Why Specialty Board Certification Makes Sense for Family Medicine Practitioners

Family medicineAs physicians who practice family medicine are well aware, there is much more to the job than conducting annual physicals and diagnosing colds. Depending on the demands of the practice or the needs of the community, a family medicine practitioner might find her- or himself working extensively in a different field of medicine. For example, many rural physicians whose practices emphasize family medicine might spend nearly as much time working at a hospital emergency department or caring for expectant mothers as they do on office appointments.

After a certain amount of time, family medicine practitioners might actually accrue enough relevant experience that they could find themselves eligible to sit for a physician board certification examination in a field other than family medicine. The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS®) presents qualified physicians the opportunity to achieve board certification in medical specialties based in part on case experience and proven knowledge. The certification specialties that are often ideal for family medicine practitioners to pursue include:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Disaster Medicine
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Urgent Care Medicine
  • Family Medicine Obstetrics
  • Family Medicine

The eligibility requirements for ABPS board certification are as stringent as any multi-specialty certification body in North America. The clinically based examinations provide qualified physicians the opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the skill set, knowledge and experience required to provide the finest medical care possible in a given specialty. ABPS Diplomates are recognized as leaders in their respective specialties, and help shape the national conversation about the changing face of North American medical care in the 21st century.

To learn more about the benefits of earning physician board certification in a specialty in line with your knowledge and experience level, contact the ABPS. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty board certification 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.

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
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