experience in emergency medicine to consider pursuing board certification through the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM). Earning board certification in emergency medicine is not only an admirable personal accomplishment; it also has many practical benefits as board certification clearly demonstrates your competency in your specialty to your colleagues, patients, and potential employers. You might consider yourself to be an emergency medicine physician and have many years of experience to back up the claim, but by becoming board certified in emergency medicine, you can show your colleagues once and for all you are an expert in the ER. Furthermore, many hospital groups are increasingly prioritizing the hiring of board certified physicians in their emergency departments, and by becoming board certified now, you may find it easier to find and maintain new employment in your area of expertise.

Eligibility Requirements of the BCEM

To be eligible to apply for initial board certification with the BCEM, an applicant must first satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These include being a graduate of a recognized U.S. or Canadian allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada. The BCEM has its own eligibility requirements that include:

  • Completion of an ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC-accredited residency in emergency medicine, or
  • Completion of an ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC residency in one of the following primary care specialties—family practice, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, or general surgery—and at least 5 years AND 7,000 hours of full-time emergency medicine experience, or
  • Completion of an accredited residency in one of the following specialties—family practice, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, or general surgery—and a 12- or 24-month emergency medicine fellowship approved by the AAEP.

You can find more information about the BCEM’s eligibility requirements here.

To earn BCEM certification, candidates must pass both a written and oral exam. The computer-based written exam consists of 325 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must pass the written exam to take the oral component. You can find information about dates and fees for the application and the written exam here.

There are considerable benefits to board certification through the BCEM, and we are happy to walk you through our eligibility requirements and answer any questions that you might have. Contact the ABPS today to learn more.

 

 

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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.

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.

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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.

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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
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