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The Path to Board Certification Through The American Board of Physician Specialties

Medical Board Certification RequirementsAt the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), we are proud to serve as one of the leading certifying bodies in the United States. ABPS Diplomates practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. And one of the defining elements of our organization is a commitment to helping physicians deliver the best possible care to their patients. This starts with our stringent board certification process, which ensures that each physician has a base of knowledge, professional skill, and commitment to getting better at their craft. What ABPS does not do is establish arbitrary time constraints for certification.

America, like the rest of the world, has a clear shortage of health care professionals, including board certified physicians. And as the global population continues to grow, and the American healthcare system is further extended by the aging population, the need for qualified, experienced physicians becomes even more essential. At ABPS, we know how important it is for board eligible physicians to have a clear path toward certification or recertification, and we want to help qualified professionals receive the accreditation they’ve earned.

While eligibility requirements for board certification vary depending on your specialty, our physicians must at minimum:

  • Have three (and in some cases five) years of advanced specialty training or residency
  • Have an active, unrestricted medical license
  • Obtain recertification after eight years
  • Take 50 hours a year of Continuing Medical Education (CME) in order to be eligible for recertification
  • Complete a non-remedial medical ethics course as part of the recertification process

We don’t believe in creating needless barriers toward certification and we want to provide options to board eligible physicians who are looking to become board certified. If you have extensive experience in your field but are not board certified, make the investment in yourself to receive this vital designation. To learn more about the specific eligibility requirements for your specialty or subspecialty, contact the ABPS today. Even if you’re more than a few years removed from your residency.

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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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