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Why Physicians Should Certify in the Specialty Practiced

Consider all the steps physicians must take before practicing their specialty. First comes years of medical school, then rigorous residency training, then the comprehensive process for approval from their state’s medical licensing board. It’s no wonder the healthcare industry regards physician specialists with a keen sense of respect. But, for many physicians, there is yet one more step – board certification. They find that in order to differentiate themselves in today’s competitive healthcare environment, it’s best to become certified.

Board Certification Matters to Patients

Board certification validates physicians’ expertise and serves as a reliable indicator to patients and the public at large that these specialists can be trusted to provide expert medical care in their field. Not all physicians are board certified in their specialty, however, and it’s not uncommon for patients to select one specialist over another based on board certification alone. This is perfectly understandable; in their time of need, patients want absolute assurance that their doctor can give them the specialized medical care they require.

ABPS Offers Certification in a Variety of Specialties

As a nationally recognized choice for physician board certification that emphasizes exceptional health care, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) believes physicians should always put patients first. To that end, we offer board certification in a wide range of specialties, from primary care fields such as family medicine and internal medicine to innovative specialties such as urgent care medicine and family medicine obstetrics.

National Recognition Through a Rigorous Certification Process

Our certification process is demanding. Candidates must satisfy our eligibility requirements, complete a thorough application process, and pass stringent standardized exams. But, in achieving certification, physicians immediately stand apart. Hospitals and credentialing organizations understand perfectly well that these talented professionals, who are dedicated and motivated enough to take the extra step of becoming certified, are some of the most desirable and eminently qualified candidates in the job market.

In fact, ABPS Diplomates practice their specialties in all 50 states as well as Canada and Puerto Rico and are part of a respected community of talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional patient care.

In addition to being more marketable to employers, ABPS Diplomates receive the resources they need to stay up-to-date within their specialties and, through our required recertification testing, continually expand their base of skills and knowledge.

The ABPS is also a strong advocate for our Diplomates, continually working to establish relationships with healthcare organizations, hospital groups, legislators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the core beliefs of our community are heard. We make a concerted effort to listen to our Diplomates and are dedicated to sharing best practices, successes, and innovative ideas with the broader membership. It’s just another reason why physicians continue to turn to the ABPS. Backed by a robust background of experience and training as well as the respect of their colleagues, ABPS physicians are well-positioned to shape the course of the medical profession in the years ahead.

If you’re interested in joining a community of distinguished physicians who are committed to sharing best practices in their evolving specialties and improving medical care in general, contact the ABPS. We will be happy to provide you with information about our Member Boards, our eligibility requirements, and our certification process.

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Patient Care Is Our Priority

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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