What Healthcare Leaders Should Know About the ABPS

A group of doctors of diverse ethnicitiesHealthcare leaders across the country understand that physician board certification denotes talent and dedication, which is why many institutions prioritize the hiring of board-certified doctors. Since our founding in 1952, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) has never deviated from our commitment to offering the highest standards in board certification. What sets us apart from other certification bodies is our emphasis on patient care rather than the business of medicine.

At ABPS, we assess the shortcomings in the healthcare system and work diligently to find practical solutions that benefit patients above all else. That’s why we have addressed the nation’s shortage of qualified emergency physicians by offering emergency medicine certification without requiring physicians to have completed an additional residency. We also strive to bring compassion back to the forefront of patient care by:

  • Advocating for our Diplomates and patients by promoting evidence-based patient care
  • Requiring that our Diplomates adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics
  • Offering continuous recertification to ensure that ABPS-certified physicians are qualified to practice safe, high-quality medicine

Consider Physicians Certified by the ABPS

Since 1960, the ABPS has certified numerous highly skilled specialists in traditional medical fields such as dermatology, family medicine, and internal medicine, as well as in several emerging specialties. Notably, we are the only multispecialty board that offers certification in family medicine obstetrics, disaster medicine, and integrative medicine. Altogether, the ABPS has 12 specialty boards and offers certification and recertification in 18 different specialties. And ABPS-certified physicians can be found in all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Our eligibility requirements and testing standards are every bit as rigorous as those of the nation’s other prominent multi-specialty certifying bodies. In fact, our requirement for recertification after eight years—as opposed to the typical 10 years—ensures that ABPS-certified physicians stay updated on medical advancements for an extensive period.

If your organization is seeking board-certified physicians and you would like to learn more about the ABPS, contact us. We would be happy to tell you more about our mission and our Diplomates.

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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.

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