Why take AOA Boards?

• AOA boards are written by practicing physicians, where questions cover more of what physicians see in practice rather than just esoteric facts or trivia.
• The Osteopathic philosophy of “progressive cooperation” is evident in the American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine’s (AOBPM) board exams as they are designed to support the success of the candidate.
• Many AOA boards provide more timely board results, meaning faster time to certification, thereby getting board certification pay sooner if you are in the military; and getting higher reimbursements sooner if you are in practice.
• If you take both the DO boards and the MD boards, you double your chances of passing your boards and getting board certification.
• By getting AOA board certification in addition to MD board certification you are not putting all your eggs in one basket. While not many physicians lose their board certification, it does happen.
• Getting AOA board certification supports your profession. The AOA gave you the opportunity to be a physician. The AOA is there to protect you and your credentials, including lobbying for you with Congress.
• Participating and supporting Osteopathic boards is the best way to maintain the special qualities of Osteopathic Medicine for providing patients with personalized, holistic, evidence-based care.
• The AOA physicians who give the oral board have no prejudice against DOs.
• Resumes with 2 board certifications provide a competitive advantage. If you become board-certified by both the DO board and the MD board, you have a competitive advantage over a physician who is only certified by one board. This advantage can be helpful when competing for a job, a promotion, and even an award.