Certification of osteopathic physicians.

Certification terminology In February 1994, the AOA Board of Trustees adopted the following standardized definitions of certification and eliminated certificates of special recognition. General Certification (formerly “Primary Certification”): The primary certification conferred on diplomates who meet the requirements in a specified field of medical practice under the jurisdiction of a certifying board. General certification represents a distinct and well-defined field of osteopathic medical practice. Certificates read, “Certified in (general field).” Certification of Special Qualifications (formerly “Secondary Certification”): Subspecialty certification conferred by a certifying board in a specific subspecialty area of the field to which that board certifies. It requires prior attainment of general certification. Certificates read, “Certified in (subspecialty field).” Certification of Special Qualifications indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, training, and successful examination in a subspecialty field over and above that required for general certification. Certification of Special Qualifications designates additional abilities in limited areas of the general specialty field represented by that board. For example, cardiology is a limited area within the field of internal medicine for which physicians may earn special qualification certification. Certification of Added Qualifications (formerly “Certificate of Added Qualifications”): Constitutes a modification of a general certificate or certificate of special qualifications to reflect additional training of at least 1 year and satisfactory completion of a certifying examination in that field. The training required for added qualifications must incorporate a specific and identifiable body of knowledge within the broader practice of the general specialty. For example, a physician can hold general certification in family practice, with added qualifications in geriatric medicine (Table 2). When the identifiable body of knowledge for certification of added qualifications overlaps more than one specialty or subspecialty area, a conjoint examination program may be developed by the corresponding certifying boards. Certification of added qualifications requires maintenance of valid general or special qualification certification from which the added qualification was modified. Certification of added qualifications in geriatrics is now independently offered through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. In addition, physicians holding general certification through an AOA specialty board and who meet the established criteria are eligible to receive certification of added qualifications in occupational medicine or medical toxicology. Recertification in areas of added qualifications requires maintenance of valid general or special qualification certification from which the added qualification was modified.