$Unique_ID{BRK02378}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Is a Doctor's Board?}
$Subject{choosing physician doctor boards board american medical specialties
abms specialty certified family practice certification competent competency
doctors choose physicians specialist specialists certify}
$Volume{W-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is a Doctor's Board?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  You often state in your column that one should be careful in
choosing their physician.  My doctor has a wall full of diplomas, certificates
and plaques, all very impressive.  When I asked him which was the most
important he pointed to three different ones, his diploma from medical school,
his license and his "Boards".  Could you tell me what a board is and why he
thought it was so valuable?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  I agree with your doctor, and believe those must be the three most
important documents on his wall.  Without a diploma from a medical school, and
a license from the state in which he practices, he would not be able to open
an office.  The "board" is a step beyond, and usually means that he has had
training beyond the medical school and internship (in the old days) and
pursued additional education.  There are currently 23 bona fide boards
recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).  Each board
differs a bit but all require a minimum of at least three years of education
in their specialty after medical school, and then the physician must take a
comprehensive examination to qualify as "Board Certified".  Some boards (such
as the American Board of Family Practice) require additional examinations
every so many years to evaluate the continuing competency of the physician and
be sure the he or she has kept up to date.  So much for the "real" boards.
However, of late there have been a number of organizations that have
established their own boards, and today there are about 115 self-designated
"boards".  While they may add another diploma to the wall, these boards are
not recognized by many state boards, and certainly not by the American Board
of Medical Specialties.  If you wish to check further on the status of your
physician and his board certification, you may call the Board of Medical
Specialties at 1-800-776-2378.  However, this number will be of no value to
check on chiropractors, psychologists, podiatrists, optometrists, general
practitioners or dentists as the ABMS does not keep records for members of
those health services.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.