American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists

American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS) is a key component of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), dedicated to maintaining high standards for osteopathic medical education and practice in the United States. The Bureau oversees the certification of osteopathic physicians across various specialties, ensuring that they meet the rigorous qualifications required to provide high-quality care.

Overview

The AOABOS operates under the umbrella of the AOA, which is a principal organization representing osteopathic medical professionals in the United States. The Bureau's primary mission is to advance the quality of osteopathic healthcare by certifying physicians in their respective specialties. This certification process is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of osteopathic physicians, ensuring they are competent to deliver specialized medical care.

Certification Process

The certification process managed by the AOABOS involves several steps, including completing an accredited residency training program in an osteopathic or allopathic institution, passing a comprehensive examination, and fulfilling ongoing continuing medical education requirements. The AOABOS offers certification in numerous specialties and subspecialties, reflecting the wide range of expertise within the field of osteopathic medicine.

Specialties

Osteopathic physicians can be certified in a variety of specialties, including but not limited to:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Emergency Medicine

Each specialty has its own set of standards and examination processes tailored to assess the competencies relevant to that field.

Ongoing Certification

The AOABOS also administers the Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) process, which is a lifelong learning and self-assessment system designed to promote the continuous improvement and updating of clinical knowledge and skills of osteopathic physicians. The OCC process requires certified physicians to engage in continuous learning and periodic assessment to maintain their certification status.

Impact on Osteopathic Medicine

The work of the AOABOS is crucial in maintaining the integrity and quality of osteopathic medical care. By ensuring that osteopathic physicians meet high standards of professional excellence, the Bureau plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of patients across the United States. The certification and ongoing education requirements help to ensure that osteopathic physicians remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and practice.

See Also

• Osteopathic Medicine
• American Osteopathic Association
• Medical Education in the United States