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Internists Have a Recognized Choice in Internal Medicine With ABPS

Smiling physician with arms crossed and stethoscope draped around his neck The Board of Certification in Internal Medicine® (BCIM) is an excellent choice for internists who want to be recognized for their knowledge, competency, and dedication to their profession. Governed by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS)—one of three nationally recognized bodies for physician board certification—the BCIM offers a comprehensive certification exam for qualified doctors.

As with all other ABPS certification exams, the BCIM’s clinically based test gives physicians the opportunity to prove that they indeed have the skills and knowledge required to deliver exceptional care in internal medicine. Unlike many other non-ABPS exams, the BCIM exam is prepared not by academics, but by physicians who practice their medical specialty daily. It tests candidates on relevant medical experience, posing scenarios based on common clinical encounters. It’s an exam that emphasizes the candidate’s capacity to provide great patient care rather than simply memorizing facts. It’s not surprising that the BCIM is managed by physicians, who understand that a certification program derived from the study and practice of thousands of physicians before them amounts to a true test of a doctor’s expertise.

The BCIM also stands apart from other certification boards in that it has no time-limited period for physicians to complete the certification process after residency. After all, physicians are busy professionals who have already invested considerable time and money in their medical training. To be denied a certification opportunity because they’re busy practicing the specialty for which they have been trained is not only unfair, but also short-sighted. Given the necessary time to dedicate to the stringent certification process, many BCIM Diplomates go on to establish successful careers in internal medicine and now practice at some of the nation’s most trusted medical institutions.

Another important reason that the BCIM represents an ideal choice is its lack of maintenance of certification (MOC) rules, which can make it difficult to maintain certification credentials. With the BCIM, physicians are freed from burdensome MOC requirements.  Unlike the accumulated “points” requirements associated with MOC, recertification through the BCIM is required every eight years, which eliminates what many doctors consider a duplication of existing continuing medical education (CME) programs. The BCIM offers a number of CME opportunities, ensuring that internal medicine physicians stay abreast of the latest medical advances to better serve their patients.

If you would like more information about BCIM certification, including eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to the ABPS. Current Diplomates of the ABMS and the AOA are eligible to recertify with the BCIM.

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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.

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
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
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