#United States #Chicago #Medical Specialists #ABMS Board Certification #Certified Physicians

A Milestone in Medical Certification

In a notable achievement for the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a new report reveals that America has crossed a significant threshold—over one million physicians and medical specialists are now board certified. This accomplishment is not just a statistical figure; it represents the hard work and dedication of medical practitioners who have met the rigorous standards set by ABMS.

According to the ABMS Board Certification Report 2024-2025, as of June 30, 2025, there are 1,025,104 diplomates actively certified across 38 specialties and 89 subspecialties. This marks an increase of more than 27,000 diplomates from previous year, showcasing the growing trend in the medical field's commitment to excellence.

Significance of ABMS Certification

Board certification is crucial for ensuring quality in healthcare. It is a voluntary process undertaken by physicians and specialists who have completed their residency or fellowship training. The certification acts as a reliable credential for patients when selecting healthcare providers. As Richard E. Hawkins, MD, the President and CEO of ABMS, states, "Reaching more than one million board certified physicians is a remarkable milestone for ABMS and its 24 Member Boards." This figure underscores the value of board certification and the ongoing commitment of healthcare professionals to meet high standards in patient care.

Among the new data released, the report highlights several interesting facts about the certified doctors:

• - The 24 ABMS Member Boards issued 34,619 new specialty certificates and 17,528 new subspecialty certificates.
• - The median age of certified physicians is 53 years, while the average age stands at 56 years.
• - Gender distribution shows that 34.3% of active diplomates are women, compared to 59.4% who are men, with around 6.2% having undisclosed gender.
• - Within the age bracket of 35 to 44 years, gender distribution among doctors is nearly balanced, with 46.5% male and 43.7% female.

Tools for the Public

To aid patients in making informed decisions, ABMS provides two free online resources: CertificationMatters.org, which allows individuals to check the certification status of their healthcare providers, and the ABMS Data Viewer, an interactive platform offering insights into national and state certification data, encompassing age, gender, specialty, and geographic location.

About ABMS

Founded in 1933, ABMS plays a pivotal role in the standardization and oversight of physician certification in the United States. The organization is dedicated to advancing healthcare quality through the establishment of educational and professional standards for physicians and medical specialists. More information is available at abms.org.

In summary, the certification of over one million physicians is a critical milestone in the quest for high-quality healthcare, embodying the commitment of medical professionals to ongoing education and accountability. As patients seek care, the value of choosing a certified provider cannot be overstated—knowing that these doctors have undergone rigorous evaluation to meet established standards fosters confidence in the healthcare system. This landmark achievement not only highlights the growing number of qualified medical professionals but also reflects the importance of accountability and excellence in patient care.