American Osteopathic Association Bureau Of Osteopathic Specialists

American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS) is a key component of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), dedicated to maintaining high standards for osteopathic medical education and practice in the United States. The Bureau oversees the certification of osteopathic physicians across various specialties, ensuring that they meet the rigorous qualifications required to provide high-quality care.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The AOABOS operates under the umbrella of the AOA, which is a principal organization representing osteopathic medical professionals in the United States. The Bureau's primary mission is to advance the quality of osteopathic healthcare by certifying physicians in their respective specialties. This certification process is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of osteopathic physicians, ensuring they are competent to deliver quality medical care.

Certification Process[edit | edit source]

The certification process managed by the AOABOS involves several steps, including completing an accredited residency program in an osteopathic or allopathic institution, passing a comprehensive examination, and fulfilling ongoing continuing medical education requirements. The AOABOS offers certification in numerous specialties and subspecialties, reflecting the broad scope of osteopathic medicine.

Specialties and Subspecialties[edit | edit source]

Osteopathic physicians can pursue certification in a wide range of specialties, including but not limited to:

Each of these specialties may further include subspecialties, offering osteopathic physicians the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest and expertise.

Ongoing Certification[edit | edit source]

The AOABOS emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuous improvement in the practice of osteopathic medicine. To maintain certification, osteopathic physicians must participate in the Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) process, which includes periodic re-examination, self-assessment, and completion of continuing medical education credits.

Impact on Osteopathic Medicine[edit | edit source]

The work of the AOABOS is crucial in maintaining the high standards of osteopathic medical practice. By ensuring that osteopathic physicians are well-qualified and up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and techniques, the Bureau plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to patients across the United States.