American Board of Urology

All Diplomates of the American Board of Urology with a general certificate in urology are certified to have been trained in all areas of urology including those for which subspecialty certification is available. This all inclusive policy is also endorsed by the American Board of Medical Specialties in reference to all ABMS member boards.

For many years there have been periodic discussions at meetings of the American Board of Urology as to whether or not it would be advisable to offer certification in any urologic subspecialties. To date, one has been approved and another is in process.

In 2004, the Board voted to proceed with subspecialty certification in pediatric urology. Final approval was given by the American Board of Medical Specialties at its September 2006 meeting. Application has been made for subspecialty certification in female urology with the ABMS.

Applicants approved by the Board to enter the process of subspecialty certification must be engaged in the active practice of urology, and must hold a current unrestricted general certificate in urology issued by the American Board of Urology.

The ABMS requirements for a subspecialty certification include a distinct area of knowledge and ACGME-approved accredited fellowships, or in the case of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), an ABOG-accredited fellowship. Currently there are two subspecialty areas in urology which have accredited fellowships. One is pediatric urology, and the other is female pelvic medicine and surgery which is accredited under the auspices of the ABU and ABOG and regulated by a joint fellowship committee of the two boards.

All subspecialty certificates will be time limited and subject to MOC. When a Diplomate becomes certified in a subspecialty, the Diplomate’s general urology certificate will be extended to coincide with the expiration date of the subspecialty certificate. The Diplomate will enter the MOC process after completing subspecialty certification.