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Connecting the Dots: Why Physicians Certify in the Specialties They Practice

Smiling group of physiciansTechnically speaking, becoming board certified is a voluntary process that physicians can consider pursuing. However, in today’s increasingly competitive global healthcare environment, there are more reasons to consider board certification than ever before. Not only does board certification represent a significant professional accomplishment, it can have a profound long-term impact on professional development. For these reasons and others, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) strongly recommends that motivated, experienced, and highly trained physicians explore the prospects of validating their expertise through board certification from one of our numerous member boards.

Board Certification With a Nationally Recognized Organization

Founded in 1952 and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the ABPS has maintained a pragmatic approach to certification. We offer both allopathic and osteopathic physicians certification and recertification in 18 different specialties, from traditional fields like family medicine and dermatology to emerging specialties like disaster medicine and integrative medicine. In fact, we are the only multi-specialty board that offers integrative medicine certification. We are also the only multi-specialty board that requires its Diplomates to complete a medical ethics course to achieve recertification. Here are other important facts:

  • The ABPS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a leading choice for physician board certification.
  • Federal and state organizations that recognize ABPS certifications include the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Veterans’ Health Administration, and the United States Armed Forces under the GI Bill.
  • Various state medical boards, including Florida’s, have written or retained strict language that accepts and recognizes ABPS as a recognized certifying board that meets the higher standards of certification they require.
  • Top healthcare and credentialing organizations such as Chartis, HCPro, and the National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) recognize ABPS as a choice in physician certification.

How Medical Specialty Certification Benefits Healthcare

Traditionally, board certification has long been seen as a trusted indicator of a physician’s expertise in the area of medicine that he or she practices. Many prospective patients use the board certification distinction as a deciding factor when selecting which physician to trust with their care, and for this reason alone, becoming board certified is worthwhile. There is also a sense of professional accomplishment that comes from having your experience and expertise validated by an independent third party that has affirmed you’re among the most imminently qualified physicians in your specialty.

Furthermore, credentialing organizations, hospital groups, and insurance companies are increasingly requiring board certification as a prerequisite for career advancement and new employment opportunities. There is also a greater need than ever before for physician leaders in healthcare organizations of all sizes, and board certification remains a distinguishing factor that can separate otherwise equally qualified candidates for new positions.

Another advantage of board certification through the ABPS is that our Diplomates are part of a community of like-minded physicians who work together to share best practices and help evolve their specialty. New career opportunities are shared through the organization, networking opportunities abound, and our Diplomates know that their voices are heard. The ABPS works closely with credentialers, legislators, and other stakeholders to ensure that our Diplomates have every opportunity to excel.

Get More Information About Certification With an ABPS Member Board

There are countless benefits to becoming board certified. If you are a physician who is currently exploring becoming board certified and would like to learn more about the ABPS and our various member boards, contact us 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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