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Physicians Deserve a Choice in Board Certification and Recertification

Physician ChoiceAt the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), we believe that physicians deserve a choice when it comes to certification and recertification. As the third-largest nationally recognized multi-specialty physician certifying body, we have Diplomates in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, who turned to us because they wanted to be recognized by an organization that values their opinion and lets their voices be heard.

While the ABPS may be the youngest of the three primary physician certifying organizations in North America, our eligibility requirements are equally as stringent and our Diplomates are just as highly qualified. We certify physicians who have extensive firsthand experience in their field of medicine, have mastered their specialty, and are eager to be recognized for their expertise by a well respected and established certifying body.

ABPS Diplomates Are Leaders in Their Fields

ABPS is not content to rest on its laurels, however. Efforts are ongoing to educate healthcare organizations, hospital groups, physician CEOs, and various industry leaders about the extensive qualifications of our Diplomates. Today, physicians who have received board certification through our organization hold leadership positions throughout North America and our network of physicians is vast, growing, and well respected. We are aggressively working with state legislators across the country to fight unfair medical licensure compacts, partnering with the Veterans Health Administration to end discriminatory hiring practices, and constantly reaching out to hiring organizations to ensure our Diplomates receive the consideration they deserve. We know that our Diplomates had a choice and picked us, and we’re going to do right by them.

How to Apply for ABPS Board Certification

To apply for ABPS certification, candidates must satisfy both general requirements and specialty-specific criteria as established by our boards. These standards differ across specialties but are designed to demonstrate proficiency in essential competencies. The ABPS places a strong emphasis on psychometrically evaluated testing, along with advanced training, moral character, and professional experience.

Certification for each specialty requires passing a written exam composed of multiple-choice questions. Some specialties further necessitate an oral exam to demonstrate diagnostic and treatment capabilities. All ABPS certifications encompass the crucial technical knowledge and skills pertinent to each medical specialty. The criteria for recertification also differ by specialty board.

Benefits of ABPS Certification for Physicians

The process of obtaining ABPS board certification is stringent, but achieving it positions you among a distinguished group of medical professionals recognized across the healthcare sector. As an ABPS-certified physician, you will enjoy numerous benefits including:

  • Extensive networking opportunities with other medical professionals,
  • Enhanced prospects for career advancement and the potential for increased earnings,
  • A significant role and voice within the medical community,
  • Opportunities to contribute your expertise and clinical insights.

Becoming ABPS certified not only elevates your professional standing but also impacts your career and community contributions positively.

To learn more about the American Board of Physician Specialties, the advantages to board certification through our organization, and our various eligibility requirements, contact us today. You can also read about the ABPS certification policies here, including details about our application process.

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Patient Care Is Our Priority

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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