ABMS Research and Education Foundation Supports Continuing Certification Process

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The ABMS Research and Education Foundation (REF) is a not-for-profit organization that, through a variety of research and education initiatives, supports the ABMS mission of improving health care quality and the continuous professional development of physician specialists.

ABMS Research and Education Foundation’s Grant Program

The ABMS Research and Education Foundation seeks grant proposals on original research that provides insight into the process of achieving and maintaining the standards for medical specialty certification. These insights inform improvements in the structures, processes, and outcomes of certification.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available.

Research topics may cover:

  • Personal attributes (e.g., of certification candidates or diplomates)
  • Features of programs and organizations (e.g., an ABMS Member Board, a residency program)
  • Broader ideas (e.g., professionalism, competence, diagnostic excellence, or linking to outcomes)

In addition to the research insights achieved by the individual grantees, a key objective of the grant program is to facilitate a community of research practice around the mechanism of certification. This will be achieved through a judicious number of grantee interactions with each other, with Member Boards, and with the ABMS Visiting Scholars Program™, which supports the research of early-career physicians and research professionals and facilitates leadership development through engagement with ABMS and the broader certification community.

Letters of Intent must be submitted by January 30, 2024.

Learn more about applying for an REF research grant. A recording of the Nov. 30 informational webinar will be posted here the week of December 4.

Committed to Quality Health Care Delivery Through Research and Education Excellence

Founded in 1971, the ABMS REF actively builds collaborative partnerships with academic health centers, universities, hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations to develop and promote research programs.

The REF initiatives are centered on three key strategies:

  • Conducting and facilitating education initiatives for improving physician performance, protecting patient safety and setting higher standards to achieve improved health care
  • Guiding, facilitating and collaborating in research concerning certification from a national and international perspective
  • Developing relationships and securing funding to expand key activities for accomplishing its mission