Becoming Board Certified in Addiction Medicine: Your Pathway Explained
We need more Addiction Medicine physicians, both here in the United States and all over the world. In the United States, board certification in Addiction Medicine is supervised by the American Board of Preventative Medicine (ABPM).
Ever wondered if you could become a board-certified Addiction Medicine physician? In this episode of 'Addiction in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care', Dr. Casey Grover breaks down the steps to achieve this crucial certification in the United States. With one American dying from a drug overdose every six minutes, the need for more qualified addiction specialists is urgent. Dr.
Grover explains how the American Board of Preventative Medicine (ABPM) offers a practice pathway that allows current practitioners to gain certification without a fellowship. This pathway is ideal for those who have significant experience in addiction medicine but cannot commit to a fellowship due to personal or professional reasons. To be eligible, you'll need a medical degree, a valid license, and board certification in a primary specialty.
You must also demonstrate 400 hours of addiction medicine practice within the last five years. These hours can include direct patient care, teaching, research, or administrative roles related to addiction medicine. The application process is straightforward: enter your activities into electronic forms, verify your practice, and get a recommendation letter from a board-certified colleague. Once approved, you can schedule your board exam through Pearson Vue. Dr.
Grover emphasizes that becoming board certified in addiction medicine not only enhances your ability to treat substance use disorders but also plays a critical role in saving lives. Whether you're already working in addiction medicine or considering a shift in your career, this episode offers valuable insights into how you can make a meaningful impact. Tune in to learn more about the eligibility requirements, training options, and application process for board certification in addiction medicine.