The process through which a physician’s qualifications in a medical specialty are recognized by one of the specialties that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Established in 1933, the ABMS is the umbrella organization for the 24 approved medical specialty boards in the United States. The governing body of each member board is composed of specialists qualified in the specialty represented by the board. Member boards evaluate physician candidates who voluntarily seek certification. To become certified in a specialty (for example, pediatrics or surgery), a physician must generally complete an approved residency training program and pass a comprehensive examination. Physicians who successfully receive certification are known as diplomates of their respective specialty board.
In health care, a process that ensures that an individual has met standards beyond those of admission to licensure and has passed specialty examinations in the field. The various medical professional organizations establish their own standards and administer their own board certification examinations. Individuals successfully completing all requirements are called Fellows, such as Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) or Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP). Board certification may be required by a hospital for admission to the medical staff or for determination of a staff member’s rank (e.g., general staff, associate staff, or full attending status).