Certification

What it means when your podiatric surgeon is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery:

During the last year of training, the physician passes a test to become “Board Qualified” by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

Four years after graduating from podiatric medical school, the physician submits a list of surgical cases to the ABPS. Then a variety of cases are chosen and reviewed in detail from the initial visit through surgery and the postoperative period to determine whether the candidate meets the professional standards established by the ABPS.

After the case review, the final step is the oral examination. This is a two-day exam that tests the candidate’s clinical judgment and reasoning skills. The physician is required to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan of several case scenarios in front of professional peer reviews. Once this is completed successfully, the physicians are referred to as “Diplomates” and become voting members of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

ABPS Diplomates are required to annually participate in continuing medical education activities to ensure they stay abreast of new research and technologies. In addition to this, the physician must also take an examination every ten years to evaluate his or her current level of knowledge.