KevinMD January 15, 2026
The phrase “board-certified” once carried a universal meaning. A physician had met rigorous training and testing standards and could practice confidently anywhere in the country. That clarity has faded. Today, certification and recertification requirements differ not only by specialty but also by which board you happen to fall under. What was once a single national standard has splintered into a patchwork of rules, fees, and timelines that seem designed less for learning and more for administrative survival.
One title, many rulebooks
Let’s picture a few physicians working under this system, the kinds of experiences colleagues share at every conference coffee line.
Dr. Nguyen, a hospitalist, holds certifications from both the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board...
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