Hospitals Considering Options to Attract Additional Qualified Physicians Need to Consider Those Certified by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS)

For physicians, board certification is a mark of distinction. It signifies that they have acquired education beyond the requirements of their chosen specialty, and have proven through rigorous testing that they are among the most skilled medical specialists practicing today. Hospitals across the country clearly understand that earning board certification requires talent and dedication, which is why so many institutions have prioritized the hiring of board-certified physicians.

As certification continues to grow in importance, so will the competition among hospitals to hire the best and brightest medical professionals. But, with bylaws that recognize only certain physician certifying bodies, too many institutions undermine their own efforts to attract qualified physicians, ultimately, depriving patients of opportunities to receive exceptional medical care.

At the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), we encourage hospitals to consider physicians certified by one of our nationally recognized boards. Our eligibility requirements and testing standards are every bit as stringent as those of the nation’s other prominent multi-specialty certifying bodies. In fact, the ABPS’ requirement for recertification after eight years—as opposed to the typical 10 years—ensures that ABPS-certified physicians stay updated on medical advancements for an extensive period.

Since certifying our first physician in 1960, we have certified numerous highly skilled specialists in traditional medical fields such as dermatology, family medicine, and internal medicine, as well as in several emerging specialties. Notably, we are the only multispecialty board that offers certification in family medicine obstetrics, disaster medicine, and integrative medicine. Altogether, the ABPS has 12 specialty boards and Diplomates in 20 specialties.

With Diplomates across all 50 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, the ABPS is committed to physician certification that creates standards for identifying world-class specialists who deliver safe and compassionate medical care. For more information, about the ABPS, our Member Boards, and our Diplomates, contact us.

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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.

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