ABPS Member Boards Serve Qualified Osteopathic and Allopathic Physicians
The Member Boards of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS®) serve qualified osteopathic, as well as allopathic, physicians. In fact, the origin of the parent company of the ABPS, the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc., is closely linked with the osteopathic community. The original name of the organization, which was founded in 1950, was the American Association of Osteopathic Surgeons. It was founded in Joplin, Mo., by Dr. E.O. Martin, and has evolved to become one of the largest and most prestigious multi-specialty certifying bodies in North America.
Eligibility Requirements for ABPS Certification
When it comes to eligibility requirements, the Member Boards of the ABPS make no distinction between a D.O. and an M.D. The eligibility requirements for all of the medical specialties are equally stringent, regardless of the physician’s choice in medical training. What this means is, neither an osteopathic physician nor a medical doctor receives an inherent advantage from ABPS Member Boards. Certification requirements vary by specialty, but all ABPS Member Boards adhere to several general criteria:
- Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, maintaining ethical conduct within the profession, and active participation in the desired specialty.
- Completion of medical education at an accredited U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic medical college.
- Holding a valid and unrestricted medical license to practice in the United States, its territories, or Canada.
Physician Board Certification Serves as a Mark of Distinction
What does it mean for an allopathic or osteopathic physician to achieve board certification through an ABPS Member Board? To begin with, it demonstrates a mastery of the core competencies required to provide the finest medical care available. It means a physician is among the best and brightest within his or her chosen specialty. It means that he or she belongs to a distinguished community of like-minded physicians who prioritize the advancement of patient care and safety, rather than the business of medicine.
The ABPS Encourages Qualified Physicians to Apply for Certification
If you are a licensed physician exploring board certification options, consider applying to one of our Member Boards. We offer a diverse array of certification options, from established fields like family medicine and dermatology to newer areas like interventional pain management and integrative medicine, along with other specialties such as disaster medicine, family medicine obstetrics, and orthopedic surgery. Backed by the strongest standards of ethics and integrity in the medical community, the ABPS is dedicated to helping qualified physicians provide the best care possible. For more information about our certification policies, contact the ABPS.