The Purpose of Physician Board Recertification Through the ABPS
The purpose of physician board recertification is closely related to the reasons why a physician would seek to achieve board certification in a particular specialty or specialties in the first place. That is, to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to provide patients the best possible care.
Providing a reliable measurement of competence in a given specialty is merely the broad purpose of board certification. Embedded within that broad purpose are many specific and compelling reasons a physician should seek to achieve board certification and recertification in a chosen specialty. The purposes of physician board recertification include the following:
- Recertification enables a physician to maintain his or her mastery of their specialty and enhance his or her professional image.
- Board recertification and certification have come to be expected by some medical groups, hospitals, managed care companies and knowledgeable consumers.
- Board certification, while not mandatory, is required by many employers.
In addition, physician board recertification, through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), provides Diplomates with:
- Unlimited board certification verification and attestation
- Public confirmation
- Use of the ABPS Certification mark
- Participation in Member Board development and governance
- Complimentary membership in the American Association of Physician Specialists (AAPS)
- Membership in a specialty Academy of Medicine
- Career networking opportunities
A National Network of Physicians
When you become recertified through the ABPS, you’ll join a nationwide group of skilled and committed doctors who collaborate to enhance patient care and support their medical fields. As an ABPS Diplomate, you’ll be a respected member of the medical community. Because we focus on giving our Diplomates a voice, we have a strong record of working closely with healthcare organizations, lawmakers, hospital associations, and others to ensure that the contributions and insights of our board-certified doctors are acknowledged and valued.
Requirements for ABPS Recertification
To become recertified through ABPS, you must provide documentation of your ABMS or AOA certification, which must be current or no more than two years past the expiration date. Additionally, you may begin the recertification application process as early as two years before your current certification expires. To recertify with the ABPS you must also:
- Complete a non-remedial medical ethics course
- Certify annually that their medical licenses are full and unrestricted in every state in which they practice
- Pass a 100-question, securely administered written exam in the final year of the eight-year certification cycle
To learn more about the importance of physician board recertification, or to register for recertification, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the AAPS, Inc.