American Board of Emergency Medicine

American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) is a medical specialty board in the United States that certifies emergency medicine physicians. It is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABEM is responsible for ensuring that emergency medicine physicians meet specific educational, training, and professional requirements. It also administers examinations to assess the knowledge and skills of these physicians.

History

The ABEM was established in 1976 in response to the growing need for a formal certification process for physicians specializing in emergency medicine. Before its establishment, emergency departments were often staffed by physicians from various specialties, and there was no standardized training or certification process for emergency medicine. The formation of ABEM helped to establish emergency medicine as a recognized medical specialty.

Certification Process

The certification process by the ABEM involves several steps, including completion of residency training in emergency medicine, passing a written qualifying examination, and passing an oral certification examination. The residency training must be completed in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Written Qualifying Examination

The written qualifying examination is a comprehensive test that covers the breadth of emergency medicine. It assesses the candidate's knowledge in areas such as medical knowledge, patient care, and procedural skills.

Oral Certification Examination

The oral certification examination assesses the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, patient-centered scenario. It involves simulated patient encounters and discussions with examiners.

Maintenance of Certification

ABEM-certified physicians are required to participate in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in emergency medicine. The MOC program includes requirements for lifelong learning and self-assessment, quality improvement activities, and a cognitive expertise examination.

Recognition and Impact

The ABEM has played a crucial role in the development and recognition of emergency medicine as a distinct medical specialty. Its certification process has helped to standardize the training and qualifications of emergency medicine physicians, improving the quality of care provided in emergency departments across the United States.

See Also

• Emergency medicine
• American Board of Medical Specialties
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

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