ABPN vs AOBNP initial neurology boards

[DrStephenStrange]

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As a DO, does it really matter which one I take if I’m not doing a fellowship that requires ABPN as a pre-requirement for their own subspecialty boards? My only worry is the fact that less and less people take the AOBNP boards anymore (only 5 people took it this year) since the residency merger which may indicate that it might be dying in the near future. However, if I take it next April, I would be done with boards before fellowship which would be nice.

For reference, some of you may know already I’m planning on doing a Movement disorders fellowship assuming I match in a few days. Movement currently does not have a board exam.

I appreciate any advice regarding this.

 

[s5260205]

Very much a personal choice, and I have attendings who were trained in AOA residency with AOBNP certification, working in an academic medical center without issue. On brief review, looks like recertification is very similar for both ABNP and AOBNP (probably intentionally so). I would just make sure there is not some BS AOA or DO-specific credits needed for recertification (such as in some states that require you to have DO specific credits for state licensure renewal). No issue at all with movement disorders - there is unlikely to be a board exam either unlike other subspecialities as movement disorders as a whole decided against it a few years ago (which is much appreciated).

 

[Giovanotto]

Damn, how am I just learning about this being a thing at all. Do employers care which board has certified you? The AOBNP is cheaper, and shorter time-length wise, and probably easier. Anyone know anything more about this?

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Damn, how am I just learning about this being a thing at all. Do employers care which board has certified you? The AOBNP is cheaper, and shorter time-length wise, and probably easier. Anyone know anything more about this?

From asking around so far on interviews, no one cares which one you take. They are both recognized nationally. AOBNP is cheaper, it is self proctored at the comfort of your home on your own computer, and it has a higher pass rate. Unless you plan on doing a fellowship that has a board exam that requires ABPN, there are no downsides to taking AOBNP as a DO from what I have gathered.

 

[Giovanotto]

From asking around so far on interviews, no one cares which one you take. They are both recognized nationally. AOBNP is cheaper, it is self proctored at the comfort of your home on your own computer, and it has a higher pass rate. Unless you plan on doing a fellowship that has a board exam that requires ABPN, there are no downsides to taking AOBNP as a DO from what I have gathered.

Damn! I paid and took the ABPN last month and it was extremely tough. If I don't pass I'm going to go for AOBNP.