COCERT Invites Comments
The ABMS Committee on Certification (COCERT) is charged with the review and evaluation of ABMS Member Boards’ requests for new specialty certificates, subspecialty certificates, and focused practice designations.
The Public Comment process was designed by ABMS as a fixed, multi-stage process for establishing a new specialty or subspecialty certification, or focused practice designation. This thoughtful and rigorous process involves obtaining input from internal and external stakeholders, public comment, consideration by COCERT, and action by the ABMS Board of Directors.
COCERT welcomes comments from all interested parties on the following requests by ABMS Member Boards.
Posted comments will be shared with COCERT and the requesting Member Board(s) to allow them an opportunity to respond. Additionally, comments may be shared with other stakeholders and ABMS organizational units such as committees and work groups as appropriate.
Individuals interested in learning more about the specific requests for certificates or designations may contact the respective ABMS Member Board.
The comment period for the Focused Practice Designation in Lifestyle Medicine request is now closed.
Public Comment Option
COCERT will discuss and formally consider Member Board requests at its March 23, 2026, meeting. While the formal written public comment period has closed, COCERT will offer a virtual Open Forum during the meeting to allow stakeholders to provide brief comments. The ABMS Board of Directors will potentially vote on requests during its June 18, 2026, meeting.
- The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is requesting to issue a Focused Practice Designation in Lifestyle Medicine.
- Application Document[PDF]
To indicate your interest in participating in the virtual open forum, please complete a brief form by Monday, March 16, 2026. The Committee will work to allow time for as many people to comment who would like to do so. Priority will be given to those speaking on behalf of organizations, with some time allocated for individuals to comment. Completion of the form does not guarantee an opportunity to comment.
Notification of Future Comment Periods
- There are currently no new requests under consideration by COCERT.
ABMS will continue to announce upcoming requests and comment periods via email to interested parties. To be added to this list, please subscribe to the COCERT announcements list.
Questions
Contact COCERT if you have questions.
