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Why My Board Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics is Important to Me

Catherine Avery Skinner, MD

Fellowship programs in family medicine obstetrics were created to address the shortage of physicians who have completed residency training in the specialty, a shortage that impacts rural areas in particular. Fellowships are renowned for providing rigorous, hands-on training, yet fellowship-trained physicians continue to face barriers to their professional development based on a lack of recognition for their expertise.

This situation is exacerbated as more healthcare organizations and insurance groups mandate board certification for physicians. That’s why the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) established the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics® (BCFMO). The BCFMO recognizes that physicians who practice the specialty provide full OB care as part of their family practices. Therefore, the BCFMO gives qualified practitioners an opportunity to show that they indeed possess the skills and knowledge to provide patients with the highest quality of care and treatment.

A Physician’s Experience with the BCFMO

Catherine Avery Skinner, MD, knows firsthand the value of certification through the BCFMO. “After finishing a fellowship in advanced obstetrics in 2004,” Dr. Skinner explained, “I joined a practice and shared call with both family medicine obstetricians (FM-OBs) and OB-GYNs. The hospital was very supportive of FM-OBs and I easily obtained privileges. Four years later, however, the OB-GYNs in my call group decided to obtain privileges at a second hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital administration decided that fellowship completion and years of surgical experience were not sufficient proof of my ability to provide excellent obstetric care. Thankfully, when I presented my board certification in family medicine obstetrics, they accepted it and granted me privileges in surgical obstetrics. BCFMO certification was instrumental in obtaining privileges at this second hospital.”

To learn more about how the BCFMO can help physicians expand their career opportunities, as it did for Dr. Skinner, whether through obtaining hospital privileges or employment, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists®.

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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.

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
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