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Reasons to Consider the ABPS for Certification and Recertification in Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic SurgeryAs healthcare standards have evolved over the past 50 years, board certification has been proven one of the most effective methods for qualified physicians to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge and ability. The need for specialty certification in fields such as Orthopedic Surgery is now greater than ever. Board certification is a voluntary process that is intended to demonstrate the mastery of the core body of knowledge and skills necessary for a specific specialty or specialties.

There are many individual specialty physician certifying bodies in the United States, but not all of them adhere to the most stringent and rigorous standards. Historically, many physicians have only been aware of one or two certifying organizations. In reality, there are three established and well-respected multispecialty certifying bodies in the United States: the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The ABPS began to certify physicians in 1960, but it is not commonly known as a choice for Orthopedic Surgery.

Board of Certification in Orthopedic Surgery (BCOS)

Developed by the ABPS), the Board of Certification in Orthopedic Surgery (BCOS) allows orthopedic specialists to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skill to provide the finest care possible, as well as a firm grasp of the core competencies of the specialty.

Here are a few things you should know about the ABPS:

  • The ABPS is one of the nation’s leading certifying bodies for both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians.
  • The rigorous standards of physician recertification and certification established by the ABPS compare favorably with the ABMS and AOA.
  • Member boards of the ABPS offer exams that focus on the physician’s clinical knowledge and not the politics of medicine.
  • The ABPS is the only multi-specialty certifying body that will recertify active, qualified diplomates of ABMS and AOA.
  • ABPS has diplomates in all of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
  • Diplomates of ABPS are graduates of some of the nation’s most prestigious medical schools and have been accepted in practice at some of the country’s top healthcare institutions.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements of the BCOS?

To be eligible for certification in orthopedic surgery, candidates must meet baseline requirements common to all ABPS Member Boards. The BCOS also requires that candidates applying for certification:

  • Show evidence that they have performed at least 200 surgical procedures on their own initiative
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of a certification board recognized by the ABPS, ABMS, or AOA
  • Submit a list of surgical procedures

Once candidates are deemed eligible, they are required to pass a rigorously validated examination that assesses their practical knowledge in the field of orthopedic surgery. The BCOS exam, like all ABPS certification exams, adheres to the highest standards in the industry. Candidates who pass BCOS exams are in a rare group as only the most dedicated physicians earn board certification through an ABPS Member Board.

The BCOS Invites Qualified Orthopedic Surgeons to Apply for Certification

We sincerely hope that as you study your options for board certification and recertification in Orthopedic Surgery, you will consider the ABPS.  To learn more about the benefits of board certification with ABPS, and to request information about ABPS Member Board eligibility in Orthopedic Surgery, please visit online or contact the certification department at (813) 433-2277, extension 26. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty board certification 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.

Far too often, medicine is led by less than 5% of non-practicing physicians taking away and replacing the voice of the 95% of physicians practicing and placing patient safety and care first on the front lines every day. The American Board of Physician Specialties has raised the standards in physician board certification not only in the quality of their boards of certification, but in hearing and allowing for the voice of those active physicians caring directly for patients. Having been a part of the ABPS over the last 28 years has allowed me to grow as a woman leader in a field often wrought with challenges. It helped me and others raise the bar of the standards of care in my specialty, Emergency Medicine, through their Board Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM). ABPS also helped raise the standards of care for 21st century medicine through their certifications in other specialties, particularly in Integrative Medicine & Disaster Medicine. Having physician voices heard matters to medicine and is essential in the betterment of patient safety and care.

Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
Emergency Medicine
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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