American Board of Pediatrics

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  Seal of the American Board of Pediatrics

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  American Board of Pediatrics

American Board of Pediatrics

The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) is a non-profit organization that is responsible for certifying pediatricians in the United States. It is one of the 24 certifying boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABP was established to ensure high standards in the practice of pediatrics and to promote excellence in pediatric care.

History

The American Board of Pediatrics was founded in 1933. It was created to address the need for a standardized certification process for pediatricians, ensuring that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care to children. Over the years, the ABP has evolved to include various subspecialties and has continually updated its certification processes to reflect advances in medical knowledge and practice.

Certification Process

The certification process of the ABP involves several steps:

Initial Certification

To become board certified in pediatrics, a physician must first complete a residency program in pediatrics that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). After completing residency, the physician must pass the ABP's initial certification examination. This exam tests the candidate's knowledge and skills in general pediatrics.

Maintenance of Certification

The ABP requires pediatricians to participate in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain their board certification. The MOC program is designed to promote continuous learning and improvement in practice. It includes:

• Professional Standing: Maintaining a valid, unrestricted medical license.
• Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment: Completing educational activities and self-assessment modules.
• Cognitive Expertise: Passing a secure examination every 10 years.
• Practice Performance: Engaging in quality improvement activities.

Subspecialties

The ABP offers certification in several pediatric subspecialties, including but not limited to:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Pediatric Pulmonology

Each subspecialty has its own specific training requirements and certification examinations.

Role and Impact

The ABP plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of pediatric care in the United States. By setting rigorous standards for certification and recertification, the ABP helps to ensure that pediatricians are well-trained and knowledgeable about the latest developments in pediatric medicine. This, in turn, helps to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents.

Related Pages

• American Board of Medical Specialties
• Pediatrics
• Residency (medicine)
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

Pediatric glossary of terms | Glossary of medical terms | Dictionary of pediatrics