The importance of integrative medicine being recognized by a national multi-specialty physician certification organization

Integrative MedicineIn recent years, the popularity of Integrative medicine has skyrocketed within the medical community. This specialty is becoming highly coveted because it combines the best practices of conventional medicine with proven complementary and alternative therapies that patients have turned to for years to improve their health and wellness. At the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), we recognize how beneficial this medical specialty is and are proud to be the only national multi-specialty physician certifying organization to offer board certification in Integrative medicine.

Integrative medicine is unique in that it takes a holistic approach to wellness and healthcare – one that emphasizes a strong relationship between patient and practitioner. Increasingly, individuals who are searching for a physician are favoring Integrative medicine specialists because they know that the physician has made a commitment to delivering patient-centric care. At the ABPS, though we realize that some smaller organizations offer certificate programs in this medical specialty, we felt it was important to establish a recognized, comprehensive board certification program for Integrative medicine.

By formalizing board certification in Integrative medicine, the ABPS:

  • Offers qualified physicians the opportunity to demonstrate their experience and expertise in a growing medical specialty
  • Provides clear documentation and validation to hospital credentialing committees and other employers about the qualifications of a physician candidate for employment
  • Demonstrates the physician’s commitment to the core principles of Integrative medicine, including an emphasis on less-invasive treatments and the use of both conventional and alternative medicines

In order to receive board certification through the ABPS, Diplomates must meet our stringent eligibility requirements and demonstrate their mastery of Integrative medicine, while also adhering to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.

To learn more about the importance of board certification for Integrative medicine, and to receive further information about the application process, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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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