Many myths exist regarding Board Certification. Any physician who has been certified by a particular board has passed the rigid standards of qualification and examination set forth by that particular board of examiners. The sole purpose of board certification is the recognition of individuals who have demonstrated minimal competency in a particular discipline. It is this credentialing process that patients should regard as one component in selecting a physician.

A common misunderstanding by the laity is that all physicians need to be certified to legally practice medicine. Another erroneous conclusion is that certification is the same as passing the state licensure board. The most common myth, however, is that all board-certified specialties are the same. Only those boards that are recognized by their professional association are seen as credible by that profession. For example, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recognizes only two boards: the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine (ABPOPPM). Please note that board certification is performed to provide an avenue for recognition to set physicians apart from other non-certified physicians.

The certification process begins with completion of a particular residency or alternative education process that is recognized by the board of examiners. The candidate must also submit an array of diverse cases for approval by the credentials committee. These cases involve actual patients treated by the physician. The documentation consists of the charts, x-rays, consults, and other information of the involved patients displaying the outcome of the physician’s treatment. This qualification serves to ascertain that the physician is performing at a competent level of standard established by that particular board.

After case approval is achieved, the candidate must pass a rigorous and comprehensive written examination carefully constructed by professional examiners to maintain the highest standards. This exam tests the academic and clinical knowledge that is necessary to achieve certification.

Next, a timed oral examination is conducted to evaluate the candidate’s clinical judgement and reasoning skills. Eight case scenarios are usually presented. The exam involves a one on one interview in which the candidate is given a clinical situation and is required to rationalize the proper diagnosis based on limited information. The candidate must also identify treatment options based on the conclusion he has reached

Board certified physicians are regarded as Diplomates. They must maintain continuing education and re-certify every ten years. When selecting a Podiatrist, one should consider a Diplomate of the ABPS (http://www.abps.org) or the ABPOPPM (http://www.abpoppm.org) for care. These Diplomates have set themselves apart from other licensed Podiatrists by passing a rigid examination process.

Dr. Graham has been in private practice in Effingham since 1989 and is on staff at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and Effingham Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and American Board of Podiatric Orthopaedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Graham is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics and Medicine, and American Professional Wound Care Association. He is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association.

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