4 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Be a Board Certified Locums Doctor
Board certification can have many benefits for locums. Board certification requires extensive training and passing rigorous exams that test a physician’s knowledge and clinical skills. This level of certification means that physicians are qualified to provide expert care to patients.
Board certification goes beyond medical licensure. All doctors and medical specialists in the United States must be licensed in their state to practice medicine. Licensure establishes the minimum competency that doctors require to diagnose and treat patients. Although each licensing authority has its own rules and regulations, they all require that clinicians pass a series of exams to demonstrate their qualification for licensure. However, licensure is not specific to a specialty.
Conversely, board certification is a voluntary process that focuses on specialties and subspecialties and has numerous eligibility requirements. It can represent a physician’s mastery and skills in a specific area of medicine. There can be a personal satisfaction that comes with the years of hard work and sacrifice.
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the regulating body for board certification. It has 24 boards that cover a range of medical specialties. These boards provide independent appraisal and verification of clinicians’ skills and expertise. Plus, because board certification relies on a continuing process of professional assessment and learning, it encourages doctors to develop their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Board certification will require a physician to keep up with the latest advances in medicine.
From the patient’s point of view, seeing a board-certified doctor might mean that they’re receiving care from a physician who has proven their skillset. For facilities, contracting board-certified doctors mean improved patient care quality, increased safety, better outcomes, and positive experiences.
Here are five compelling reasons why locum doctors should consider becoming board-certified.
1. Board certification shows that you are an expert in your field
Board certification is the highest level of recognition available to doctors in the United States. It means you’ve taken on an additional responsibility to provide exceptional care and keep abreast of medical advancements. Board certification shows that you are skilled in your specialty and continue to learn and hone your skills.
Doctors receiving board certification must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge and clinical skills. Therefore, it demonstrates to patients and employers that you’re committed to your profession.
Moreover, board certification evolves as new medical specialties develop. As a result, it helps specialists grow their expertise and abilities while simultaneously remaining the recognized credential that patients and facilities trust to help highlight competent clinicians.
2. Board certification proves that you are up-to-date on the latest advances in medicine
Board certification requires doctors to demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning by earning recertification every 6 to 10 years.
The knowledge and skills required for board certification change all the time as new medical discoveries are made, so it’s critical that you’re conversant with emerging and relevant information in your field.
3. Board certification demonstrates your commitment to quality care
Doctors must abide by the ABMS Program for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) standards and follow all recertification policies to earn board certification.
It shows patients that you’re committed to providing high-quality care and provides peace of mind that the physician is professional, experienced, and an expert. In fact, when considering care quality and health outcome, there is a considerable difference between the care given by board-certified physicians.
4. Board certification can help you advance your career
By joining the ranks of board-certified physicians in your specialty, you’ll have greater job security and be in high demand. In addition, being board certified can allow you to command higher salaries and have more opportunities for advancement.
Although board certification is not legally required to practice medicine, employers often prioritize this qualification as it helps differentiate their facility from the competition. Additionally, insurance providers may offer incentives to medical centers that hire board-certified clinicians, further encouraging employers to hire these high-caliber individuals.
Are you a board-certified locum yet?
Board certification is an impressive but voluntary credential for doctors in the United States. It shows that you’re an expert in your field and are committed to lifelong learning. Board certification also indicates that you provide high-quality care and follows the latest advances in medicine. For these reasons, board certification can help doctors advance their careers and command healthy salaries.