Why Is it Important to Become Board Certified in Your Chosen Specialty?

Physician board certification represents an important, even vital, level of achievement for a physician. It demonstrates that she or he has mastered the core competencies and knowledge necessary to provide the best possible medical care. It means that the physician not only is qualified, but is also an ideal candidate for a position in his or her specialty.

There is another reason why it is important to become board certified in a chosen specialty. The rapid transformation of the American medical system reflects the personal reinvention that many physicians undergo throughout their careers. If you are a physician whose career has progressively moved toward a new, unanticipated specialty such as Hospital Medicine, Disaster Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine or Integrative Medicine, it might be time to consider board certification through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

Board Certification Benefits Patients

Patients making decisions about where to turn for healing or health maintenance often make their choices based on the credentials of a hospital or clinic’s physicians. Sometimes, patients realize their condition needs specialized care, and they expect medical specialists to have experience in treating specific conditions, whether it’s a torn shoulder ligament or gestational diabetes. This is where physician board certification helps. While a caring doctor with years of training can ease a patient’s worries, board certification remains a trustworthy sign of a doctor’s ability to provide skilled and compassionate care. It confirms that a doctor is exceptionally qualified in their field, giving patients confidence that they’re in capable hands.

Board Certification Rewards Talent and Dedication

Earning board certification is a challenging accomplishment, achieved only by the most skilled and committed specialists. Certified specialists are seen as leaders in their fields and are highly sought-after by employers. By demonstrating their expertise through a rigorous certification process, they open doors for career advancement and higher earnings. While most physicians understand the effect board certification has on career development, the less-obvious benefits include:

• The respect of their peers and the fellowship of practitioners who share best practice techniques and more
• Added incentive to remain as updated as possible about new techniques and treatment methods in their chosen specialty in order to achieve recertification
• An opportunity to be viewed as a leader in their chosen specialty, and to shape the course of the medical profession for years to come

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for ABPS Certification?

The eligibility criteria for ABPS certification vary depending on the specialty, but some general requirements apply to all ABPS Member Boards:

• Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, known as an ethical member of the profession, and active practice in the desired specialty for certification.
• Graduation from a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic medical college.
• Holding a valid and unrestricted medical license(s) to practice in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.

If you’re a licensed physician considering board certification, the ABPS invites you to apply to one of our Member Boards. We’re a nationally recognized certifying body with numerous Diplomates practicing throughout the United States. Our certification options cover a wide range of specialties, from traditional fields like family medicine and dermatology to emerging fields like interventional pain management and integrative medicine. We also offer certification in specialties such as disaster medicine, family medicine obstetrics, and orthopedic surgery, among others.

To learn more about why it is important to achieve physician board certification within your chosen specialty or specialties, contact the ABPS today.