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Importance of Integrative Medicine Board Certification

Integrative Medicine Board Certification ImportanceThe American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) established the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM) to recognize highly competent, experienced physicians through a standardized board certification process. Today, Diplomates of the ABOIM represent some of the most highly trained and experienced Integrative Medicine specialists in North America, and their patients, peers, and employers recognize their mastery of the core competencies that define this branch of medicine.

The field of Integrative Medicine has evolved dramatically over the last several decades. As Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., explains, this time was necessary to “create competencies so that we could say ‘this is what a well-trained physician in IM should know.’ We now have an academic consortium of medical schools and health science centers – more than 50 of them; this is a reflection of the fact that this field has grown to a place where we really need this kind of recognition and certification.”

Yet, when any medical field grows as rapidly as Integrative Medicine has, it is important to establish processes in order to identify and recognize physicians who have the verifiable expertise and experience in the specialty area. The formation of the ABOIM was a significant step in the growth of Integrative Medicine. According to Randy Horwitz, M.D., this member board “adds credibility to the field in that there’s rigorous testing involved and rigorous standards that are established for physicians and clinicians in the field.” It is because of these rigorous requirements that Board Certified physicians are accepted by the public as leaders in their chosen career path.

Board Certification has been, and will continue to be, a trusted indicator of a physician’s expertise. Considering the rapid growth seen in Integrative Medicine, and the clear demand from the public for Integrative Medicine physicians, the formation of the ABOIM was an essential step toward taking “this emerging field to a new level of recognition and credibility both for the general public and the broader academic setting,” according to Scott Shannon, M.D.

To learn more about becoming board certified through the ABPS and the specific benefits to becoming an ABOIM Diplomate, contact us 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
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