What does it mean to be board certified in the health profession?

@kgwat70 (13388)
United States
April 14, 2007 12:54pm CST
Can someone tell me what being board certified means? Are all doctors board certified or just some of them? Is it better to choose someone that is board certified than someone who is not? I know the specialist that I will be seeing this week about my neck and back is board certified and I have heard it is good to see one because they are constantly going through training on all types of illnesses and disorders and are more up to date and accurate. I am not sure if the two previous chiropractors that I saw were board certified or not.
3 people like this
4 responses
• United States
14 Apr 07
Ken, that iks the best doctor to go ..when they are board certified.. Here is the answer and the link: Strong Health What Does Board Certified Mean? Becoming a licensed, board certified physician means meeting the most rigorous training and continuing education offered in the field of medicine. Certification of physicians is done by medical specialty boards, recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA), as a way to tell consumers that the doctors with this credential have successfully completed approved training and have passed an evaluation process assessing their ability to provide quality patient care in their specialty. Board certification is time-limited, and to maintain their certification, doctors are periodically reevaluated. They must present evidence of licensure and scope of their practice and pass an examination every 7 to 10 years, depending on the specialty. Board certification is a good indication that your doctor has made a commitment to continuing education and is keeping up with the latest findings in his or her field. https://www.stronghealth.com/services/generic/boardcertified.html
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
14 Apr 07
This is very good to know my friend and appreciate your feedback and knowledge. I will have to see if the previous chiropractors are board certified or not. I know the person I will be seeing this week is board certified so hopefully he can get me fixed.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Apr 07
Ken, I hope that you find relief for you back..I feel so bad knowing you have so much pain..Perhaps bending over your artwork adds to the pain? Maybe you can make it so you dont have to bend over maybe a special work table?:)|+
1 person likes this
• Philippines
15 Apr 07
Hi! As everyone has said board certified doctors are those who have passed exams and trainings as an indication that they are qualified to treat patients. Mind you, not all board certified doctors can treat patients well. It comes with a lot of experience and good reputation. I hope your doctor is both, so you will have the best treatment. Some non-certified doctors are actually very good and experienced ones. But it is always better to get the good, experienced and certified ones. They are updated as to latest treatments and procedures. Good luck with your doctor and I pray you will be relieved soon of your back and neck pains.
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
15 Apr 07
My family doctor is not board certified but she does a very good job with getting me well with my illnesses like strept, sinus infections and the flu. She also did a good job with helping me get rid of a cyst but apparently she did not do enough to help my mom. The person that I am seeing this thursday is board certified as well as the other ones in that office so it is good to know that he knows what he is doing.
@14missy (3183)
• Australia
15 Apr 07
Ken, I know that to practice medicine or nursing in Australia yopu have to be certified by a board. It gives you some standards to follow as well as insurance for any dramas that could happpen. Most people wouldn't employ anyone that wasn't registered.
1 person likes this
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
15 Apr 07
That is good that everyone in Australia needs to be board certified to be a doctor or nurse. The more a person knows the better they will be at diagnosing a persons ailment.
• United States
14 Apr 07
Board certified means the doctor has to take an exam and pass it showing he knows what he is doing. Medical Residents (people wanting to be a doctor) have to pass a board exam and becaome board certified before they can be considered a "real doctor". I would never go to anybody who wasn't board certified.
1 person likes this
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
14 Apr 07
That is definitely good to know as my family doctor is not board certified. I am not sure if she is going through the process or not. I too would want somebody that knows what they are doing and can make the right diagnosis and get me cured. I wonder how people can become doctors without being board certified. Thank you for your response.