The ABPS Is One of the Leading Certifying Bodies in Family Medicine Through its Board of Certification in Family Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) is one of the nation’s largest multi-specialty physician certification organizations in North America, and we are pleased to provide qualified physicians with the opportunity to earn board certification in family practice. We have Diplomates in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada, and our board certified family medicine physicians are recognized for their mastery of this invaluable medical specialty.
Above all else, the ABPS wants to help physicians deliver the best possible treatment to their patients. We view board certification as an essential designation that indicates to the public that our Diplomates have demonstrated their mastery of family medicine and have the knowledge and experience needed to deliver unmatched care.
Eligibility Requirements for Family Medicine Certification With the ABPS
The ABPS offers certification in family medicine through its Member Board, the Board of Certification in Family Medicine (BCFM). To be eligible for board certification in family medicine through the ABPS, each applicant must be a graduate of a recognized college of medicine, hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine, submit three letters of recommendation from board-certified physicians, and provide a documented report of several family medicine cases in which he or she has had a lead management role. Furthermore, the applicant must have completed either an accredited residency in family practice or an AOA-approved internship and general practice residency. You can find detailed information about the eligibility requirements of the BCFM here.
To earn BCFM certification, candidates must pass a computer-based written exam that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered over a four-hour session.
You can find information about dates and fees for the application and the written exam here.
Once granted, all ABPS certificates are good for eight years, expiring on December 31st of the eighth year.
Benefits of ABPS Board Certification for Physicians
While the requirements for board certification are stringent, the benefits are clear. Increasingly, healthcare organizations are prioritizing hiring board certified physicians, while patients consider board certifications when searching for a new physician, making board certification all the more vital. ABPS Diplomates also have access to numerous leadership opportunities and are given the tools needed to continue to advance in their field. In this way, board certification is consistently evolving to better serve the physician, his or her patients, and the employing organization.
Benefits of ABPS Board Certification for Patients
Simply put, board certification reassures patients. For many, seeing a doctor can be stressful, but certification from a nationally recognized entity like the ABPS signifies that their physician is exceptionally qualified to provide safe and effective medical care. Certification gives patients confidence in their doctors and the treatment they receive. Because a patient’s health and well-being are a good physician’s top priority, the assurance that certification gives patients cannot be overstated.
Benefits of ABPS Board Certification for Employers
Healthcare organizations recognize that ABPS board certification demands a substantial dedication of time and effort, and only the most skilled and dedicated physicians earn the distinction. Healthcare organizations value hiring certified doctors on staff because they have proven through the certification process that they are experts in their field. Employing ABPS-certified physicians enhances the prestige of healthcare organizations, enabling them to legitimately promote themselves as premier medical facilities.
Get More Information About BCFM Certification
If you are a physician who has extensive experience in family medicine and are interested in pursuing board certification in family medicine through the BCFM, contact the ABPS today. We’ll be happy to explain our eligibility requirements and walk you through the benefits of being board certified by one of the largest multi-specialty physician certifying bodies in North America.