The American Board of Pediatrics is an organization that provides a common standard for pediatric services in the United States. They oversee a rigorous process to provide approval and certification to pediatricians, although their certification is not required by law. As a result, they have become a nongovernmental standard for pediatric services that can be considered to be stricter than government regulation.
The board of pediatrics judges a pediatrician by their expertise as well as common knowledge. In addition, they provide a vital network for pediatricians to work together, as well as a verification process for parents who are getting a new pediatrician. The following are some specific benefits of using a board-certified pediatrician.
A Network of Pediatricians
The most obvious benefit of using a board-certified pediatrician is the fact that certified members are part of a national network of pediatricians. This network not only provides expertise but also references for pediatricians to refer patients if the patient has a problem that does not fall under their specialization. Finally, they are kept in the know in important work and research that could change how they perform their services.
A Common Standard
While the government and universities have their own levels of certification to allow a pediatrician to open a practice, the American Board of Pediatrics goes an extra step to apply further common standards in how a pediatrician should perform. These standards include facility requirements, as well as advanced knowledge that is not required by normal governmental standards. A board-certified pediatrician will be subject to these standards in order to maintain their certification, and requirements are regularly updated.
A Think Tank
One of the biggest and most important aspects of the American Board of Pediatrics comes from its significant contribution to research in a wide variety of pediatric fields. This research can touch on anything from changing facility standards to helping improve the quality of life for children and adolescents who suffer from particular diseases. Some research may actually contribute to finding a cure for certain diseases that are currently incurable.
Greater Security for You and Your Child
A pediatrician who has gone through the certification process has put in the extra effort to achieve a level of professionalism in their industry. By extension, that means they are going to be more focused on your child’s healthcare, as they are proven to be more passionate about the pediatric field. This commitment is an added level of personal security for you and your child’s health.
The Importance of the American Board of Pediatrics
Any specialist can become a board-certified pediatrician, provided they pass an exam for certification. Certification exams are specialty-specific as well as containing general knowledge for pediatricians, meaning there is a comprehensive standard for certification. When you are looking for a pediatrician for your child, you should always verify their board certification to ensure that they meet these specific standards for their field.