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The Importance of Recognizing ABPS Board-Certified Physicians

Portrait of happy doctors, nurses, and other medical staff The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is one of the three most prominent nationally recognized multi-specialty certifying entities in the United States, but it is not as well-known as the ABMS and the AOA. This represents an unfortunate state of affairs. That’s because too many medical organizations fail to recognize eminently qualified medical specialists with ABPS certification.  Aside from the impact this can have on their careers, ultimately, it’s patients who are denied the expert care that these physicians provide.

Failing to recognize ABPS certification is deeply unfortunate also when you consider that the standards of the ABPS are no less rigorous than those of the ABMS and the AOA. In fact, since our founding in 1952, we have established some of the highest certification standards in the industry, benefiting physicians, medical organizations, and the public at large. We have long maintained a pragmatic approach to physician board certification, certifying and recertifying both allopathic and osteopathic physicians. We don’t discriminate based on training, and our certification exams are clinically based, posing questions with direct clinical bearing. In effect, qualified physicians who meet our strict eligibility requirements and pass our psychometrically validated exams prove that they have the clinical acumen and problem-solving skills gained from their real-world experience.

Furthermore, to maintain certification, every ABPS Diplomate must adhere to our code of ethics, ensuring that patients receive the safe, quality care they expect from a medical specialist. It’s notable that we are the only major certifying body that requires a non-remedial medical ethics course, which provides physicians with an indispensable guide in their medical practice.

Why the ABPS?

Diplomates of the ABPS can be found in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, and many of these specialists have become leaders at renowned institutions. What’s more, the ABPS:

  • Is recognized in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook and by the CMS as a choice for physician board certification
  • Uses Verisys, one of the nation’s largest healthcare provider credentialing companies

If you would like to learn more about the ABPS, our mission, and our certification board, 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.

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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