Importance of Board Certification

Choosing a Board-Certified Physician

Specialized Expertise

An essential element in choosing a doctor is to ensure that board certification has been achieved and maintained.

In order to practice, a doctor is required by law to hold a general medical license in the state or territory where they practice. Physicians who achieve and maintain board certification, however, have gone beyond state licensure to complete rigorous and specialized training requirements within the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. They have successfully met the specialty’s standards through a comprehensive examination process that tests the breadth and depth of their knowledge in the field and evaluates performance in their clinical practice. This achievement is what designates them as a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Board certification indicates to the public, including patients, colleagues, hospital credentialers, insurers, and others, that those otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons have met or exceeded the standards of the specialty.

ABOHNS certification is a voluntary program in which specialists demonstrate a commitment to meeting the highest standards established for their profession and by their profession through self-regulation. Board certification is more than successfully passing initial examinations. It is a continuum beginning with entry into accredited residency training and ending with retirement. Board-certified physicians are committed to a higher standard that involves keeping up-to-date with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care, and to demonstrate proficiency throughout their career. 

Some doctors specialize even further, gaining a subspecialty certification within otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (see About Our Certifications). To accomplish this, they complete additional accredited training and pass further examinations within an even more specialized field within otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Once completing this process, these diplomates are additionally board certified in their selected subspecialty.

Benefits of Continuing Certification

Through the continuing certification program, board-certified physicians must continue to demonstrate they meet the standards of the profession that define their specialty. When ABOHNS was formed in 1924, the medical knowledge and skills obtained at the completion of training was thought to be sufficient to last throughout a physician’s career. However, in today’s rapidly evolving health care environment, a lifelong learning and assessment process is essential for otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to update their knowledge and ensure best patient care.

Through continuing certification activities, ABOHNS diplomates learn new and emerging developments in their field – both practical and conceptual. These activities are available from a variety of sources including specialty societies. The ABOHNS Continuing Certification Program verifies and ensures that diplomates continue to meet standards in professionalism, lifelong learning, and self-assessment, as well as maintain their knowledge base and stay up-to-date with changes in clinical care.