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How BCFMO Certification Benefits Physicians

Lauren Linken, MDThe American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) offers qualified physicians in family medicine obstetrics an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge to practice their specialty at the highest level. The ABPS is a nationally recognized, multi-specialty board-certifying body with stringent eligibility requirements, and to achieve certification through our Member Board, the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics (BCFMO®), eligible physicians must pass some of the most rigorous exams in the industry. Hence, only talented and dedicated physicians become certified by the BCFMO.

Increasingly, hospitals across the country are prioritizing hiring board-certified physicians as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. Besides elevating the prestige of medical organizations, board-certified physicians, like our BCFMO Diplomates, inspire confidence in their patients, who often choose doctors based on their credentials. But how does BCFMO certification benefit physicians?

Let Lauren Linken, MD, a BCFMO Diplomate, tell you:

Casey Hicks, MD“In 2015, fresh out of fellowship training, I accepted a position with a Federally Qualified Health Center to practice family medicine and obstetrics. The hospital had ob-gyn physicians only and, for almost 30 years, no family medicine doctor had performed a delivery there. When I applied for my privileges, I was asked via a questionnaire, ‘Are you board certified?’ I was, through the American Board of Family Medicine. The questionnaire also asked, ‘Are you board eligible?’ I was, too, as I had completed a fellowship in obstetrics and was eligible to take the board exam offered by BCFMO. Because I had completed a fellowship, had met all my ‘numbers,’ and was board eligible, I was granted privileges. I went on to successfully complete my BCFMO exam and, since then, I have kept my full privileges.

“My partner, Casey Hicks, MD, was another story. He had completed a fellowship in tropical medicine, which included a significant amount of maternity care and cesarean sections – but in Africa, and it was not an obstetric fellowship per se. Although Dr. Hicks had the skill set to perform full-spectrum low- and high-risk obstetrics, including surgical deliveries, he was denied privileges. They did allow him to perform vaginal deliveries and assist in my surgeries, but he had to take further steps to get full privileges. He worked with me for a year doing an obstetric fellowship, and became board eligible. He passed his boards and had no problems applying for and accepting full privileges to practice obstetrics. Without the BCFMO, I don’t think this would have been a possibility for Dr. Hicks.”

The ABPS encourages physicians interested in expanding their career opportunities, whether through gaining employment or hospital privileges, to pursue certification with the BCFMO. To learn about its eligibility requirements, or the benefits of BCFMO certification, contact the ABPS today.

 

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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
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