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Who is Eligible for ABPS Physician Board Certification?

Who Is EligibleWhile the specific eligibility requirements to apply for the opportunity to achieve physician board certification through the American Board of Physicians Specialties (ABPS) differ from specialty to specialty, there are a number of general eligibility requirements that are shared by our Member Boards. The examination standards of the ABPS are as rigorous as any physician certifying body in North America, and the eligibility requirements are just as stringent.

Also, recertification is not merely limited to Diplomates of the ABPS. Physicians whose board certifications were achieved through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Board or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Board might also be eligible for recertification through the ABPS, as long as they remain in good standing with their certifying organizations, have an active certificate and meet ABPS requirements for recertification. This service is unique to the ABPS, which believes that qualified physicians should have the opportunity to achieve recertification with the organization of their choice.

In order to meet the general eligibility requirements for board certification and recertification through the ABPS, physicians must:

  • Demonstrate three to five years of advanced training , depending on the specialty and completion of an ACGME or AOA approved residency, depending on the specialty
  • Demonstrate attestation of a full, unrestricted medical license in every state where he or she practices
  • Complete a non-remedial medical ethics course
  • Maintain certification and achieve recertification within eight years
  • Complete at least 50 hours a year of continuing medical education

These are some of the general eligibility requirements for physician board certification through the ABPS, so it is important to understand the eligibility requirements for each of the Member Boards. All ABPS physicians who seek recertification must complete the ethics course, which is in keeping with the ABPS values that espouse the importance of ensuring patient safety while providing the highest possible level of care with demonstrated compassion.

To learn about the specific eligibility requirements for the specialty or sub-specialty of your choice, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying 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.

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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