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Family Physicians Have a Choice in Family Medicine Board Certification

Family Medicine ABPSAt the Board of Certification in Family Medicine® (BCFM), we encourage all physicians to do their due diligence and explore all of the opportunities for board certification currently available to them. While board certification has become a trusted barometer of physician aptitude, each of the three primary multi-specialty certifying organizations in North America have their own unique advantages, which should be fully considered. With the BCFM, for example, we have a strong track record of working on behalf of our Diplomates to ensure that their voices are heard and that our physicians get every opportunity for professional success.

Eligibility Requirements for Certification With the BCFM

To be eligible for board certification through the BCFM, candidates must:

  • Hold a valid license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada
  • Have completed an accredited residency in Family Medicine or have successfully completed an AOA-approved internship or an AOA-approved General Practice residency, and have two years of full-time experience with 300 hours of continuing medical education training
  • Submit a documented report of at least ten Family Medicine cases for which the physician had the lead role in the last 12 months
  • Meet other eligibility requirements outlined here

Why Family Medicine Physicians Seek Certification in the Specialty

Family medicine physicians pursue board certification in the specialty despite the rigorous requirements because the benefits are compelling. With healthcare organizations increasingly prioritizing the hiring of board-certified physicians and patients considering board certifications in their search for a new physician, board certification becomes a crucial asset. ABPS Diplomates gain access to numerous leadership opportunities and receive valuable tools for continuous advancement in their field. This evolving board certification not only serves the physician but also enhances patient care and benefits the employing organization. Similarly, achieving BCFM certification, though highly competitive, offers family physicians a verifiable record of their knowledge and expertise in providing exceptional emergency care in diverse settings.

Beyond showcasing medical proficiency, BCFM certification underscores ethical practice, with all Diplomates adhering to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics. Ultimately, BCFM certification positions family physicians as highly qualified emergency medicine professionals, elevates their leadership status in the healthcare community, and opens doors to expanded opportunities for career advancement.

Get More Information About the BCFM

To learn more about the BCFM as well as the benefits to becoming board certified with ABPS, contact us today. The Board of Certification in Family Medicine® was developed by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) to provide an opportunity for physicians who specialize in family medicine to become certified in their area of expertise. The ABPS is the third-largest multi-specialty physician certifying organization in the United States, and our Diplomates currently practice medicine in all 50 states as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. As a result, when you choose to pursue board certification with one of our Member Boards, you can be confident that you will be part of a robust community of like-minded physicians who have demonstrated their aptitude and leadership in all areas of medicine.

The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®

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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.

Far too often, medicine is led by less than 5% of non-practicing physicians taking away and replacing the voice of the 95% of physicians practicing and placing patient safety and care first on the front lines every day. The American Board of Physician Specialties has raised the standards in physician board certification not only in the quality of their boards of certification, but in hearing and allowing for the voice of those active physicians caring directly for patients. Having been a part of the ABPS over the last 28 years has allowed me to grow as a woman leader in a field often wrought with challenges. It helped me and others raise the bar of the standards of care in my specialty, Emergency Medicine, through their Board Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM). ABPS also helped raise the standards of care for 21st century medicine through their certifications in other specialties, particularly in Integrative Medicine & Disaster Medicine. Having physician voices heard matters to medicine and is essential in the betterment of patient safety and care.

Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Emergency Medicine
On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
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
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
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