ER Patients Deserve to Be Treated by Physicians Board Certified in Emergency Medicine

ER Patients Deserve to Be Treated by Physicians Board Certified in Emergency MedicineThe ongoing shortage of physicians certified in emergency medicine has meant that many emergency departments across the country have had to rely on the knowledge and skills of doctors trained in primary care specialties. In fact, about one-third of the nation’s emergency departments are staffed by physicians who lack emergency medicine certification. To be sure, these doctors continually demonstrate that they are more than capable of providing critical care in the hectic ER environment. But more and more emergency departments choose to require that their emergency physicians be certified in emergency medicine, non-EM-certified doctors should strongly consider becoming certified in the specialty.

The Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM), a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), offers qualified primary care physicians certification in EM. Board certification with the BCEM helps physicians demonstrate competency in emergency medical care. In addition, BCEM certification indicates that a physician is engaged in ongoing study to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the specialty. While BCEM certification expands physicians’ career opportunities, it also brings inestimable benefits to the people they serve – the patients.

Patients derive enormous comfort from knowing that an emergency room is staffed by highly trained and broadly experienced physicians – in other words, physicians who have earned certification through the BCEM. Through their proven expertise, board certified physicians impart a sense of trust that results in higher patient satisfaction, which can then boost a hospital’s reputation immeasurably. Arguably, this virtuous cycle produces a renewed commitment to patient-centric medicine that improves not only emergency room care but medical care in general.

As the third-largest multi-specialty physician certifying organization in the country, the ABPS is dedicated to world-class patient care and not the politics of medicine. We encourage career EM physicians who share these values to apply for certification with the BCEM. The BCEM provides primary care physicians with a pathway to certification in emergency medicine. With some of the most rigorous eligibility standards in North America, the BCEM requires that primary care physicians complete an accredited and approved primary care residency and at least five years and 7,000 hours of full-time practice in an emergency room. Candidates must also submit documentation attesting to their case experience.

To learn more about the BCEM and our commitment to patient-centered care, or for more information about our eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today.

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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