Philadelphia, PA, July 1, 2008 – Christopher E. Forsmark, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the University of Florida, has been elected to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Board of Directors. ABIM sets the standards and certifies physicians practicing in internal medicine and its subspecialties who possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide high quality care.
The Board of Directors, composed of physicians board certified in internal medicine and one of its subspecialties, guides ABIM's overall mission and direction as it works to improve health care quality. All ABIM Directors participate in ABIM's Maintenance of Certification program, which promotes ongoing learning and in which doctors demonstrate their commitment to the Board's standards.
Dr. Forsmark renewed his certification in 2005. ABIM has issued more than 13,000 certificates in Gastroenterology.
"With the growth and scope of subspecialties on the internal medicine landscape, we are pleased to have someone with Chris' expertise in gastroenterology on our Board," said Christine K. Cassel, MD, ABIM's President and CEO.
Dr. Forsmark is also Chair of the ABIM Subspecialty Board on Gastroenterology, which is charged with developing the policies, standards and requirements for Certification and Maintenance of Certification in Gastroenterology, with special focus on developing the cognitive exam physicians must take to certify or maintain their certification.
"My background in internal medicine provided the foundation for my specialization, and has helped me to improve care for patients suffering from gastroenterological conditions," said Dr. Forsmark. "Through my work on ABIM's Board, I have an exciting opportunity to affect the quality of our nation’s health care."
Dr. Forsmark is often sought out to lecture and present across the country on a variety of topics related to gastroenterology. He is an editorial board member and manuscript reviewer for many professional journals including Pancreas, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Digestive Diseases and Sciences and World Journal of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Forsmark is past-president of the American Pancreatic Association, of which he is still a member, and the Florida Gastroenterologic Society. He is also a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Previously, he was a member of the NIH Special Emphasis Review Panel on biliary and pancreatic endoscopy.
He earned his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
ABIM Board Certified Doctors Make a Difference
Internists and subspecialists who earn and maintain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) differentiate themselves every day through their specialized knowledge and commitment to continual learning in service of their patients. Established as an independent nonprofit more than 80 years ago, ABIM continues to be driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. Visit ABIM's blog to learn more and follow ABIM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ABIM is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.