Healthcare is Changing. Christopher Kodama, MD, on How ABAM Certification Helps Physicians Take Charge!

Christopher Kodoma, MDHealthcare is transforming at an unprecedented rate, in no small part due to growing interest from patients who are incurring the impacts of rising healthcare costs, despite less than ideal clinical outcomes. We are at an inflection point and need leaders who are able to integrate the pragmatic realities of medical evidence and clinical-care models, as well as understand how to best balance the realities of doctor-patient interactions with delivering services that help us achieve better clinical outcomes more affordably.

Due to these forces, there is a growing demand for physicians who can integrate clinical and business concepts into impactful plans. Physicians who are empowered with the right leadership sensibilities, as well as administrative management knowledge and skills, are uniquely positioned to facilitate collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders.

In my case, earning an MBA was vital in building my business fluency and toolkit for grappling with a wide array of current healthcare challenges. Certification through the American Board of Administrative Medicine (ABAM) was the logical next step. Board certification through the ABAM provides a reliable means of measuring and assessing a physician leader’s management knowledge. Given that ABAM certification is a rigorous process, it serves as a powerful indicator of how well-equipped a physician leader is to contribute to healthcare improvement.

ABAM certification also bolsters a physician leader’s credentials as a valued member of any team focused on improving health care outcomes more affordably and in a manner that puts the patient at the center of how we design our care and business models. As a founding member of the ABAM, I have had the privilege of applying my knowledge and skills in administrative medicine in a variety of roles that include leading healthcare start-up companies, leading the integration of departments to create programs focused on health equity and wellness, and consulting on special strategic projects for healthcare provider systems.

As a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), a nationally recognized multi-specialty certifying body, the ABAM is in good company. Like the other highly regarded certification boards of the ABPS, the ABAM is committed to creating ever more refined ways of measuring knowledge and proficiency in topics relevant to the success of qualified physician specialists.

For more information about how ABAM certification can help physician leaders meet the evolving challenges of our healthcare system, contact the ABPS today.

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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.

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