American Board of Preventive Medicine

American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is a medical specialty board in the United States that oversees the certification and ongoing educational requirements of physicians in the specialty areas of preventive medicine. The ABPM is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Preventive medicine focuses on the health of individuals, communities, and defined populations with the goal of protecting, promoting, and maintaining health and well-being and to prevent disease, disability, and death.

History[edit | edit source]

The ABPM was established in 1948 in response to the growing recognition of the importance of preventive measures in health care. It was created to provide a formal mechanism for the certification of physicians who specialize in preventive medicine, which encompasses a broad range of practices aimed at improving patient care and public health.

Certification[edit | edit source]

The ABPM offers certification in three primary specialty areas of preventive medicine:

Additionally, the ABPM provides subspecialty certifications in areas such as Addiction Medicine, Clinical Informatics, and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

To become certified by the ABPM, candidates must: 1. Complete an accredited residency program in preventive medicine. 2. Pass a comprehensive written examination that covers the core knowledge and skills of the specialty. 3. Hold a valid medical license in the jurisdiction where they practice.

Maintenance of Certification[edit | edit source]

The ABPM also requires certified physicians to participate in its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. The MOC program is designed to ensure that physicians maintain their skills and knowledge in preventive medicine throughout their careers. It includes requirements for continuing medical education, self-assessment activities, and periodic re-examination.

Role in Public Health[edit | edit source]

The ABPM plays a critical role in the advancement of public health by setting standards for the education, training, and certification of preventive medicine physicians. These physicians work in various settings, including health departments, hospitals, wellness centers, and in academia, contributing to research, policy development, and clinical practice aimed at preventing disease and promoting health at the population level.