Board certification is the best measure of a physician’s knowledge, experience and skill according to the American Board of Medical Specialties. To receive the “gold star” of board-certification, a physician must undergo:
- Rigorous testing
- Peer evaluation
- Continuing education
Board-certified physicians are dedicated to lifelong learning and high standards of care.
Not all doctors are board-certified
A common misconception is that all licensed doctors are board-certified. While all physicians must be licensed by the state to practice medicine, physicians are not required by law to be board-certified.
Board-certification is a voluntary process. In addition to graduating from an accredited medical school, finishing residency training and passing an oral and written exam, board-certified physicians participate in continuing education so they keep abreast of current medical technologies and the latest advances in health care.
Find out if your doctor is board-certified
The American Board of Medical Specialties is a nonprofit organization that oversees the board-certification process of physicians. Physicians with a degree in osteopathic medicine (Doctors of Osteopathy) may be board-certified by the American Osteopathic Association or the ABMS.
To determine if a physician is board-certified by the ABMS visit www.abms.org or call toll-free 1-866-ASK-ABMS. Patients who would like to check the certification status of a D.O. can contact the AOA Member Service Center at 1-800-621-1773.