Integrative Medicine Fellowships Prepare Physicians for Board Certification
The American Board of Physician Specialties® developed the nation’s first member board dedicated strictly to providing board certification in the emerging field of Integrative Medicine. Named the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM), this board has standardized the core concepts and competencies that define the specialty, ensuring that our Diplomates represent some of the most imminently qualified physicians in the field. To become board certified through the ABOIM, physician candidates must meet a number of rigorous eligibility requirements, chief among them the successful completion of an approved fellowship in Integrative Medicine.
ABOIM-Approved Fellowships
A complete list of ABOIM-approved fellowships can be found here. However, please note that this list is by no means comprehensive. If you have successfully completed fellowship training from a different institution, please contact the ABOIM to determine your eligibility. As this specialty continues to expand, we frequently increase the number of our approved fellowships to keep up with demand.
Eligibility Requirements of the ABOIM
To apply for initial board certification in integrative medicine, candidates must first meet the general requirements set by the ABPS. These include graduating from a recognized allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine in the U.S., Canada, or internationally, and possessing a valid, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada.
The ABOIM also has its own eligibility criteria, which include:
- Completion of a residency accredited by ACGME, AOA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
- Current or prior board certification by a Member Board of the ABPS, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC.
- Completion of an ABOIM-approved fellowship in integrative medicine.
- Submission of a current curriculum vitae detailing medical education, degrees obtained, and work history, in chronological order.
- Submission of three letters of recommendation from Diplomates of an ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC board of certification.
Once deemed eligible, applicants must pass a computer-based written exam to achieve board certification in integrative medicine. You can find details on application dates and exam fees here.
Once issued, all ABPS certificates remain valid for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.
The primary goal of the ABOIM is to recognize highly experienced and trained physicians who have the firsthand expertise needed to help the field of Integrative Medicine continue to evolve. The need for physician leaders in Integrative Medicine is at an all-time high and ABOIM Diplomates are uniquely well suited to meet the needs of the physician community.
To learn more about our eligibility requirements and the benefits to becoming board certified through the ABOIM and ABPS, contact us today.