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ANNUAL REPORT
TOMORROW
IMPACT
INNOVATION
LEADERSHIP
EXCELLENCE
CERTIFICATION
2025 - 2026 RECOGNITION
This program report highlights the progress made during 2025-2026. ABPS staff collaborates with outstanding physician leaders, volunteers and subject matter experts to move the organization forward. These efforts result in the advancement of ABPS Member Boards.
HELP YOUR BOARD
and Earn an Exam Waiver
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) play an important role in the exam development process and help us achieve test development goals.
ABPS recently implemented a new policy that rewards SMEs who participate in exam development activities over the course of their 8-year certification period with a waiver of the examination for recertification.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Fellow Diplomates,
It has been an honor to serve as your President over the past year, especially as we fully transitioned into an organization with a very streamlined focus on ABPS and all of its boards of certification. My presidency has allowed me to truly learn and see how passionate and how well the Tampa team, under the leadership of our CEO Jeff Morris, JD, not only functions but so passionately advocates for our boards of certification.
This year has brought us great success, not only in the advocacy and recognition of our boards, but it has also allowed us to make great strides in our fiscal responsibility and in the modernization of our computer management systems to assist with our continuing certification process for all boards. As part of our existing strategic plan, it is a necessity to ensure that not only do we meet the standards of physician board certification, but that we are THE organization that looks to the future of patient safety and care that meet the needs of 21st century medicine.
Our organization’s Executive Committee is aligned with the strategic initiatives laid out by our Tampa team which have resulted in the positive evolution that has attracted new physician Diplomates as well as other specialty groups to consider joining our organization. Your leadership continuously looks for new ways to improve your certification and our organization.
In addition, the ABPS Ad Hoc Committee is exploring new areas of growth that the global public would benefit from. One of those areas is looking at how we can create a separate certification process (not board certification) that would accommodate foreign clinicians that want to demonstrate competencies in specialty areas that ABPS provides board certification for.
The current U.S. presidential administration has placed great focus on rural health and breaking down the current bureaucracies and monopolies in medicine, all of which have been beneficial in garnering support of your boards of certification throughout the country. Our work and voice in Washington continue to successfully grow and have led to our increased initiatives and advocacy work led by our Public Affairs Consultant Monique Tapie. The tireless efforts by our External Affairs Director Lauren Henrichsen and our Marketing Director Erica Cuesta have led to big wins in recognition by some of the largest healthcare organizations in the country.
We are always stronger when working together and our Diplomates’ grassroots participation in fighting for recognition in hospitals around the country, working alongside our Tampa team has been essential to our successes and growth. Please take the time to speak with the Tampa team to learn how you can participate in your growth and recognition as well. These collective and coordinative advocacy efforts have proven that in working together, we can and will break down existing barriers to patient access to ABPS physician care.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your ABPS President. In moving forward, I am happy and confident in passing the baton to Dr. Leslie Mukau this summer, with Dr. Stricker and Dr. Amernath leading the way for our future.
Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, MPH
A LOOK AHEAD
Dear Diplomates,
This past year has brought with it great success in the further development, growth, recognition, and fiscal responsibility of our organization and boards of certification. The credit for these successes truly goes to our dedicated Tampa team and our Diplomate leadership.
The recent reorganization, with its streamlined focus being placed on the ABPS and its boards of certification, has allowed us to garner a greater voice before state, federal, and hospital decision makers – positioning our boards as physician board certification meeting the needs of 21st century medicine.
The advocacy work of our external relations team, led by Lauren Henrichsen, Director of External Affairs, enabled us to achieve a major milestone in HCA Healthcare formally incorporating ABPS into its organizational bylaws. Additionally, our Public Affairs Consultant, Monique Tapie has opened discussions with key congressional committees and with CMS leadership – working to ensure that the ABPS has a voice in this Administration’s Rural Healthcare and the Great American Health initiatives throughout the country. These accomplishments have been no easy feat and are only a small demonstration of how the reorganization of the ABPS is advancing our recognition efforts.
