Category: News

American Board of Preventive Medicine’s Chair Joins the American Board of Medical Specialties Board of Directors

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.

Clare Foreman

March 31, 2026

News
In Memoriam: Yusef Sayeed, MD, MPH

Members of ABPM’s Board and staff were saddened to learn of the passing of Yusef Sayeed, MD, MPH, on February 27, 2026. ABPM-certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Sayeed was a dedicated advocate for his specialty. He was also an enthusiastic member of ABPM’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine Longitudinal Assessment Program (LAP) Subcommittee, where his warmth and collegial spirit will be deeply missed. We extend our sincere condolences to Dr. Sayeed’s family, friends, and colleagues.

View Dr. Sayeed’s obituary and share your memories here.

Clare Foreman

March 25, 2026

News
A New Subspecialty in Disaster Medicine Approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)

Chicago, IL, March 2, 2026: ABMS announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a new subspecialty in Disaster Medicine, with the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) serving as a co-sponsoring board.

The subspecialty of Disaster Medicine involves the care of patients and populations outside of traditional care protocols. Physicians practicing Disaster Medicine both provide care for disaster survivors and mitigate harm to populations through disaster planning, preparation, and recovery.

“As the number of disasters, both natural and man-made, increase around the world, a well-trained medical workforce is crucial. This includes physicians with the specialized knowledge, skills and experience not only to effectively care for affected populations but also to employ measures that prevent and mitigate disaster-related harm,” said Heather O’Hara, MD, MSPH, FACOEM, FACPM. “Preventive Medicine specialists have the population health expertise that position them well to both prepare for and respond to disasters. ABPM applauds ABMS’ approval of the Disaster Medicine subspecialty and looks forward to offering this certification to qualified ABPM diplomates.”

The approval of the new subspecialty reflects the collaboration of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and ABPM. The three boards will establish a program for physicians to achieve certification in Disaster Medicine. ABPM will share additional information on eligibility requirements for the Disaster Medicine certification exam as it becomes available. For updates, please check the ABPM website at www.theabpm.org.

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.

Clare Foreman

March 2, 2026

Initial Certification, News
ABPM’s 2026 application and exam dates and deadlines are now available!

2026 Application Deadlines

The 2026 application cycle will open on March 11, 2026. Join our email list for reminders about this year’s application and exam.

Join the List

Interested in taking this year’s certification exam? Learn more about eligibility requirements here.

[email protected]

February 12, 2026

Initial Certification, News
The American Board of Preventive Medicine Elects a New Aerospace Medicine Director to its Board

Chicago, IL, February 3, 2026: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is pleased to announce the election of Duncan Hughes, MD, MPH, as a Director on ABPM’s board, representing the specialty of Aerospace Medicine.

Dr. Hughes maintains ABPM certification in both Aerospace Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He is also certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is a fellow of both the Aerospace Medical Association and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

As the Chief Medical Officer for Virgin Galactic, Dr. Hughes practices at the leading edge of today’s spaceflight industry. In this position, he ensures the health and safety of all flight personnel before, during, and after spaceflight and guides the development of standards for spaceflight occupant safety. Previously, Dr. Hughes was the Medical Director for HealthWorks Occupational Medicine Clinic and, prior to that, served nearly 28 years in the U.S. Air Force.

Dr. Hughes’ perspective, gained through his varied professional experiences, will be an asset to the board. “I believe that my diverse background and career in medicine would serve/represent the needs of the Aerospace Medicine community and ABPM well,” said Dr. Hughes. “These are challenging times in the field, and I believe a representative to the ABPM board that embodies and champions the preventive medicine nature of the specialty is critical to both the future of the specialty and the work of the ABPM.”

Dr. Hughes will begin his initial three-year term immediately following the interim board of directors meeting in August 2026.

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; Medical Toxicology; and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

[email protected]

February 4, 2026

News
The American Board of Preventive Medicine Elects a New Addiction Medicine Director to its Board

Chicago, IL, February 3, 2026: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is pleased to announce the election of Charles Emerman, MD, as a Director on ABPM’s board, representing Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Emerman maintains Addiction Medicine certification through ABPM and is certified in Emergency Medicine through the American Board of Emergency Medicine.

He has built a distinguished career spanning both Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine. A member of the first cohort certified by ABPM in Addiction Medicine, he began MetroHealth Medical Center’s Addiction Medicine fellowship in Cleveland, Ohio, and currently serves as its associate program director. He was the founding program director of the Emergency Medicine residency program at MetroHealth and, since 2002, has been a Chair of the Case Western Reserve University Department of Emergency Medicine. He is also a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. Emerman began his work in Addiction Medicine in response to the needs of his community. “My interest in Addiction Medicine started 10 years ago as we saw the uptick in overdose deaths in Cleveland. That prompted by decision to undertake the initial Addiction Medicine boards, develop our fellowship and start our addiction consult service,” he said. “My current clinical practice includes both Emergency Medicine and running our inpatient addiction consultation service.” Dr. Emerman’s extensive clinical Addiction Medicine experience will contribute an important perspective to the board.

