Physician Dual Certification | Physician Board Recertification | ABPS

Can You Seek Physician Certification and Recertification from More than One Multi-Specialty Certifying Body?

Dual Certification There are only three major multi-specialty board certification bodies in the United States, along with many certification bodies that focus solely on particular specialties. Many physicians currently are credentialed by more than one certifying body.

The Member Boards of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) welcome qualified practitioners who have achieved physician certification through other multi-specialty bodies, including the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOA-BOS). Eligibility for recertification in a chosen specialty through an ABPS Member Board will be determined by a number of factors, including:

The experience and professional standing of the candidate
The willingness of the candidate to complete a non-remedial medical ethics course administered by the ABPS
Other eligibility requirements specific to the particular specialties

Why would it be beneficial for a physician already certified in, say, internal medicine through the ABMS to seek board certification with the ABPS? One example is Urgent Care Medicine, which is only offered by the ABPS and is a quickly growing field nationally. Another specialty unique to the ABPS is Integrative Medicine.

If you are a physician who has achieved board certification through the ABMS, the AOA, or any other certifying body, and you are interested in learning more about becoming recertified with the ABPS or in exploring adding an additional board certification to your professional credentials, contact us today.

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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 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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