ABPN vs AOBNP initial neurology boards

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

DrStephenStrange

Neurology PGY-4
7+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2017
Messages
3,788
Reaction score
6,031
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.
 
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).
 
Top