Certification for Hospice and Palliative Medicine Specialists
Physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine have several certifications available to them beyond their primary board certification: ABMS, AOA, and HMDCB.
Since 2008, member boards of ABMS and AOA have a growing number of physicians in the specialty-level practice of hospice and palliative medicine.
Initial Certification
There are different pathways to become certified in hospice and palliative medicine depending on your primary board or experience.
ABMS: The initial certification exam in hospice and palliative medicine for allopathic physicians is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Learn more about eligibility and registration details through your primary certifying board. The initial certification exam is offered in the fall of even numbered years.
AOA: Learn more about the eligibility criteria and required exams to become AOA board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. The exam is offered annually. While the AOA has five Boards that co-sponsor the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) for HPM, those that complete the ACGME/AOA fellowship in HPM and are certified by a primary board of the AOA are eligible to sit for the HPM certification exam.
How to Prepare
AAHPM has developed products, courses, and resources to help you prepare for the exam. Browse the products and choose what is right for you.
Continuing Board Certification
Once a certification is obtained, it must be maintained and in some cases require reexamination. You must follow the guidelines of your primary certifying board to maintain your certification in hospice and palliative medicine.
Looking to earn CE credits for your recertification requirements? Turn to AAHPM's products and resources to help you maintain your board certification.
Special Practice Certification: Hospice Medical Director Certified
The Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB) administers a certification that is complimentary to ABMS and AOA certification but specific to the practice of hospice medicine.
The HMDCB examination assesses expertise in the unique competencies to perform the role of a hospice medical director, such as regulatory, administrative, legal, ethical competencies, and clinical skills appropriate for hospice patients.
Already HMDC certified? Review the HMDCB Maintenance of Certification resources.