What Does "Diplomate" Mean for a Physician?
A "Diplomate" is a physician (or PhD professional) who has successfully completed specialty board certification through an approved medical specialty board, demonstrating specialized knowledge, training, and competence in a specific area of medicine.
Definition and Certification Process
A diplomate is someone who has achieved board certification by passing rigorous examinations administered by specialty boards such as those recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association 1. The term signifies that the physician has:
- Completed specialized training in their field, typically including residency and/or fellowship programs 1
- Passed comprehensive examinations that validate their expertise and knowledge 2
- Met specific qualifications established by their specialty board 1
What Diplomate Status Represents
Specialized Expertise
Diplomates possess broad knowledge in their specialty area, including understanding of disease processes, diagnostic procedures, treatment protocols, and clinical decision-making specific to their field 1. For example, diplomates of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) demonstrate specialized knowledge in human and medical genetics 1.
Quality Assurance
Board certification status is associated with better patient care and clinical outcomes, though effect sizes are modest 3. The certification process validates physician competence through standardized testing and ongoing evaluation 2.
Public Trust
The public highly values board certification, with the majority believing physicians should be reevaluated on their qualifications every few years 2. The term "board certified" is equated with the highest level of expertise in a medical specialty 4.
Maintenance Requirements
Diplomates must maintain their certification through:
- Ongoing education and training to stay current in their specialty 1
- Periodic recertification through maintenance of certification (MOC) programs 3
- Active clinical practice in their certified specialty area 1
Important Distinctions
Legitimate vs. Non-Standard Certification
Only certification through ABMS member boards or American Osteopathic Association-recognized boards represents the standard for legitimate board certification 4. Non-ABMS member boards that do not require completion of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved training create unacceptable variability in education and training standards 4.
Specialty-Specific Titles
Different specialties use the diplomate designation differently. For example:
- The American Board of Obesity Medicine uses "ABOM diplomate" to signify specialized knowledge in obesity medicine 1
- The American Board of Thoracic Surgery offers subspecialty certificates to diplomates who have specialized in areas like congenital heart surgery 1
Clinical Implications
When evaluating a physician's credentials, the diplomate status indicates:
- Completion of standardized training in the specialty 1
- Demonstrated competence through examination 5, 2
- Commitment to ongoing professional development 3
The diplomate designation should be verified through official board registries, as it represents completion of rigorous training and examination processes that protect patient safety and ensure quality care 4.