American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

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  Logo of the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

The American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS) is a professional organization that provides board certification to qualified osteopathic physicians specializing in orthopedic surgery. The AOBOS is one of the specialty certifying boards of the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS), which is a division of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

History

The AOBOS was established to ensure high standards in the field of orthopedic surgery among osteopathic physicians. It was founded to provide a pathway for osteopathic surgeons to achieve board certification, which is a mark of excellence and a commitment to ongoing professional development and quality patient care.

Certification Process

To become board certified by the AOBOS, candidates must complete several steps:

1. Education and Training: Candidates must graduate from an accredited osteopathic medical school and complete a residency in orthopedic surgery that is approved by the AOA.
2. Examinations: Candidates must pass both a written and an oral examination. The written examination tests the candidate's knowledge of orthopedic surgery, while the oral examination assesses the candidate's ability to apply this knowledge in clinical scenarios.
3. Practice Requirements: After passing the examinations, candidates must demonstrate their competence in orthopedic surgery through practice experience.
4. Recertification: Board-certified osteopathic orthopedic surgeons must participate in the AOBOS's Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) process, which includes ongoing learning and assessment to maintain their certification.

Osteopathic Continuous Certification

The OCC process is designed to ensure that board-certified osteopathic orthopedic surgeons maintain their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. It includes:

• Professional Standing: Maintaining an active medical license.
• Lifelong Learning/Continuing Medical Education (CME): Completing CME activities relevant to orthopedic surgery.
• Cognitive Assessment: Periodic examinations to assess knowledge and skills.
• Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement: Engaging in quality improvement activities in clinical practice.

Role and Importance

The AOBOS plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of osteopathic orthopedic surgery. Board certification by the AOBOS signifies that a physician has met rigorous standards and is committed to providing high-quality care. This certification is recognized by hospitals, insurance companies, and patients as a mark of excellence.

Related Pages

• Orthopedic surgery
• Osteopathic medicine in the United States
• American Osteopathic Association
• American Osteopathic Board of Surgery