Along with this, we have made great strides in further board development that continues to meet the demands of 21st century medicine. We successfully launched the Interventional Pain Board under Anesthesiology and have finalized our Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Board, which is now accepting applications. Furthermore, we have begun developing the Cutaneous Oncology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery certification. Our engagements in the area of board development have become far-reaching and are attracting larger existing boards that have reached out to us to open discussions. None of this would have been possible without recognizing the great efforts of Christina Stebbins, Director of Test Development, Sue LoBianco, Director of Certification, and their teams.
Director of Meetings Keely Clarke worked with our Certification Department to bring back inperson winter board development meetings allowing our subject matter experts to work in person – embracing the collegiality that had been lost for some time. Diplomates worked diligently alongside our test development team to ensure the highest standards in physician board certification.
We continue to have sustained growth in Diplomate applications across multiple specialties. Leading in this area are Emergency Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Family Medicine Obstetrics. Erica Cuesta, our Director of Marketing & Recruitment, has been the main driver behind these successful efforts.
Under the new ABPS structure, and thanks to Jacqueline Hopkins, Director of Finance & Operations, our financial position remains strong, allowing us to focus on the modernization of our organization, increasing our prospects in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. These efforts have resulted in our ability to now advance our technologies and investments in AI-driven solutions that look to lessen the burdens on our Diplomates. Developing a forward-thinking and competitive certification model that will meet emerging industry needs is key to the future growth and success of not only our organization but the Diplomates that our dedicated team strives to successfully support.
Jeff Morris, JD, Chief Executive Officer
Thank you to our VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to all of our Diplomates who volunteered this past year!
Maintaining our rigorous board certification standards and strengthening the role of ABPS in the healthcare community would not be possible without your unparalleled dedication.
Social Media
ABPS uses LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook to connect with and educate healthcare leaders, decision makers, physicians, and patients.
Year in Review
Florida Legislation Updates
ABPS Name in Medical Statutes
Florida’s 2025 legislative session included an important update within the state’s medical statutes. Lawmakers replaced references to the American Association of Physician Specialists, (AAPS) with the name of its formal certifying body, the “American Board of Physician Specialties, Inc.” (ABPS). This name change went into effect July 1, 2025, and further reinforces recognition of ABPS and the credibility of the organization.
2025 ABPS Leadership Meeting
In June 2025, representatives from the ABPS Board of Directors, Certification Council, and other ABPS committees met in Tampa, FL, for two productive days of business meetings and leadership training focused on setting up the organization for future success. We would like to thank everyone who attended for their dedication and contributions.
Federal Update
Over the last year, our Public Affairs Consultant, Monique Tapie, alongside our CEO Jeff Morris, have succeeded in making ABPS a larger part of the national conversation and certification standard. With the current U.S. presidential administration’s focus on ending existing bureaucracies and monopolies in healthcare, along with their search for solutions on physician shortages and rural health, ABPS has secured a higher profile and is continuously looked to for solutions – all at a time when other certifying organizations are placing barriers to patient access to care.
Our advancement has opened continued dialogue with committee leadership and federal agencies such as CMS, positioning ABPS not only as the physician board certification organization for 21st century medicine, but also as the rural healthcare expert that meets the medical standard while providing solutions on patient access to care.
Ms. Tapie, Mr. Morris and the External Affairs team continue to garner great advancement and work tirelessly on the recognition of your boards of certification before federal, state and local decision makers and hospital credentialers.
