Why Certify?
Over 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.
