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Physicians: Are You Ready?

ABODM Board CertificationWhen it comes to any emergency situation, preparedness is of the utmost importance, particularly among physicians who are heavily relied upon to respond in times of crisis. When a disaster occurs – be it manmade or natural – it is up to the healthcare community to provide immediate, high-quality care to those affected and also be prepared to provide continuing care in the hours, days, and weeks that follow the event in order to ensure optimal patient outcomes as part of the overall recovery efforts. In a post-9/11 world, the specialty of Disaster Medicine has become more relevant than ever, and communities across the globe are increasingly investing in preparedness plans to ensure that should the unspeakable occur, there is a clear plan in place to respond in a timely, organized manner.

One of the inherent challenges of Disaster Medicine is that every disaster is, by nature, unique. From infectious disease outbreaks to mass casualty situations, it is vital that physicians are ready for just about anything – which is obviously easier said than done. However, there is a common saying in healthcare today that Disaster Medicine really should be every physician’s second specialty. As Dr. Art Cooper, a leading Diplomate of the American Board of Disaster Medicine (ABODM), explained in a recent interview discussing the lessons learned from the attacks on September 11th, in a disaster situation, it’s “all hands on deck” and physicians need to keep in mind the “three Cs” of disaster response:

  • Coordination – It’s essential to have a clear plan in place where healthcare providers know their role as a disaster unfolds, and it is up to local government entities and other organizations to develop comprehensive emergency response plans that are regularly updated and improved.
  • Collaboration – Physicians need to be prepared to assume leadership roles during a crisis, but also be comfortable collaborating with peers, taking direction, and doing what it takes to provide the best possible care to their various patients and the community as a whole.
  • Communication – Healthcare providers need to all work together to provide the most efficient care possible and ensure that they are providing the best information to their patients to prevent panic and uncertainty.

Emergency preparedness is about recognizing that a disaster can occur at any given moment, and physicians must be ready to take the individual responsibility to meet the needs of their patients. If you are a physician who specializes in Disaster Medicine, becoming board certified in your area of expertise through the ABODM (a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties®) is an excellent option as you will become part of a community of like-minded Diplomates who share best practices and are actively helping this integral specialty evolve. Contact us today to learn more.

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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.

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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