Board certification is a hallmark of excellence within the medical industry. It showcases a doctor’s commitment to optimal patient care and professional development. As such, having board-certified doctors on staff can improve the credibility of medical offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Patients can gain peace of mind knowing their physician has gone above and beyond the minimal requirements for licensure. Knowing they have placed their health in the hands of experts who adhere to the latest advancements in medicine can help improve how patients view their physicians.
Board certification can also prepare doctors to stand as leaders in their specialty and set a new standard for the next generation of medical professionals.
What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Doctor?
A board-certified doctor is a licensed medical professional who has pursued training in a specialty of their choice. They have passed a written exam and demonstrated their mastery of this specialty to the appropriate certifying body. Their extensive training and specialized expertise make these professionals valuable assets to their place of employment.
Currently, the only three federally recognized certifying bodies are:
- The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS®)
- The American Board of Medical Specialties® (ABMS®)
- The American Osteopathic Association® (AOA®)
Each certifying body has its own list of Member Boards, specialties, and subspecialties for which doctors can earn certification.
Some doctors only choose one specialty, while others may pursue both a specialty and a subspecialty. Although there isn’t a limit on how many certifications a doctor can pursue, preparing for and maintaining each certification can take time. Combined residency programs can help streamline this process.
Despite the AOA board being geared toward osteopathic doctors, both allopathic and osteopathic doctors can earn certification through the ABPS and ABMS.
While only three certifying bodies are federally recognized, self-designated boards also exist. Since these boards don’t have official recognition or endorsement from the government, they may not be recognized outside of certain segments in the medical community.
What’s the Difference Between Board Certification and Licensure?
In the U.S., doctors must earn state licensure before they can legally begin practicing medicine.
Medical licensure can be earned by passing all three parts of either the United States Medical Licensure Examination® (USMLE®) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States of America (COMLEX-USA®). The first two parts of these exams are completed during medical school. The final part is taken once a medical school graduate has gained one year of postgraduate training.
While all practicing doctors in the US are licensed, not all doctors are board-certified. Board certification is the highest certification a doctor can earn and is entirely optional. It’s an extra step doctors can take to further their expertise and skills.
How Many Board Specialties are There?
The ABPS consists of 12 Member Boards and 20 specialties. The ABMS consists of 24 Member Boards, 40 specialties, and 89 subspecialties. The AOA consists of 16 Member Boards, 27 specialties, and 48 subspecialties.
For a complete list of medical specialties and subspecialties, check out A List of Medical Specialties and Subspecialties.
Although there is some overlap between the specialties offered at each certifying body, each board has their own certification requirements. For example, the ABPS requires physicians to complete an ethics course, but the ABMS doesn’t.
How Do Doctors Become Board Certified?
Before a doctor can become board-certified, they will need to complete an accredited medical school program. After earning their medical license and completing a residency training program, they can begin the certification process. The specific requirements to earn certification can vary by board; however, most require doctors to complete a written component and demonstrate their skills in front of a group of peers.
Is Board Certification Important?
Board certification speaks to a doctor’s expertise, skills, training, and commitment to continuous learning. This allows them to provide the highest quality care for patients as they are up to date on the latest developments in their industry. As such, those with board certification are seen as experts and leaders in their field.
This expertise can make them more appealing to potential employers, but, more importantly, it can help patients feel confident in their abilities.
Become the Standard of Excellence for Patient Care
Patients deserve the best care possible, and board certification can ensure they receive it. By becoming board-certified, doctors demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest standard of care which can lead to better patient outcomes and overall satisfaction. In today's ever-evolving medical landscape, staying current can help doctors continue to provide the best care possible.
Board certification fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth among medical professionals, raising the bar for healthcare.
Interested in helping improve the quality of patient-centered care? Submit this form for more information or apply to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) to get started!