Recertification Exam Waiver Policy for Subject Matter Experts
ABPS recently implemented a new policy that rewards subject matter experts (SMEs) who participate in exam development activities over the course of their 8-year certification period with a waiver of the examination for recertification. SMEs must accrue over 60 hours for those specialties with a written exam only (i.e. Dermatology, Family Medicine, Non-Surgical Family Medicine Obstetrics, Integrative Medicine, Internal Medicine and Interventional Pain Management), 100 hours for those specialties with a written and an oral exam (i.e. Anesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Family Medicine Obstetrics with Surgical Qualification, and Orthopedic Surgery) or 150 hours for Emergency Medicine. Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine Obstetrics and Integrative Medicine faculty at approved fellowship programs are now included in this policy. All other requirements for recertification, including submission of the application and CME documentation, will need to be met in time to complete the recertification process before the certification expires. SMEs who qualify for the exam waiver will be refunded $600 of their recertification application fee.
Opportunities to participate each year include:
• Winter exam development workshops, which range from one to three days depending on the specialty, and are typically held in January, February, or March;
• Written item review sessions that are typically 3 hours in length and held as needed;
• Written or oral post-exam review sessions (about two hours);
• Oral case review sessions (one day or multiple 3-hour sessions);
• Examiners for oral exams (one- to three 8-hour days depending on the specialty and candidate volume); and
• Exam item writing (authors of exam questions can earn up to two hours for every approved item).
Most activities are conducted virtually via Zoom. Volunteers may be restricted from participating in the review of potential exam material if they are already within two years of recertifying.
If you are interested in learning more, contact ABPS Certification staff at certification@abpsus.org.
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Marketing Performance Update
In 2025, ABPS maintained strong digital visibility and engagement, supported by continued dominance of organic search and meaningful gains in search performance. Organic traffic contributed over 73% of total sessions, while search visibility expanded significantly with more than 10.1 million impressions (422% YoY) and 148,855 clicks (285% YoY). Although overall sessions totaled 245,629 for the year, total key events increased by nearly 70% year-over-year, signaling stronger engagement from site visitors.
Early 2026 performance reinforces positive momentum, with Q1 key events increasing 179% year-over-year and direct traffic rising significantly, signaling strengthening brand recognition, and returning visitor engagement. With continued audience growth across channels and improved interaction signals, ABPS remains well positioned to expand visibility and conversion efficiency through ongoing optimization initiatives.
ABPS representatives continued active participation in medical industry conferences, gaining significant value from face-to-face conversations with decision-makers and prospective Diplomates while enhancing overall brand awareness. ABPS was prominently promoted and showcased across 11 in-person events, increasing recognition of its certification offerings.
WEBSITE PERFORMANCE
Total Sessions: 245,629 ( 7.6% YoY)
Total Users: 193,554 ( 6%)
New Users: 184,670 ( 9%)
Page Views: 424,035 ( 8%)
Key Events: 1,760 ( 70% YoY)
ORGANIC SEARCH PERFORMANCE
Organic Sessions: 180,455 (73% of total traffic)
Organic Users: 138,348
Organic Views: 315,796
Organic Clicks: 148,855 ( 285% YoY)
Impressions: 10.18M ( 422% YoY)
Organic search remained the primary acquisition channel
Return to In-Person Exam Development
For the first time since COVID, BCEM and ABOIM met in person this winter to conduct important examination development work. These workshops were very productive in terms of both exam work and building camaraderie. Due to the travel and time commitment for in-person meetings, the plan is to rotate in-person workshops each year by specialty so that most examination workshops will still be virtual to balance convenience and face-to-face meeting benefits.
CMS Dermatology Update
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the ABPS Board of Certification in Dermatology as an authorized certifying board for technical supervisors in dermatopathology. This recognition, formalized through an Administrative Information Memo published on the CMS website, further strengthens ABPS’s standing with key national regulators and highlights its growing role in advancing ABPS recognition.
Fellowship Update
The American Academy of Emergency Physicians (AAEP) continues to recognize fellowships that meet rigorous training standards, enabling physicians to demonstrate advanced expertise and proficiency in emergency medicine. AAEP currently recognizes 15 fellowship programs nationwide and continues to receive steady interest and inquiries regarding both the development of new fellowships and the recognition of existing programs, including ongoing inquiries from institutions seeking to establish new fellowship opportunities.
