Physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine have several certifications available to them beyond their primary board certification:
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB)
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 (ABIM). Learn more about eligibility and registration details through your primary certifying board. The initial certification exam is currently offered in the fall of even-numbered years.
Apply for initial hospice and palliative medicine certification through your primary co-sponsoring boards:
- The American Board of Family Medicine
- American Board of Pediatrics
- American Board of Anesthesiology
- American Board of Emergency Medicine
Apply for initial hospice and palliative medicine certification through ABIM if your primary board is ABIM or one of the qualifying boards:
- American Board of Gynecology and Gynecology
- American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- American Board of Radiology
- American Board of Surgery
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 from any osteopathic board 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.
Continuing Board Certification
Once certification is obtained, you begin the process of continuing certification. Guidelines for continuing certification are defined by your primary board (if it is ABIM or a co-sponsoring board) or by ABIM (if your primary board is a qualifying board).
Looking to earn CE credits for your recertification requirements? Turn to AAHPM Learn for 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 Continuing Certification Program.