Why Many Physicians Become Board Certified
For years, Board Certification has been the most trusted indicator that a physician has mastered the core competencies of his or her area of expertise. Being a Board Certified physician is more important today than ever before for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, the process of becoming board certified through the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is intentionally rigorous. In order to earn the distinction of board certification, candidates must have verifiable experience in their specialty area, successfully complete a standardized, psychometrically validated examination, and, in some cases, submit to an oral examination, in addition to completing a thorough application. The goal of this process is to ensure that only the most highly qualified physicians are able to earn the distinction of being board certified.
While Board Certification is officially a voluntary process, there are many reasons why physicians should consider making the commitment necessary to become certified. For starters, many healthcare organizations, hospitals, and other organization are increasingly requiring that their physicians be certified in their specialty. As a result, physicians who are motivated to advance their careers or pursue new opportunities may find that Board Certification is essential.
Another benefit to Board Certification is that in order to maintain Diplomate status, physicians are required to commit to continuing medical education and staying informed of new developments in their chosen specialties. This keeps physicians up to date on best healthcare practices and elevates the quality of care that the medical community as a whole provides. While not all patients know what goes into obtaining and maintaining Board Certification, they know it indicates that the physician is highly qualified and this provides a competitive advantage when someone is researching physicians in the community.
Board Certification also validates the expertise of the physician, not only to prospective patients or employers but to peers as well. While earning this credential isn’t always easy, there is a sense of accomplishment that comes with being recognized for being among the most qualified and respected physicians in the field.
To learn more about the process to becoming Board Certified, or to confirm the credentials of an ABPS physician in your community, contact ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®