Similarly, the Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics (BCFMO) maintains a strong fellowship recognition program, with 64 programs currently recognized. Interest from physicians and sponsoring institutions remains high, with continued inquiries about initiating new fellowships as well as achieving program recognition.
Completion of a recognized fellowship, combined with additional eligibility requirements, provides a pathway for physicians to pursue board certification. These fellowship recognition programs remain a key driver of organizational growth and sustained engagement within the medical community.
HCA Adds ABPS to Model Bylaws
ABPS was incorporated into the model bylaws of the largest hospital system in the United States, HCA Healthcare. While individual HCA facilities retain authority over their final bylaw decisions, this inclusion represents a significant milestone in the continued recognition of ABPS. It underscores growing momentum toward expanding pathways in physician board certification and reinforces the importance of providing hospitals and physicians with credible, high-quality certification options.
ABPS Bylaw & Committee Charter Revisions
As part of an ongoing initiative to refine and improve the organizational structure, processes, and governing documents, ABPS staff worked with a parliamentarian and the ABPS Bylaws Committee to draft comprehensive revisions to the ABPS bylaws and ABPS committee charters. These revisions were approved by the ABPS Board of Directors in December.
State Legislative Activities 2026
During the current legislative session, ABPS engaged in advocacy regarding 45 bills across 18 states. Our national lobbyist, Linda Murphy, effectively opposed 13 of these bills and ensured that ABMS was not listed exclusively within statutory provisions. Many of these bills remain at early stages in the legislative process. We are committed to continuing our support for your ABPS Board Certification.
Fiscal Update
ABPS experienced another strong fiscal year in 2025. For the year ending December 31, 2025, the organization reported a surplus of over $350,000 and maintained a cash and investments balance of nearly $4.5 million. While the 2025 surplus was lower than the previous year, this was primarily due to stable revenues remaining consistent at approximately $3.2 million, combined with a 6% increase in expenses which rose to $2.8 million. These ongoing surpluses continue to be reinvested into the organization and its Diplomates, supporting increased recognition, organizational growth, and the longterm sustainability of ABPS boards.
6% Decrease from 2024
$2,800,000 CASH AND INVESTMENTS BALANCE
Leadership Academy Webinar Series
Over the last year, the ABPS Leadership Academy continued the Leadership Academy Webinar Series with additional leadership training opportunities. In November, Diplomates learned what ABPS recognition means, why it matters, and how to confidently share its value with hospitals, employers, and peers from Introduction to Understanding ABPS Recognition. In April, Why Publishing an Op-Ed Is One of Our Best Tools to Shift Public Opinion covered the basics on why op-eds are important, how to write a successful op-ed, and tips to getting them published in an impactful blog or newspaper.
New Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Certification
ABPS is now offering certification in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ABPS is the only organization that offers board certification in this specialty. Qualified candidates must have completed an ACGME-, AOA-, or RCPSC-accredited residency program; must currently hold, have previously held, or be eligible to hold, certification in their (residency) specialty through ABMS, ABPS, AOA, or RCPSC; AND must have completed identifiable training in gastrointestinal endoscopy during residency, after residency, or fellowship. A case log demonstrating evidence of having performed a minimum of 35 esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD) and 50 colonoscopies as the primary physician in the thirty-six (36) month period preceding the application is also required.
Emerging Leaders Program Renewed
After the successful implementation of the Emerging Leaders Incentive Program for last year's Leadership Meeting, the program was brought back for the 2026 Leadership Meeting. The purpose of this program is to increase participation in ABPS leadership by encouraging potential future leaders to attend the Leadership Meeting. Accepted applicants are eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses for attending the meeting which gives them an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the organization, network with ABPS leaders, and participate in leadership development training.
