ABMS Policy on Associate Member Engagement

Policy 8.01 of the American Board of Medical Specialties, adopted by the ABMS Board of Directors on April 23, 2013, and effective on February 26, 2025.

POLICY STATEMENT:

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is committed to working effectively with Associate Members, as addressed by Bylaws Sections 2.1 and 2.2(b), towards:

1. supporting the professional preparation and development of our physician and medical specialist workforce throughout their careers;
2. creating a continuum of education, training, and practice for diplomates that meets the needs of patients and the public; and,
3. targeting improvements in medical education to diplomates’ needs, elevating the standards of medical practice, enhancing care delivery, and advocating on behalf of patients.

To that end, ABMS will seek input from Associate Members on matters of mutual strategic interest and arrange appropriate opportunities for Associate Members to participate in ABMS strategic deliberations.

In addition, ABMS will provide input to and participate in the strategic deliberations of Associate Members as related to certification and other matters of mutual strategic interest when appropriate.

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES:

The following strategies provide opportunities for engagement with Associate Members.

1. Associate Members will be invited to participate in meetings of the ABMS Board of Directors when appropriate. These invitations may be to meetings/strategy discussions of the full Board of Directors; a Board Caucus; and/or other Board Committee(s).
2. Associate Members will be invited to submit reports to the Board of Directors on activities of their organizations or on issues of strategic importance, either at board meetings or at regular intervals during the year.
3. A summary of each Board of Directors meeting will be distributed to Associate Members within 45 days of the meeting.
4. ABMS staff, volunteers, Board Members, or designees from the Board community may participate in Board meetings of Associate Members when invited.
5. ABMS staff will cultivate relationships with Associate Member peers.
6. Nominees from Associate Members may be considered for service on committees of the Board.
7. The ABMS Executive Committee will review the list of ABMS’ Associate Members on an annual basis to determine whether it is appropriate or if modifications should be recommended. A list of Associate Members current with the approval of this policy is included in Appendix A.

APPENDIX A: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES

• Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
• American Hospital Association (AHA)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
• Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS)
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) / Intealth
• Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
• National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)

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