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The Value of Physician Board Certification Through the ABPS

Physican's handds during a consultationThe value of physician board certification becomes evident to most medical students early on in the educational journey. Even the earliest undergraduate student with a desire to become an accomplished physician understands that certification is a voluntary process that is intended to demonstrate the mastery of the core body of knowledge and skills necessary for a specific specialty or specialties. In addition, board certification is useful for distinguishing one physician or a group of physicians from others.

What some medical students (and even established physicians) might not know is that they have a choice when it comes to physician board certification and recertification. In addition to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association-Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOA-BOS), board certification is available through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

In fact, there are many reasons to consider the value of physician board certification through the ABPS. There are many physician certifying bodies in North America, but not all of them are governed by the kind of stringent and rigorous standards under which the ABPS operates. It might come as a surprise to some that the standards adhered to by the ABPS are equivalent to or exceed those of other prominent certifying bodies.

Eligibility Requirements for ABPS Certification

To qualify for ABPS certification, candidates must satisfy general requirements as well as specific criteria set by our specialty boards. These standards, which vary by specialty, are intended to demonstrate a candidate’s expertise in core competencies of the specialty. All ABPS Member Boards share an emphasis on psychometrically evaluated testing, advanced training, moral character, and professional experience.

Each specialty certification requires passing a written examination with multiple-choice questions. For some specialties, an oral exam is also necessary, allowing candidates to showcase their diagnostic and treatment skills. All ABPS certifications assess the essential technical knowledge, skills, and abilities that are critical to the practice of the certified physician’s medical specialty.

Recertification standards are specific to each specialty board, but all ABPS Member Boards require the following common criteria:

  • Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, exemplifying ethical conduct within the profession and active involvement in the specialty for which certification is sought.
  • Graduation from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the U.S., Canada, or internationally.
  • Having a valid and unrestricted medical license to practice in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

Nationally Recognized Certification to Help Physicians Achieve Success

The historical credibility of the ABPS Member Boards is only one of many examples of the value of physician board certification through the ABPS. Other benefits include:

  • Unlimited board certification attestation for active ABPS Diplomates
  • Opportunities to participate in Member Board development and governance
  • Emeritus Certification for retired Diplomates
  • Use of the ABPS Certification mark
  • Opportunities for dual-boarded certification and recertification
  • Complimentary membership on one specialty academy of medicine
  • Career networking opportunities, along with opportunities to serve as a respected advocate for a chosen specialty

To learn more about the value of physician board certification, and to request information about Member Board eligibility requirements, 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.

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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