First, it is important to note that board certification in any medical specialty in the US is a voluntary process. Medical licensure is primarily used to indicate the minimum requirements for competency in order to diagnose and treat patients in a specific specialty.
Board Certification vs. Medical License
A physician must have a medical license to lawfully practice medicine. This requires the doctor to fulfill the certain requirements including:
- Successfully completing a certified program in a recognized medical school
- Fulfilling residency requirements
- Passing the exams indicated by your state to practice medicine
- Approval by your state’s medical board
If a medical practitioner is board-certified, he or she has exceptional expertise in a specific specialty and/or subspecialty in the field of medicine.
Prior to certification, the physician has to go through a rigorous process of tests and peer evaluations designed and administered by other specialists in the same field of medicine, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of licensure.
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) was established in 1933, and has 24 member boards comprising multiple medicine specialties and subspecialties.
Although board certification is voluntary, it is vital because it keeps the specialty/subspecialty current through:
- Participation in continuing education to remain current with the newest advances in the medical field of specialty
- Participation in ongoing training to keep current on best practices in providing quality health care, patient safety, and establishing a patient-oriented and responsive environment
Dr. Shah is Triple Board Cerified
Dr. Shah is a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, formerly the American Board of Phlebology. He is one of the few physicians nationwide who is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, demonstrating expertise in the understanding and treatment of venous conditions. In 2005, the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized Phlebology as a separate self-designated specialty. The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine was established in 2007 to improve the standards of medical practitioners and the quality of care related to the treatment of venous disease. He is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), certified by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
You can trust that Dr. Shah is dedicated to his field and will provide the best possible care through lifelong learning.
