Why Become Board Certified?
Becoming board certified is an important step for any podiatrist because it demonstrates a higher level of expertise, dedication, and professionalism in the field of foot and ankle care. Board certification goes beyond completing medical school and residency—it requires passing rigorous examinations and meeting strict professional standards set by recognized certifying boards. This credential reassures patients, employers, and peers that the podiatrist is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in medicine, upholding the highest standards of patient safety, and providing exceptional care. In an increasingly competitive healthcare environment, board certification not only enhances credibility and trust but also opens the door to greater career opportunities, hospital privileges, and insurance participation.
The primary function of ABFAS is to certify qualified foot and ankle surgeons. Initially, we offered a single certification in foot and ankle surgery. Today, ABFAS offers board certification in foot surgery or foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle (RRA) surgery.
Prior to achieving ABFAS Board Certification, candidates must become ABFAS Board Qualified in Foot Surgery or ABFAS Board Qualified in Foot and RRA Surgery. To become ABFAS Board Qualified, DPMs must complete a three-year residency program and pass ABFAS Part I Board Qualification Exams (or the equivalent Final-year In-training Exams). Once board qualified (or "board eligible"), candidates must pass the rigorous Case Review process to achieve ABFAS Board Certification.
ABFAS board-certified surgeons, called ABFAS Diplomates, engage in a process of continuous learning to remain certified through the LEAD Continuous Certification Program.
The American Board of Podiatric Medicine is an organization offering a comprehensive board certification process in podiatric medicine and orthopedics. Increasingly hospitals, surgical centers, managed care organizations and insurance carriers require board certification. ABPM is the only board recognized by the Specialty Board Review Committee (SBRC), under the authority of the American Podiatric Medical Association to certify in podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric medicine.