Importance of board certification

[physcigirl27]

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this might be a stupid question and I'm not sure if I"m in the right forum but if you were choosing a PMD would you choose someone board certified in Fam Med or not? Does it make much of a difference? I've noticed that most of the physicians in my area aren't board certified in fam medicine...I'm in the process of choosing a PMD which is why I ask.

Thanks. And sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[lowbudget]

this might be a stupid question and I'm not sure if I"m in the right forum but if you were choosing a PMD would you choose someone board certified in Fam Med or not? Does it make much of a difference? I've noticed that most of the physicians in my area aren't board certified in fam medicine...I'm in the process of choosing a PMD which is why I ask.

Thanks. And sorry if this is a dumb question.

Definitely pick BC. You can debate the merits of BC or what not, I would always pick a BC doc over a non-BC doc.

 

[deleted87716]

If you have a choice, I can think of no reason to choose a non-BC doctor over a BC doctor.

 

[physcigirl27]

i guess I was kind of confused because the non BC dr had really good reviews and everyone loved and I couldn't find much on the 2-3 BC dr's that there were in the area. And considering I"m from CA, I was surprised that if there was much of a difference/preference bw BC/non BC, that so many non BC would be practicing.

 

[deleted87716]

Reviews mean nothing.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Board certification is just another exam. However......

In the world of trying to get a job whether permanent or locums it is EXTREMELY difficult to get hired anymore without board certification. It's really a requirment anymore unless you are planning on just doing urgent care. But caution, many urgent care jobs only will take board certification too. I know for every locums assignment I have gone on, BC was a requirement to be considered. For every perm job I have been hired on, BC was a requirement.

When you are looking up doctors in your area, be aware of when they graduated. If they have been practicing for 20+ years they are probably grandfathered in because rules have changed. Anyone who is a recent grad should be BC or the job prospects aren't as broad as they could be.

 

[deleted87716]

Board certification is just another exam.

Not any more. Nowadays (at least in FM), it's also maintenance of certification (MOC).

 

[cabinbuilder]

Not any more. Nowadays (at least in FM), it's also maintenance of certification (MOC).

Yes, I know. You have to have so many CME in the two years. I was just trying to keep it simple for the OP since it seems they didn't see the point of being BC.

 

[physcigirl27]

thanks guys! 🙂

you learn something new everyday, i guess. I went with a bc dr in the area.