Family Physicians Working in Emergency Medicine Can Distinguish Themselves With BCEM Certification

BCEMRight now, there are thousands of family physicians working with great dedication in emergency departments across the country. Their impeccable diagnostic skills and patient care expertise should come as no surprise to members of the medical community. After all, family medicine is a multi-disciplinary specialty that includes extensive training in emergency medicine departments and requires a skill set that’s broad enough to serve a wide variety of patients.

Too often, however, potential employers overlook the emergency medicine contributions of these specialists because, unlike many of their peers, they have not completed a specific residency in emergency medicine. As a further complication, family physicians who work in emergency departments have traditionally been considered ineligible for certification in emergency medicine. So, in a time when more healthcare organizations are viewing board certification as a prerequisite for employment, these specialists may find that the road to career advancement presents one obstacle after another.

Thankfully, the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine® (BCEM), a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), offers a unique opportunity for qualified family medicine physicians who have extensive experience in the ED.

BCEM certification can markedly increase a physician’s employment opportunities, says Jerry Allison, MD, FAAEP, BCEM Diplomate and emergency medicine physician leader in Dallas. “Candidates who present the BCEM credential help simplify the hiring and verification process. Certification is an added credential when presented along with other primary care physicians who do not hold this certificate.”

A BCEM-certified physician is one who has demonstrated competency in emergency medicine by passing a psychometrically sound written and oral exam. Furthermore, through BCEM certification, Diplomates improve their qualifications for leadership positions in emergency medicine and acquire credentials that strengthen their ability to prevent and fight litigation.

If you are a family physician with emergency medicine experience who wants a well-deserved career boost, contact the ABPS. We can give you information about the eligibility requirements for BCEM certification as well as more details about the advantages of earning this nationally recognized distinction.

 

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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