| 2008 Important Exam Dates Application Deadline Early: July 1, 2008 Final: August 15, 2008 Certification Exams September 28-29, 2008 Tampa, FL |
| Certification Information |
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• Policies & Procedures for |
ABBM Certification Process Overview
2008 ABBM Certification Exam
September 28-29, 2008
Tampa, FL
Application for Board Certification
An application for ABBM board certification may be obtained by clicking on the word "Application" above or by contacting the headquarters office at (303) 752-4000 or info@abbmcertification.org. An exam fee must accompany the completed application and supporting material upon submission to the ABBM office. All support documentation must accompany the application. No extensions will be provided, so be sure to allow enough time to complete your CME requirement.
Examination After candidates have satisfied the qualifications for certification and made official candidacy application to the ABBM for board certification, including paying the examination fee, they are eligible for the annual ABBM certification exams (note: The exam fee covers both the exams and the onsite Patient Care Review. The amount of the exam fee will be determined by the date all supporting materials are received). The exams are given annually at times and locations selected by ABBM. ABBM specifically reserves the right to alter the frequency, location, time and date of exam administrations.
Patient Care Review (PCR) Applicants must successfully complete a Patient Care Review administered by the board within four years of passage of the written and oral examinations. If the Patient Care Review is not passed the first time, the applicant may submit for another review after six months' time by resubmitting the Patient Care Review questionnaire and the applicable reinspection fee.
Conference of Diplomate Status As the last step of the certification process, the evaluation form from the candidate's patient care review will be submitted to the Board for approval. Certification shall require a two-thirds vote of the ABBM Board of Directors. The final determination of whether a candidate shall be granted certification is the sole discretion of ABBM.
Diplomate Status All candidates who successfully complete both the written and oral certification examinations, as well as the onsite Patient Care Review, shall be known as Diplomates of the American Board of Bariatric Medicine. Diplomates receive an appropriate certificate which remains the property of the American Board of Bariatric Medicine. The Diplomate to whom the certificate is issued is entitled to its possession unless it is revoked (see "Revocation of Diplomate Status.")
If a Diplomate's certificate is lost or destroyed, the Board will issue a replacement certificate upon written request and justification. The certificate replacement fee must accompany the request. Contact the Board office for current fees.
Time Limit of Certification Diplomates have time-limited board certification status for five years from the date that certification was first granted. Diplomates may initiate the recertification process in the fourth year of their certification. The recertification process consists of the following: submission of a formal application, documentation of continuing medical education (see "Continuing Requirements"), assessment of licensure status, and a mail-in cognitive examination.
Continuing Requirements Once a person has received the Diplomate designation, the Diplomate is required to remain in compliance with the following initial qualification requirements for board certification:
- Hold a qualified MD and/or DO degree.
- Possess a current state or provincial license (or the equivalent of the jurisdiction) to practice medicine without any restrictions.
Use of the ABBM Diplomate status or of the Board's official logo in advertising media to imply official endorsement of the Diplomate or the Diplomate's practice, methods, programs or products will be considered a violation of the terms and conditions of certification. The Board may terminate the Diplomate's
Use of Diplomate Designation Use of the ABBM Diplomate status or of the Board's official logo in advertising media to imply official endorsement of the Diplomate or the Diplomate's practice, methods, programs or products will be considered a violation of the terms and conditions of certification. The Board may terminate the Diplomate's status upon a three-fourths affirmative vote of the board. A Diplomate may indicate status as a Diplomate, American Board of Bariatric Medicine, in advertising media provided the professional qualification does not indicate that the Diplomate's practice, methods, programs or products are endorsed by ABBM.
Revocation of Diplomate Status A certificate is issued by ABBM with the understanding that it remains the property of the Board during the life of the Diplomate. Any certificate issued by the board shall be subject to revocation in the event that the certificant:
- Fails to comply with the continuing requirements for Diplomate status.
- Misuses the Diplomate designation.
- Commits fraud or misrepresentation in the application or recertification process.
- Fails to abide by the ABBM Bylaws or any rules or requirements established by the Board.
- Has a license or certificate to practice medicine suspended or revoked.
After this effort to assure initial listings of the newly-certified Diplomates, ABBM assumes no responsibility for a Diplomate's listing in subsequent issues of any directory.
Status of Individuals The American Board of Bariatric Medicine does not use the term "board eligible" because the term does not have a consistent definition. Claims that a physician has passed the written or oral examination, the Patient Care Review or is "board eligible" are not permitted.
Except as required by law, ABBM will respond to inquiries regarding the status of an individual by providing a statement of only whether the individual has been certified or not.