Medical Specialties | Association for Medical Ethics

Articles: Medical Specialties

The American Board of Medical Specialties is a not-for-profit organization which assists 24 approved medical specialty boards in the development and use of standards in the ongoing evaluation and certification of physicians. A “Board Certified” physician is a specialist in his field, and certified, after rigorous examination, by ABMS. Find out more about the specialties and subspecialties in which doctors can be certified.

What is the American Board of Medical Specialties?

Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), is a not-for-profit organization made up of 24 medical specialty Member Boards, which acts as the pre-eminent entity overseeing the certification of physician specialists in the United States by certifying which Board officially represents that specialty.

What does it mean if a physician is “board certified”?

There is only one “Board” that officially represents each specialty in medicine and it is determined by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Their Member Boards are listed on their website. If a physician lists himself merely as being “Board Certified” then you should check which board this refers to since there are many “phony” boards out there that only require some money to get a certificate to say “Board Certified.”

Allergy and Immunology

An Allergist or Immunologist is a physician who is specially trained to diagnose and treat illnesses arising from hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity to a stimulus) or immunodeficiency (a deficiency in the body’s ability to fight disease).¹

Anesthesiology

An anesthesiologist is a physician who takes care of a patient before, during and immediately after a surgical or medical procedure, by administering appropriate anesthesia, monitoring the patient for reactions and complications, and ensuring that the patient is comfortable and not in pain.¹

Hospice and Palliative Medicine

A hospice and palliative medicine specialist is a specially-trained physician who works to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by the terminally ill patient.

Pediatric Anesthesiology

A pediatric anesthesiologist evaluates, prepares, and manages children undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in operative and critical care settings. In addition, a pediatric anesthesiologist is involved in the evaluation and treatment of children with acute and chronic painful disorders.²

Colon and Rectal Surgery

A Colon and Rectal Surgeon, or Colorectal Surgeon, is an expert in the surgical treatment of problems involving the digestive system – and in particular the small bowel, colon, and rectum. In order to become a Colorectal Surgeon, a physician must complete advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems in addition to training in general surgery. Colorectal surgeons treat benign and malignant conditions, perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat problems when necessary.¹

Dermatology

Dermatologists diagnose and treat all aspects of healthy and diseased skin in adults and children, including conditions such as skin cancer, melanomas, moles, dermatitis, acne, and sexually transmitted diseases. Dermatologists also manage cosmetic disorders of the skin, including hair loss, scars, and the skin changes associated with aging.¹

Medical Toxology

Medical Toxicology is a medical subspecialty that is concerned with the adverse effect on humans from environmental toxins, chemical reactions and poisons, and biological hazards. Further a medical toxicologist would be well trained in diagnosis, research and conclusions connected with medications either prescribed or over the counter.¹

Pediatric Emergency Medicine

A pediatric emergency physician is trained to care for children up to the age of 21 who have a serious illness that requires immediate assistance.

Undersea and Hyerbaric Medicine

A physician would first be specialized in Emergency Medicine. In this certification, he is well trained to make a decision quickly, and take action to prevent death or further damage in emergency situations.

Family Medicine

Family medicine (FM), formerly Family Practice (FP), is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages; the specialist is named a family physician, family doctor, or formerly family practitioner. It is a division of primary care that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family across all ages, genders, diseases, and parts of the body.¹