Radiology Board Certification and Recertification Through the ABPS

Radiology Board CertificationRadiology board certification through the American Board of Physician Specialties enables practitioners of Radiation Oncology and Diagnostic Radiology to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and experience required to provide competent, effective treatment and diagnostic services for their patients. The Board of Certification in Radiology (BCR) administers medical certifications for both specialties. Industry politics play no role in determining who becomes board certified through the BCR. The only thing that matters is that eligible practicing physicians demonstrate a mastery and knowledge of the core competencies required to provide care and diagnostic service.

As with all ABPS specialties, Diplomates who seek recertification in Radiation Oncology and Diagnostic Radiology must complete a non-remedial medical ethics course. This is one of many distinguishing requirements for the ABPS, which is the official certifying body for the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. In addition, the written and oral exams are developed and validated under rigorous standards by BCR Diplomates who are practicing physicians. What that means is that once a physician has achieved radiology board certification through the ABPS, he or she has the opportunity to become involved in a variety of opportunities for involvement and organizational leadership, including exam development, exam administering, and promotion of the specialty.

The format of the written exams for both Radiation Oncology and Diagnostic Radiology is multiple-choice, single-response questions. If a candidate is successful in passing the written portion of the Radiation Oncology board certification exam, the candidate will advance to the oral exam at the next testing administration.

The oral exam for Radiation Oncology consists of two clinical and one physics case presentation, in which the candidate describes his or her approach to managing a case presented by an examiner. The oral exam for Diagnostic Radiology consists of three to five case presentations. Trained examiners who have achieved radiology board certification conduct the oral exams.

For information about the eligibility requirements for BCR testing in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology, contact the ABPS today.

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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.

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