Award Recipients
STEVEN G. CARIN, JR., DO, "GIDDY-UP” LEADERSHIP AWARD
Lingappa S. Amernath, MD, FAAEP
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP
THOMAS EBNER LEADERSHIP AWARD
E. O. MARTIN AWARD
Leslie Mukau, MD, FAAEP, FACEP
DAVID G.C. MCCANN, MD, DEVOTION AWARD
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DISASTER MEDICINE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
LESLIE MUKAU, MD, EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
Arthur Cooper, MD, MS,
Jerry A. Allison, MD, MSH, CPE, FAAEP
Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
FACS, FAADM
DEGREE OF FELLOW RECIPIENTS
Ashish Anand, MD, FAASOS Orthopedic Surgery
Donald J. Brown, DO, FAASD Dermatology
Ashraf A. Gerges, MD, FAAEP Emergency Medicine
Francesco P. Polizzi, DO, FAAR Radiology
Michael Rommen, DO, FAAEP Emergency Medicine
PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Karyn J. Condie, MD, MPH, PhD, FAAFP, FAADM Administrative Medicine
Lawrence LeBlond, MD, FAAEP Emergency Medicine
Arti Prasad, MD, FACP Integrative Medicine
Albert J. Romanosky, MD, PhD Disaster Medicine (Awarded Posthumously)
John B. Waits, MD Family Medicine Obstetrics
2025-2026
ABPS
Executive Committee
Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, MPH President
Leslie Mukau, MD, FAAEP, FACEP President-Elect
Jeffrey B. Stricker, DO, MBA, FAASD Vice President
Lingappa S. Amernath, MD, FAAEP Secretary/Treasurer
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP Immediate Past President
Board of Directors
Robert A. DeSimone, MD Member
Arti Prasad, MD, FACP Member & Strategic Planning Committee Chair
Jonathan S. Simmons, DO, MS, FCCP, FACOI, FAADM Member
Karyn J. Condie, MD, MPH, PhD, FAAFP, FAADM Certification Council Chair
Arthur Cooper, MD, MS, FACS, FAADM Education Committee Chair
Sarah E. Gilbert, MD, FAAEP Basic Documents Committee Chair
Jeff Morris, JD Chief Executive Officer (Non-Voting)
GOVERNANCE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ABPS Staff
Jeff Morris, JD Chief Executive Officer
Jacquelyn Hopkins Director of Finance & Operations
Keely Clarke Director of CME, Meetings & Membership
Debi Colmorgen CME, Meetings & Membership Coordinator
Lauren W. Henrichsen Director of External Affairs
Erica Cuesta Director of Marketing & Recruitment
Susan LoBianco Director of Certification
Christine Marascio Certification Coordinator
Kate Robinson Certification Coordinator
Christina Stebbins Director of Test Development
Angela Brumley Certification CoordinatorTest Development
Carrie Grundhauser Test Development Specialist
What is NIF?
The National Initiative Fund (NIF) was created to strategically advance awareness and recognition of ABPS Member Boards as a choice for physicians. NIF contributions enable the organization to advocate for ABPS Board Certifications with influential stakeholders, including the U.S. Congress, state legislators, state medical boards, hospital systems and health plans.
NIF ACHIEVEMENTS
ABPS is becoming a recognized option for physician board certification in the healthcare industry. This is the result of hospitals, health plans, online databases and communication platforms updating their policies and bylaws to include ABPS.
NATIONAL INITIATIVE FUND
These efforts are funded solely by donations from ABPS Diplomates.
Please seriously consider contributing to NIF to help strengthen our efforts on your behalf.
DONATE NOW!
American Board of Physician Specialties, Inc.
Healthcare stakeholders across the country widely recognize the value of physician board certification, even as patients, physicians, and practice management groups each bring their own perspectives on its importance. What unites these stakeholders is a shared understanding that board certification plays a meaningful role in strengthening the American healthcare system and advancing public health. The ABPS is dedicated to helping ensure patients have access to high-quality, trusted care by board certified physicians.
