The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) has reached a significant milestone—more than 50,000 emergency physicians now hold ABEM Emergency Medicine certification, upholding the standard of care patients deserve.
This moment is the product of decades of work. ABEM was founded in 1976, and Emergency Medicine was recognized as a specialty in 1979. The road wasn’t easy or immediate, but emergency physicians pressed forward. The first ABEM-certified physicians earned that distinction in 1980, and in the 46 years since, the specialty has grown exponentially.
This milestone reflects the dedication of each individual certified physician. Certification by the American Board of Emergency Medicine is viewed as the gold standard for emergency physicians. It indicates that a physician is dedicated to delivering high-quality care and has demonstrated the skills and ongoing expertise needed to meet the highest professional credential in Emergency Medicine. It also signals a physician’s commitment to staying up to date with the latest medical advances through continuing certification activities.
This achievement also highlights the commitment of ABEM’s volunteers. As Examiners, Item Writers, Standard Setting participants, and more, they keep ABEM’s assessments fair, relevant, and grounded in how Emergency Medicine is practiced today. We thank them for their contributions, which protect the integrity of certification and support every physician who earns it.
Congratulations to all ABEM-certified physicians on this milestone and the vital role they play in serving their communities, patients, and the specialty of Emergency Medicine. With more than 50,000 ABEM-certified physicians practicing across the country, patients should expect an ABEM-certified physician to lead their care in an emergency, and trust that they are receiving the highest standards of care.
Learn more about the value ABEM-certified physicians bring to the Emergency Department and their communities.
Additional Information:
- Delivery of Emergency Care is Best Led by ABEM-certified Physicians
- Do You Know Who Would Treat Your Family in an Emergency?
- Continuing Certification: Upholding our Commitment to Patients Through Lifelong Learning
- Value of ABEM-Certified Physicians
- RAND: Strategies for Sustaining Emergency Care in the United States
- Association Between American Board of Emergency Medicine Certification Performance and Severe State Medical Licensure Actions
