For several years we had been looking into an umbrella board for primary care and general medical practitioners to verify their qualifications, test their professional knowledge and skills and award them with certification. Several professional groups were looked into and finally the concerned  physicians decided to organize "The American Board of General Medicine". This board has been organized and developed after a thorough research and consultation with physicians from different specialties and interests. Verbal announcemnet was made on December 11, 2003 and officially announced on December 30, 2003. Dr. Edmond Henson, M.D. is the current president of the ABGM.

For more information please send an email at:

• abgmed@yahoo.com

 The executive committee of the ABGM has decided to move slowly to keep the highest standard of qualifications and satisfaction. ABGM will administer its first certification examination to phsyicians practising medicine in USA who meet the following criteria:

1. Must be an M.D., D.O, MBBS or equivalnet degree
2. Valid license to practice medicine in any of the US states or territories
3. At least one year of ACGME approved residency in general medicine, transitional year or equivalnet.The training should include 3 months of internal medicine, 1 month of emergency medicine, 2 months of pediatrics and 2 months of obstetrics and gynecology. In case the rotation periods do not meet the criteria as mentioned above,  following alternates may be considered: A:2 years work experience in the emergency room of an approved hospital or B: 3 years of office based medical practice and theree letters of recommendation (one each from an internist, pediatrician, Ob/gyn or a surgeon) describing the applicant's medical knowledge and skills.AND at least 50 CME hours that should include topics in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology and emergency medicine.
4. Membership with at least one national professional organization. THERE IS NO PRIVILLIGED TREATMENT DUE TO  LIFE MEMBERSHIPD IN ANY ORGANIZATION. ABGM DOES NOT RECOMMEND OR REJECT ANY NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION.
5. Pass a written and oral examination including chart review and case presentations
6. There must not be any criminal action against the candidate
7. Must pay the applicable fees

ABOVE MENTIONED REQUIREMENTS ARE GUIDLINES FOR THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION TO BE HELD IN 2004. CANDIDATE MAY HAVE TO MEET OTHER QUALIFICATIONS IF FOUND NECESSARY BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

For more information please write to:

Next certification examination will be held on June 26-27 at Pensacola, Florida. Details about the site would be provided to candidates.

Fees

1. Registration Fee:US$ 200.00. Non refundable
2. Examinattion Fee: US$ 500.00 Non-refundable 30 days before the examination date. 50% refund between 31-60 days before examination and 75% refund any time before 61 days of the examination date.
3. Late Fee: US.00 for applications received after March 31, 2004 for the June 2004 examination.

Please request an application by sending an email to:

abgmed@yahoo.com