John C. Moorhead Honored with 2025 Distinguished Service Award by ABMS

Celebrating Excellence in Medical Certification

On September 18, 2025, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) honored Dr. John C. Moorhead with the prestigious 2025 Distinguished Service Award during the ABMS Conference in Pittsburgh. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Moorhead's unwavering commitment to the medical community and the certification process for physicians.

The Distinguished Service Award, introduced in 1984, is awarded to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the certification of medical specialists. Dr. Moorhead, who served as the Chair of the ABMS Board of Directors from 2016 to 2018, has been instrumental in advocating for the significance of board certification. He firmly believes that certification is crucial for ensuring the competence and professionalism of medical practitioners.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Moorhead expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "I am honored to be recognized by ABMS with its Distinguished Service Award. I truly believe in the important role that board certification holds in our health care system, and it has been my life's work and great passion to promote its value to both the profession and patients alike."

His influence within the ABMS community is evident through decades of service, which includes establishing the Continuing Board Certification Vision for the Future Commission. This initiative has greatly improved the continuing certification process for physicians, ensuring it remains relevant and valuable to their practice and the patients they serve.

Dr. Moorhead’s dedication extends beyond his leadership roles at ABMS. He has significantly contributed to the field of emergency medicine, currently serving as a Professor in the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department at Oregon Health Science University. As a former president of both the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Oregon Medical Association, he has actively advanced medical education and practice in his specialty.

Moreover, Dr. Moorhead's extensive involvement with the American Board of Emergency Medicine includes multiple roles such as President, Secretary-Treasurer, and a member of various committees that focus on developing and maintaining the standards for medical professionals.

In addition to the ABMS Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Moorhead has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Excellence in Quality Management Award from Kaiser Permanente and the John G. Wiegenstein Leadership Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians. These recognitions highlight his relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare.

ABMS President and CEO Richard E. Hawkins acknowledged Dr. Moorhead's commitment, stating, "The ABMS and its Member Boards greatly appreciate Dr. Moorhead's incredible commitment to enhancing the value and promoting the importance of board certification."

The ABMS, established in 1933, plays a crucial role in setting standards for physician certification in the United States. It oversees 24 Member Boards, certifying over a million physicians across various specialties. The work of organizations like ABMS and prominent leaders such as Dr. Moorhead is vital in maintaining high standards in healthcare, ultimately ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

As medical standards evolve, Dr. Moorhead's contributions will undoubtedly remain influential in shaping the future of medical certification and education, reinforcing the necessity and value of board certification in today's healthcare landscape.