DO FMs: How many keep with AOA vs. other certification?

[Sardonix]

---

Members don't see this ad.

How many DOs stick with the AOA vs. later recertifying ABFM? Now that there's the residency merger, will this really matter anyway?

I only have superficial knowledge of the process but was curious.

 

[Sardonix]

Found this post somewhat discussing the issue:

Question for DO's: Do you maintain both FM boards?

Curious to know what others think about whether to maintain both ABOFP (DO or osteopathic) and ABFM (allopathic or MD) board certifications. The general consensus among my resident peers is that they plan to maintain only one, although they hedge to say they'd probably select the ABFM in the...

forums.studentdoctor.net

However, I would still love any input especially given the residency merger and how that will affect certification. Are we allowed to choose ABOFP vs. ABFM? Does program still determine which you receive?

 

[AFMD]

You can take the board your residency is accredited in, with some exceptions. Mine had dual accreditation (AOA the DO organization and ACGME the MD organization), so I could take both the Osteopathic Family Medicine board (AOBFP) and the MD Family Medicine Board (ABFM), which I did. Remember, the AOA accreditation for residencies is largely being replaced by ACGME with the merger over the next few years, and this is changing from ACGME vs AOA to ACGME vs ACGME with Osteopathic recognition.

I am continuing with the ABFM because I want to be a member of an ABMS board (American Board of Medical Specialties) which is the standard. However, In most instances AOA (American Osteopathic Association) member boards are just as standard. In my case, I can only enter a certain sub-specialty (Addiction Medicine) in the future if I am already board certified through ABMS/ABFM. Your particular situation will likely be different. You may want to be faculty in a Osteopathic medical school or residency, and you would want to be AOA certified. You may want to market yourself as someone who does manipulations or do a Neuromuscular Medicine fellowship where being AOA would likely be your best bet. You might have other goals as well.

The other issue is cost, which may or may not matter to you in the end. The ABFM is changing how they work, so I'm not sure the cost anymore. I think it may be $200-300 a year now. The AOBFP currently requires you to be a member of the AOA which eventually is around $600-800 I think. However, if you are doing ABFM you probably would be a member of the AAFP (American Association of Family Physicians) anyway which is a similar cost. On top of that, most jobs pay for all or most of these fees, and it doesn't matter. Mine is the minority that does not, so I am more sensitive to cost.

Tldr: The board you can take depends on the accreditation of you residency, many residencies are dual accredited, and don't forget the merger. Choose a residency that gives you the board that is most aligned with your goals if you can, but in the end either might accomplish your objectives.

 

[Sardonix]

Thank you very much for the in depth response!

 

[cabinbuilder]

I only deal with AOA/ACOFP

 

[utahgetme2]

I went to an AOA program, so only took the AOBFP exam. But I’ll be applying and sitting for the next ABFM exam via the AOA track they’ve temporarily set up.

As for the OP’s initial question, once I’ve got ABFM, I don’t plan on recertifying with the AOA when it’s up

 

[SLC]

I never certified with ABOFP in the first place. If I had dual board opportunities I wouldn’t do it.

 

[AMEHigh]

My program required us to take both board exams. However, when the time comes I’m only going to re-certify with the ABFM as I’ve heard it’s easier to manage.