Why Certify?

Why CertifyOver the years board certification has grown in importance for the purpose of gaining employment and privileging with hospitals and other health care organizations. In the United States, board certification in a medical specialty is not required in order to practice medicine. In fact, there are thousands of current practitioners who are not certified. But, make no mistake, doctors who are board certified stand out from the pack for good reason.

First, board certification is a mark of distinction that testifies to a physician’s knowledge and expertise. In order to earn board certification, doctors must complete a thorough application process and pass rigorous exams. Validation by a certifying board assures patients that a certified physician is a leader in his or her specialty. Thus, in the competitive medical marketplace where patients often choose physicians based on their credentials, certification offers doctors a competitive advantage.

As more healthcare organizations look to hire board certified physicians, the benefits of certification come into sharper focus. Certification serves as way for current and potential employers to verify a physician’s credentials and identify that doctor as a qualified candidate for new career opportunities. In addition to boosting a physician’s career earning potential, board certification also:

  • Enhances a physician’s confidence in the knowledge and skills of his or her specialty
  • Promotes ongoing education that helps physicians stay updated on advancements within their specialty
  • Fosters recognition and respect from colleagues
  • Demonstrates a physician’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient care

If you are a physician and are thinking about pursuing board certification, you may be eligible for certification through one of the Member Boards of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS). As a nationally recognized board certifying body, we serve the healthcare community by giving qualified allopathic and osteopathic physicians a path toward board certification in myriad specialties, including family medicine, urgent care, integrative medicine, and disaster medicine, just to name a few.

To learn about the eligibility requirements for board certification with an ABPS Member Board, or for more information about the benefits of certification with the ABPS, contact us today.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
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.

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