Dr. Emerman will begin his initial three-year term immediately following the interim board of directors meeting in August 2026.

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; Medical Toxicology; and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

[email protected]

February 4, 2026

News
ABPM’s 2025 Annual Report Now Available
ABPM is happy to announce the release of its 2025 Annual Report.
In the report, you’ll find:

Top highlights from ABPM’s work in 2025;

Interviews with ABPM diplomates;

Application, exam, and continuing certification data;

A snapshot of ABPM’s financial status;

News about ABPM’s Board of Directors, and more.

Read it now
[email protected]

January 29, 2026

News
The American Board of Preventive Medicine Becomes a Qualifying Board for the Subspecialty of Medical Toxicology

Chicago, IL; October 30, 2025: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) announced today that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has approved its request to transition from a Sponsoring Board to a Qualifying Board for the subspecialty of Medical Toxicology.

As a Sponsoring Board, ABPM accepted applications from eligible diplomates to take the Medical Toxicology certification exam. Those who passed became certified by ABPM in this subspecialty.

Beginning in 2026, ABPM diplomates interested in becoming certified in Medical Toxicology will apply directly to the subspecialty’s Administrative Board, the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). Applicants who are deemed by ABEM to meet all requirements and pass the exam will become ABEM diplomates and will participate in ABEM’s continuing certification program.

“ABPM is grateful to ABMS and ABEM for this opportunity to better serve current and future Medical Toxicology diplomates,” said Heather O’Hara, MD, MSPH, FACOEM, FACPM. “By transitioning to a Qualifying Board, eligible ABPM diplomates can achieve Medical Toxicology certification and pursue their continuing certification goals, while ABPM streamlines its programs to better support its diplomate population.”

Current ABPM diplomates who possess time-limited Medical Toxicology certificates will begin participating in ABEM’s continuing certification program in 2026. Diplomates with questions about their Medical Toxicology certificates or next steps may contact ABPM staff at [email protected].

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; Medical Toxicology; and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

[email protected]

November 5, 2025

Initial Certification, Maintain Certification, News
The American Board of Preventive Medicine to Offer Pathway for International Medical Graduates to Become Certified in Aerospace Medicine

Chicago, IL, October 29, 2025: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is pleased to announce that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has approved its request to provide a pathway for qualified International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to become certified in Aerospace Medicine.

To be eligible for this pathway, IMGs must have successfully completed a non-ACGME-accredited Aerospace Medicine residency, achieved Aerospace Medicine certification in another country or by another certification organization which ABPM deems equivalent, and fulfilled all other eligibility criteria.

“Aerospace Medicine is a small and highly specialized field and ABPM is excited to offer an avenue for qualified IMGs to become certified,” said ABPM Chair, Heather O’Hara, MD, MSPH, FACOEM, FACPM. “As the commercial spaceflight industry continues to grow, increasing the number of skilled Aerospace Medicine specialists is critical. Providing an avenue to recognize the achievements of Aerospace Medicine IMGs through ABPM certification is a win for everyone.”

ABPM will open the IMG pathway for Aerospace Medicine in March 2026. Qualified physicians should check the ABPM website in early 2026 for details and eligibility requirements.

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; Medical Toxicology; and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

[email protected]

October 29, 2025

Initial Certification, News
The American Board of Preventive Medicine Seeks to Create a New Focused Practice Designation in Lifestyle Medicine

Chicago, IL; October 27, 2025: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) announced today that it has formally submitted its request for approval of a new Focused Practice designation in Lifestyle Medicine from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Focused Practice designations acknowledge the valuable contributions of physicians who concentrate their work within a particular area of their specialty or subspecialty, supporting the continuous improvement of health care. It reflects how physicians’ practices grow and change beyond their initial certification.

A Focused Practice designation would recognize scientific foundations of Lifestyle Medicine training and practice and establish it among ABMS-recognized practice areas.

“Lifestyle Medicine, a burgeoning field with increasing influence in recent years, impacts nearly every area of medical practice. ABPM is proud to be at the forefront of recognizing Lifestyle Medicine practitioners’ skills and expertise,” said ABPM Chair, Heather O’Hara, MD, MSPH, FACOEM, FACPM. “We’re excited to begin the process that can lead to a Focused Practice designation in this important and growing area.”

ABMS’ Committee on Certification (COCERT) will consider ABPM’s request at its March 23, 2026, meeting, following a public comment period. During this period, stakeholders may review the proposal and leave comments on the COCERT Invites Comments web page. If approved by COCERT, the Lifestyle Medicine Focused Practice designation proposal will be reviewed by the ABMS Board of Directors at its June 18, 2026, meeting.

Read ABMS’ announcement here.

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; Medical Toxicology; and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

[email protected]

October 27, 2025

News