Board Certification and Recertification for Family Medicine Obstetrics

Family Medicine ObstetricsAs family medicine obstetrics continues to gain ground as a recognized and needed medical specialty, it becomes more and more crucial for physicians who choose this specialty to have the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in the core competencies and experience required to provide patients the highest quality of care and treatment. The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) responded to that need by establishing the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics (BCFMO).

The BCFMO recognizes that physicians who practice family medicine obstetrics provide full OB care as part of their family practices, and therefore require an examination, certification, and recertification system that addresses and recognizes the scope of the practices they manage. The BCFMO also understands that many family medicine physicians gain an advanced level of training and experience through recognized fellowship programs or their historical equivalent. Family medicine obstetrics board certification through the BCFMO has been developed specifically to meet this need.

BCFMO board certification is comparable and equivalent with other nationally recognized certification bodies. In fact, the development of the BCFMO was undertaken by dedicated family medicine physicians from the United States and Canada, some of whom are dual-boarded through the ABPS, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS).

The mission of the BCFMO is to provide qualified physicians practicing family medicine obstetrics who have completed advanced training in maternity care (including operative obstetrics) the opportunity to demonstrate the highest degree of quality and a core body of knowledge that is conveyed by certification in family medicine alone. The BCFMO is completely dedicated to women’s health, and facilitates continual learning among family medicine physicians caring for pregnant patients.

For information about BCFMO certification and recertification requirements, 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.

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