New American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery established

On October 20, 2011 the American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery (ABWMS) was established and incorporated in the State of Ohio. The new Board, according to the President and Chairman of the Board, Richard Simman, MD, FACS, CWS, FACCWS, was established because the time has come to recognize the physician practice of wound medicine and surgery.

Over the past decade, according to Dr. Simman, the number of physicians indicating that wound care and wound management consumes an increasing and significant portion of their medical and/or surgical practices has increased dramatically. Simman indicated the need for a valued credential in this field has prompted multiple entities to develop quasi- and multi-disciplinary examinations for which physicians can sit. Yet unlike multidisciplinary organizations, the purpose and objective of the new ABWMS is quite different. The new Board will offer certification by following the guidelines set forth by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Ultimately the new Board will apply for subsidiary affiliation through current ABMS member boards or as a new Board approved by ABMS.

Physicians, MDs or DOs, who wish to sit for the examination, will be able to apply on the Board's Website at www.abwms.org on March 1, 2012. The first examination for certification window will be June 16-30, 2012. Applicant requirements can be found on the Board's Website. Deadline for applying for the initial examination is May 1, 2012.

The Board will soon solicit physicians who are already certified in wound care to become Founding Diplomates. The process to become a Founding Diplomate is by invitation. However, if you have not been invited and: 1.) are currently in active practice, 2.) a significant amount of your practice is devoted to wound medicine and surgery, 3.) you are eligible or certified by one of the boards recognized by the ABMS or the AOA, 4.) and you are recognized by one of the certifying agencies in wound care and ultimately deemed to be qualified by the judgment of the ABWMS Board of Directors, you are invited to apply by directing your computer browser to www.abwms.org. Applications for Founding Diplomate must be received by June 15, 2012.

Please note that Founding Diplomates will be required to take and pass the certification examination, and may do so during any test administration, within three years of being granted status or no later than December 31st of 2015. Founding Diplomates, who fail to take and pass the certification exam by the specified date, will have their status revoked, verifications removed and will then need to reapply as a traditional candidate for certification.