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About
Setting standards and leading innovation for the practice of anesthesiology since 1938
The mission of the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. The ABA believes that certification holds a special status in society as a mark of expertise and trustworthiness, and understands that the public and members of the medical community use certification as a measure of an anesthesiologist’s knowledge, skills and professionalism.
While many are familiar with the ABA’s certification exams and continuing certification program, MOCA, the depth of work that goes into credentialing and evaluating professional standing is often less visible. What happens if a physician has an action against their license? What if an anesthesiologist is facing a substance use disorder? The ABA’s Credentialing team and Credentialing Committee facilitate a workflow that ensures every anesthesiologist who earns and upholds certification has met rigorous standards that reflect the values of the specialty. Their work also provides a clear path for requesting support when an anesthesiologist faces a challenging situation.
The ABA’s Credentialing Committee is composed of six board-certified anesthesiologists and one public member, all of whom serve on the ABA’s Board of Directors, with Committee support from a dedicated staff liaison. The Committee plays an important role in overseeing the training and certification process for residents and fellows, ensuring that their education meets the requirements set by the ABA. They work closely with training programs and faculty by verifying completion of required training, monitoring examination outcomes and implementing policy updates. This includes evaluating unsatisfactory ratings and requirements for additional training, such as when a trainee has a prolonged absence from training due to illness. The Committee also collaborates with program directors to verify combined training and to process training away requests.
In addition, every year, the Credentialing Committee reviews more than 155 cases related to credentials and professional standing. These cases are not numbers on a spreadsheet, but stories of physicians navigating complex training paths, facing unexpected challenges, either professional or personal, and working to uphold professional standards.
The work often begins when the ABA receives a notification of a license action through the Federation of State Medical Boards’ Disciplinary Action Notification System (DANS). ABA staff members gather additional information, seeking clarification from the physician or residency program when required, and prepare a detailed case summary. This may include supporting documentation (potentially including court documents, medical board adjudications and letters from programs), relevant ABA policies and past decisions. At times, ABA staff may need to pursue additional review and input from legal counsel before circulating these summaries to the Credentialing Committee. Only when the file is complete does it move forward. These behind-the-scenes steps ultimately prevent delays and ensure that committee members have the information they need to make a fair decision.
The scope of this work is significant. In addition to more than 600 cases annually that ABA staff reviews and approves according to pre-determined guidelines, the Credentialing Committee discusses:
The ABA reviews each case individually. On average, the process takes four to six weeks per case, culminating in a formal decision letter mailed to the diplomate or candidate.
“Every case is given thorough consideration on its individual merits,” says Credentialing Committee Chair Vivek Moitra, M.D. “Our committee is deeply committed to fairness, consistency and supporting anesthesiologists in their professional journey. Careful and detailed evaluation of each case is critical to maintaining the integrity of board certification.”
Committee members weigh each case against ABA policy and case history, ensuring consistency across decisions, while also considering whether to grant an exception to recognize the unique circumstances of each physician.
The Committee also manages appeals, allowing diplomates to challenge certification decisions. While appeals vary in complexity, the ABA strives to resolve them efficiently without compromising fairness.
The ABA recognizes that each case has the potential to impact a physician’s career, a patient’s safety and the integrity of the specialty. By handling cases with respect and rigor, the ABA ensures that board certification continues to embody the highest standards of anesthesiology practice and professional conduct.
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About the American Board of Anesthesiology:
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has served as the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, partnering with physicians to elevate the specialty. Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. We administer initial and subspecialty certification exams and the MOCA continuing certification program, which facilitates lifelong learning with a focus on quality and safety.
The ABA’s work extends far beyond assessment. We prioritize innovation, research, technology and programming that promote exceptional patient care and clinical outcomes. Our dedicated staff collaborates with more than 700 board-certified anesthesiologist volunteers who develop exam and MOCA content, inform policy, serve as examiners and provide critical feedback. Their contributions across numerous committees and task forces drive the ABA’s strategic progress and help shape the future of the specialty.
Based in Raleigh, NC, we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
