American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine

The American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM) is a professional organization that provides board certification to qualified osteopathic physicians (DOs) specializing in emergency medicine. The AOBEM is one of the 18 specialty certifying boards of the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS).

History

The AOBEM was established to ensure that osteopathic physicians specializing in emergency medicine meet the highest standards of practice. It was founded to provide a pathway for certification and recertification for osteopathic emergency physicians, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care in emergency settings.

Certification Process

To become board certified by the AOBEM, candidates must complete several steps:

1. Education and Training: Candidates must graduate from an accredited osteopathic medical school and complete a residency in emergency medicine that is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
2. Examinations: Candidates must pass both a written and an oral examination. The written exam tests the candidate's knowledge of emergency medicine, while the oral exam assesses their ability to apply this knowledge in clinical scenarios.
3. Ongoing Certification: Board-certified physicians must participate in the Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) process, which includes lifelong learning and periodic assessment to maintain their certification.

Osteopathic Continuous Certification

The OCC process is designed to ensure that board-certified osteopathic emergency physicians maintain their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. It includes:

• Component 1: Active Licensure - Physicians must hold an active, unrestricted medical license.
• Component 2: Lifelong Learning/Continuing Medical Education (CME) - Physicians must complete a specified number of CME credits in emergency medicine.
• Component 3: Cognitive Assessment - Physicians must pass periodic cognitive exams to demonstrate their knowledge.
• Component 4: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement - Physicians must engage in quality improvement activities in their practice.

Role and Importance

The AOBEM plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of emergency medicine practice among osteopathic physicians. By certifying and recertifying physicians, the AOBEM ensures that they are equipped to handle the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of emergency medicine. This certification is recognized as a mark of excellence and commitment to the field.

Related Pages

• American Osteopathic Association
• Emergency medicine
• Osteopathic medicine in the United States
• Board certification
• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine