As Healthcare Becomes More Complex, Physicians are Increasingly Turning to Administrative Medicine

The Affordable Care Act has created more leadership opportunities for motivated physicians than ever before. As the healthcare industry has grown increasingly complex, many physicians are electing to pursue formal training in healthcare management, often to be better prepared to run their own practice or to be better situated to assume leadership roles as their career advances further. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the University of California-Irvine offered the first joint M.D./M.B.A. degree, but today, it is an extremely common dual degree – and with good reason. Physicians with credentials signifying that they are experts in both the healthcare and business side of medicine have never been more in demand.

The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) developed the American Board of Administrative Medicine® in response to the important role that physician leaders have, and will continue to have, in healthcare. To be eligible to pursue board certification with the ABAM, physician candidates must have either five years of experience in an administrative position with certifiable experience pursuing additional training outlined here, or have completed a master’s degree in one of the following:

  • Business administration
  • Medical management
  • Health administration

ABAM Diplomates are situated to meet the needs of their employers and bring their unique perspective into both patient care and business into the board room. Additionally, many physicians who oversee or manage private practices have found that it is more important than ever to be business savvy in order to ensure the long-term success and stability of their offices. In short, these doctors have the tools they need to improve healthcare across all levels.

To learn more about Administrative Medicine, and for information about eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®.

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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