This policy sets forth ABOG’s principles and process for revocation of Diplomate status. This policy applies to all physicians seeking Certification or Continuing Certification (CC) and physicians holding Diplomate Status.
Notice to ABOG of Events or Circumstances Implicating Revocation
ABOG requires each physician to provide it with complete information concerning any and all restrictions placed on his/her license or practice of medicine within sixty (60) calendar days after its imposition, as well as other developments and events requiring notice to ABOG, as further set forth in the Professional Standing, Professionalism, and Professional Conduct policy. Such information shall include, but not be limited to, the identity of the State Medical Board or other entity imposing the restriction, as well as the restriction's duration, basis, and specific terms and conditions. If a physician is unsure whether a matter must be reported, ABOG encourages erring on the side of timely and complete disclosure to ABOG.
ABOG shall also periodically review the database of the Federation of State Medical Boards and other sources, as appropriate and when available, to identify any physicians who have failed to disclose license restrictions and other restrictions to the practice of medicine in a timely manner. However, the physician has the affirmative obligation to timely advise ABOG of all restrictions and to inform ABOG when such restrictions expire or are otherwise removed. Physicians who are discovered not to have made timely disclosure will be considered not to have a primary requirement as set forth in the Professional Standing, Professionalism, and Professional Conduct policy.
Grounds for Revocation
Each physician, when making application, signs an agreement regarding disqualification or revocation of their diploma, certificate, or other evidence of qualification for cause. Disqualification of an individual or Diplomate revocation also may occur whenever:
- the physician shall not, in fact, have been eligible to receive the ABOG diploma or certificate, irrespective of whether or not the facts constituting such ineligibility were known to or could have been ascertained by ABOG, its directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, or representatives at or before the time of issuance of such ABOG diploma or certificate;
- any rule governing examination for an ABOG diploma or certificate shall have been violated by the physician but the fact of such violation shall not have been ascertained until after the issuance of their diploma or certificate;
- the physician shall have violated the moral or ethical standards of the practice of medicine then accepted by organized medicine in the locality where the physician is practicing and, without limitation of the foregoing, the forfeiture, revocation or suspension of their license to practice medicine, or the expulsion from, or suspension from the rights and privileges of membership in a local, regional or national organization of their professional peers shall be evidence of a violation of such standards of the ethical practice of medicine;
- the physician has been convicted of a felony or has pled guilty to a felony;
- the physician shall fail to comply with the Bylaws, bulletins, policies, or rules and regulations of ABOG, including without limitation the Professional Standing, Professionalism, and Professional Conduct policy;
- the issuance of, or receipt of such ABOG diploma, certificate or other evidence of qualification shall have been contrary to or in violation of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of ABOG.
Upon revocation of any ABOG diploma or certificate by ABOG as aforesaid, the holder shall return their diploma or certificate and other evidence of qualification to the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Directors, the holder’s name shall be removed from the list of certified individuals, and the holder may be listed as revoked.
Once revoked, the Diplomate status of a physician shall be reinstated only after the restriction on their license has been removed or expires and then only on such terms as the Board deems appropriate, considering, among others things, the period of time the physician has not been able to engage in the unrestricted practice of medicine and their specialty.
In order to re-establish Diplomate status, a physician with a revoked certificate must submit a written request along with justification to the ABOG Credentials Committee and Board for consideration of allowing the physician to proceed with the process of re-establishing Diplomate status.
Physicians have the right to appeal a decision of revocation within 60 calendar days of notification of revocation. See the Appeals for Issues Other than Exams policy. The letter must set forth in detail the specific grounds on which the appeal is based.
Policy revised and approved October 2025
