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

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 Lavender, MD, knows firsthand the value of certification through the BCFMO. “After finishing a fellowship in advanced obstetrics in 2004,” Dr. Lavender 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.”
Eligibility Requirements of the BCFMO
The BCFMO offers two types of certification in family medicine obstetrics— surgical qualification certification and non-surgical certification.
Certification with surgical qualification has two paths—clinical practice and fellowship.
For the clinical practice track, candidates must complete an accredited ACGME, AOA, or CFPC residency, or an AOA internship, along with an AOA general medicine residency. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they have performed at least 60 vaginal deliveries and 70 cesarean section deliveries, with 15 vaginal and 10 cesareans performed in the last two years.
For the fellowship track, candidates must have completed within the past five years a 12-month, full-time fellowship recognized by the BCFMO. They should also have performed at least 60 vaginal deliveries and 70 cesareans, with 15 vaginal and 10 cesareans performed in the last two years. You can find a list of BCFMO-recognized fellowships here.
Non-surgical certification requires a log of non-surgical deliveries.
Once deemed eligible, applicants must pass both a written and oral examination for BCFMO certification. These rigorous exams are developed by experts in the field to ensure that only committed physicians skilled in all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology become BCFMO-certified.
Once granted, BCFMO certification is good for eight years, expiring on December 31st of the final year.
How Certification From an ABPS Member Board Benefits Physicians
Board certification is a recognized mark of excellence within a physician’s field of expertise, and at the ABPS, our Diplomates are among the most highly regarded medical professionals in North America. Certification from a Member Board like the BCFMO offers physicians the opportunity to:
- Become part of an esteemed community focused on advancing patient care and safety.
- Share clinical experiences and best practices with peers.
- Access numerous leadership opportunities within the community.
- Play a significant role as a valued member of the community.
To learn more about how the BCFMO can help physicians expand their career opportunities, as it did for Dr. Lavender, whether through obtaining hospital privileges or employment, contact the ABPS today.