Highlights of ABPS Orthopedic Surgery Eligibility Requirements

Orthopedic SurgeryThe eligibility requirements for qualified physicians to take the exam to become board certified in Orthopedic Surgery are as stringent as those of every specialty administered by the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS). The tests are developed under the most rigorous standards in the physician board certification industry. What that means is, the eligibility requirements are set to include only physicians who are truly qualified to attempt to earn the distinction of becoming certified through the Board of Certification in Orthopedic Surgery (BCOS).

In addition to the baseline eligibility requirements held in common by all ABPS Member Boards, there are additional, specific requirements for potential candidates to become eligible to attempt to become board certified in Orthopedic Surgery.

Highlights of these eligibility requirements include:

  • Demonstration of evidence that you have performed a minimum of 200 surgical procedures on one’s own initiative in Orthopedic Surgery. Documentation on letterhead from a hospital administrator is required.
  • Submission of two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of an ABPS, ABMS, or AOA-recognized board of certification
  • Submission of a list of surgical procedures performed on one’s own initiative for the two-year period prior to application
  • Submission of 10 complete case reports in accordance with the case report requirements furnished by the BCOS. Case reports must be no older than twelve (12) months from the date the candidate’s application for certification is received by ABPS.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements for board certification in Orthopedic Surgery, contact the ABPS. 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.

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
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