Chicago, IL, March 26, 2026: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is pleased to announce that its chair, Heather O’Hara, MD, MSPH, FACOEM, FACPM, has been approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors to become ABPM’s representative to the board.

Previously, this position was filled by ABPM’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Ondrula, JD. This transition reflects ABPM’s evolving priorities and expanded capabilities. As a physician board-certified by ABPM in both Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, Dr. O’Hara will bring a distinctive clinical viewpoint, focusing on issues of broad importance across the member boards community.

“I look forward to providing Preventive Medicine’s unique perspective as a member of the ABMS Board of Directors. Amplifying ABPM’s voice within the ABMS member boards community ensures that ABMS’ decisions consider the interests of ABPM – and all small- and medium-sized boards,” said Dr. O’Hara. “I’m grateful for Mr. Ondrula’s leadership in this role over the past several years and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation he established as a member of ABMS’ board.”

The ABMS is a federation of 24 member boards, including ABPM, with the mission of improving health care through high standards for physician board certification. ABMS sets standards for initial and continuing certification that are utilized by all member boards.

ABPM is an ABMS member board. Founded in 1948, ABPM works with the ABMS in the development of standards for the ongoing assessment and certification of over 12,000 physicians certified by ABPM in the specialties of Aerospace Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Public Health and General Preventive Medicine; and in the specialties of Addiction Medicine, Clinical Informatics; Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management; and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.