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What Is the ABAM?

What Is the ABAM?The American Board of Administrative Medicine (ABAM) is a nationally recognized certifying board that offers certification to physicians with proven expertise in nonclinical medicine. The ABAM is a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), one of the nation’s most prominent multispecialty certifying bodies and the only board that offers certification in administrative medicine.

As defined by the ABAM, administrative medicine is the practice of physicians who, as executive leaders, manage the integration of clinical medicine, strategy, operations, and other business activities essential to achieving high-quality health care.

Since our founding in 1952, patient care has always been the priority of the ABPS, and we are committed to offering the highest certification standards that meet the public’s evolving healthcare needs. But we also understand that medicine is a business, and that there is a pressing need for physician leaders with business training and expertise. This need has created new opportunities for physician leaders, and ABAM certification is an excellent way for them to distinguish themselves and earn recognition for their insight into the business of medicine.

As Founding ABAM Board Member Judy L. Smith, MD, MS, CPE, FACS, stated: “Certification by the ABAM demonstrates to employers, hospital CEOs, boards of trustees, and other stakeholders that a physician leader has the business acumen to help them deliver exceptional medical care in a cost-efficient manner.”

ABAM Eligibility Requirements

The ABAM offers certification to both allopathic and osteopathic physicians. To be eligible to apply for initial certification, candidates must satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These include being a graduate of a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine, and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada. The ABAM has its own eligibility requirements, which include a master’s degree in business administration, medical management, or healthcare administration, or at least five years of cumulative experience in an administrative role in medical management, health administration, or another advanced degree in health care management/administration.

To earn certification with the ABAM, eligible candidates must pass a computer-based written exam. Once granted, ABAM certification is good for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.

If you are a physician with experience in business leadership and management and would like more information about certification in administrative medicine, contact the ABPS 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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