ABPS Diplomates Are Committed to Medical Ethics
At the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), we make a concerted effort to ensure that our Diplomates represent some of the most educated, experienced, and ethical physicians currently practicing medicine. This is why, in 2005, we began requiring that all physicians interested in recertifying with an ABPS Member Board must complete Medical Ethics training every eight years.
The ABPS Medical Ethics Course
To make this process as engaging and beneficial to our Diplomates as possible, we began offering our AAPS Medical Ethics Course, which is taught by Mark Pastin, Ph.D. Pastin is president and CEO of the Health Ethics Trust, a division of the Council of Ethical Organizations. This class is unique in that it not only provides an understanding of the theoretical and historical foundations of medical ethics but also focuses on practical, complex ethical issues that physicians are frequently faced with in contemporary medical practice. The advantage of this approach is that participants are given the opportunity to review real life case studies, with a Harvard-educated ethics specialist, that are based on common situations, making them relatable to physicians who are taking the course.
As Dr. Pastin explains, “The greatest benefit of the course to physicians is the shared experience with other physicians when confronting the complex ethical issues of contemporary medical practice.” Rather than focusing on fictionalized scenarios, which can often be difficult to relate to and largely impractical, participants have the opportunity to review situations they’re most likely to face in practice. By reviewing these ethical quandaries as a group, physicians are encouraged to share best practices, brainstorm solutions, and gain insights into the ethical decisions that their peers make every day. The course also focuses on applying ethical decision-making tools to actual circumstances, training physicians on understanding the appropriate roles of medical ethics/bioethics committees, and explaining methods for guiding public discussion on medical ethics issues.
Eligibility Requirements for ABPS Board Certification
To maintain the integrity of our certification process, the ABPS holds all candidates to high standards of eligibility. These include:
- Graduation from a recognized allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the U.S., Canada, or internationally (with ECFMG certification for international graduates).
- Holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S., its territories, or Canada.
- Completion of an accredited residency program, such as one recognized by the ACGME, AOA, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, depending on the specialty.
- Demonstrating active clinical practice in the specialty for which certification is sought.
- Meeting specialty-specific training or experience requirements, as determined by the relevant ABPS Member Board.
Ethical practice and professional development are central to the ABPS mission. The inclusion of medical ethics training in the recertification process underscores our commitment to fostering integrity and excellence in the medical profession.
Take the Next Step Toward Certification
If you’re a physician dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and maintaining the highest ethical standards, the ABPS offers a respected pathway to board certification. Join a community of like-minded professionals who prioritize clinical excellence and integrity. Contact the ABPS today to learn more about eligibility requirements and begin your journey toward certification or recertification in your specialty.