Source: American Board of Family Medicine
A recent study of medical license actions of family physicians adds to the growing literature regarding the association between physicians receiving a disciplinary action from a state medical board and their participation, or lack of participation, in board certification.
The study merged data from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile, the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), and the Federation of State Medical Boards. Included were physicians who were trained in family medicine and eligible for ABFM Board Certification. Results of the study demonstrated that 95% of family physicians have never received disciplinary action from their state medical board. Importantly, participation in ABFM Family Medicine Certification was associated with a reduced likelihood of ever receiving a disciplinary action, whereas having held a prior, but not current, certification at the time of the action was associated with a higher likelihood of receiving the most severe type of action. This study supports the important connection between board certification, professionalism, and public trust in the value of certification.
Read the complete article The Relationship Between Board Certification and Disciplinary Actions Against Board-Eligible Family Physicians.