Guiding Principles

Our objectives include:

• To establish criteria of eligibility for otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons who request board certification
• To determine which candidates fulfill these criteria of eligibility
• To examine such candidates and issue certification upon satisfactory completion of requirements
• To ensure those who attain board certification continue to meet the standards set forth by ABOHNS to maintain certification throughout their careers
• To encourage development of the highest standards in the teaching and training of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons

The ABOHNS is strongly committed to the promotion of professionalism and safe, high-quality specialty care through professional self-regulation. The ABOHNS certification goes beyond state medical licensure, which represents the minimum requirements to legally, independently provide patient care. The ABOHNS establishes the highest standards for patient care in the specialty and subspecialties of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

The primary responsibility of the ABOHNS is to the public. While it carefully considers the concerns and impact of board certification for physicians, the public’s best interest guides the ABOHNS’ decision-making first and foremost. The ABOHNS is a certifying body, not a membership organization. Board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons are referred to as Diplomates of the ABOHNS.

Principles of Professionalism

The American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS) is committed to promoting a culture of professionalism that is worthy of our patients’ and the public’s trust as well as our colleagues’ esteem. Behaviors expected by trainees, candidates, and diplomates include but are not limited to the following:

Patient Care:

• Clinical Competence - Maintain knowledge and skills essential for effective, safe, and high quality patient care.
• Communication - Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
• Confidentiality - Maintain patient and families’ right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Patient-Centered Care - Prioritize patient’s health care needs, optimal outcomes, and well-being.
• Respect and Collaboration - Demonstrate compassion, integrity, and respect when working with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
• Responsibility and Accountability - Be reliable, responsive, and accountable to patients, families, and other members of the health care team.

Professional Standards:

• Billing Integrity - Maintain honesty and follow ethical principles in billing, coding, and practice management.
• Bias Mitigation - Mitigate both implicit and explicit biases based on gender, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, and religion in all public facing and professional activities.
• Honesty and Integrity - Provide information that is factual, truthful, not misleading, and consistent with prevailing standards of care during communication with patients, colleagues, and the public. Comply with all ABOHNS policies and processes to become and remain board certified.
• Lifelong Learning - Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement as evidenced by advancement of clinical skills, medical knowledge, professional behaviors, and personal development.

Professional Conduct:

• Moral Conduct - Refrain from personal or professional conduct that is inconsistent with ethical behaviors of a physician, as determined by the ABOHNS, and would potentially impact patient care, or jeopardize the trust between the public and the specialty.
• Professional Relationships - Maintain appropriate relationships with patients, staff, and others encountered in professional environments.

View a downloadable PDF version of ABOHNS Principles of Professionalism