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Usage Guidelines and Examples

Introduction

The material and instructions contained in this Guide are intended to familiarize active Diplomates with the rules and regulations governing the use of Diplomate Certification Service Mark (the “Mark”) of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS). The rules are based on laws which dictate requirements for the use of federally registered service marks, and they are intended to protect the integrity of the Mark.

The Mark identifies physicians who have obtained Diplomate certification from one of the ABPS certifying Boards and serves as a visual symbol of demonstrated achievement and a credential verifying the physician’s skills and experience, and its usage of the Mark is restricted to this group of physicians. ABOIM Diplomates may also utilize the Mark that distinguishes them as an integrative medicine specialist. Any other usage is a violation of Federal and State laws.

Usage Guidelines

The Mark must always appear in the colors and font specified and must never be altered in any way (other than in size). The Mark should always be clearly presented and should not be placed in close proximity to distracting design or copy elements. Adequate clearance around the Mark should be maintained.

The Mark may not be used as a part of or incorporated in the name of a practice group or a group’s logos, or used in a manner which implies that the practice group is entitled to use the Mark. This provision is applicable even in those instances where one or more members of the group are authorized to use the Mark in association with their name.

The Mark is not to be used in a way that it appears as part of a physician’s title or degree, and should be used only in connection with the services provided by the physician who is entitled to display the Mark.

The Mark may be used on stationery, business cards, resumes, brochures and other materials, but only in association with the names of physicians who have achieved Diplomate certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can the Mark be used?

An active Diplomate certified by an ABPS Member Board can use the Mark , on stationery, business cards, resumes, brochures and other similar materials. It can only be used by the physician, and cannot be used in association with the name of a practice group.

2. Can I hand draw or recreate the Mark?

No. The mark must be used exactly as it has been created and may not be redrawn although it can be adjusted in size.

3. Is there a minimum size for the Mark?

No. However, to ensure its legibility, the minimum recommended print size is 0.75” in height, and for web site usage 120 pixels.

4. Are there restrictions on where the Mark can be placed on stationery or business cards?

No. The Mark may be placed anywhere you prefer. However, to maintain distinctiveness, the Mark should be proportionally isolated from other graphic elements. It should not be reproduced on strongly patterned backgrounds that would diminish its recognizability and it must not be obscured by intersection lines, rules, shadows, screens or other graphic devices.

5. May I use the Mark in any color?

No. The Mark must always be in the specified colors. PMS blue 288 and PMS yellow 109. No other colors are permissible.

6. Where can I get the Mark?

Download the ABPS Diplomate Mark Here

Click here to view examples of appropriate usage of the Mark.

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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.

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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