Benefits of Emergency Medicine Fellowships for Primary Trained Physicians in Your Hospital

A male physician and a female physician wearing face masks posing for the cameraBoard certification has long been one of the best ways for primary care physicians to earn recognition for their emergency medicine expertise. Traditionally, however, certification in emergency medicine requires residency training in the specialty, which deprives many eminently qualified primary-trained doctors of due recognition. Fortunately, the American Academy of Emergency Physicians (AAEP) provides primary care physicians with a certification pathway.

Hospitals and schools that offer emergency medicine fellowships can receive recognition through the AAEP’s Emergency Medicine Fellowship Recognition Program. The AAEP recognizes fellowships that have established a level of training that allows physicians to demonstrate mastery in emergency medical care. An AAEP-recognized program offers a broad scope of training and teaching, such as grand rounds, didactics, and workshops that would be difficult to arrange and support without an educational infrastructure. These fellowship programs also support a larger educational infrastructure, keeping physicians up to date on medical literature and practices.

After completing an AAEP-approved fellowship, primary care physicians are eligible to apply for certification with the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine® (BCEM).

When these doctors achieve BCEM certification, they:

  • Become recognized as qualified emergency medicine physicians, positioning themselves as leaders in the healthcare community and expanding their career opportunities
  • Enjoy opportunities to exchange information about clinical experiences and best practices
  • Have a meaningful voice as a valued participant in the community

If you’re a primary care physician who would like to become board certified in emergency medicine, contact the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), the nationally recognized multi-specialty certifying board that developed the BCEM. We would be happy to give you more information about AAEP-recognized fellowships and the benefits of BCEM certification.

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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