ABVM - Requirements

ABVM General Examination

ABVM Endovascular Examination

Eligibility Requirements:

A.	All candidates for certification must possess a valid, unrestricted, and unchallenged medical license in the jurisdiction where they practice
B.	Hold current primary board certification (ABIM, AOBIM)
C.	Meet training requirements for vascular medicine (see below)
D.	Pay the required examination fee (ABVM-GE)

Certification Process to attain status as Diplomate of ABVM:

A.	Meet all of the eligibility requirements
B.	Pass the computer-based general vascular medicine examination

Training Requirements:

A. Formal Training Pathway

1.	Cardiology fellowship in an accredited program that includes formal vascular medicine training (COCATS 4, level III) Vascular Medicine 2015; 20: 384-394. http://www.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=2199473&resultClick=3
2.	Vascular medicine fellowship of at least 12 months duration that meets the requirements in Vascular Medicine. 2003. https:/doi.org/10.1191/1358863x03vm468xx
3.	Letter of documentation of program completion (level III) from the program director.
4.	Copy of the fellowship certificate.
5.	Physicians enrolled in a 3 year vascular medicine fellowship are required to complete at least 1 year of training before applying for the general vascular medicine examination.

B. Practice Training Pathway

Practitioner from general or subspecialty of internal medicine with practice experience of at least 1 year after training (cardiology (COCATS 4, level I or II), nephrology, hematology, etc.) -AND-

Demonstrate a commitment to the care of vascular patients with letter of attestation from department chair or chief of staff* stating:

a.	Dedication >50% of practice to vascular medicine -OR-
b.	Active in vascular medicine research.

C. Eligibility of Non-ABIM/ABOM Candidates

Candidates holding primary board certification from organizations other than the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Osteopathic Medicine, including those certified outside the United States, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In general, special approval of eligibility for the examination in general vascular medicine will be granted only when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

1.	Successful completion of formal fellowship training in vascular medicine in a recognized program in the U.S.
2.	At least one year of practice in vascular medicine beyond the fellowship period.
3.	A record of training others in vascular medicine in an established educational program.
	*has detailed and intimate knowledge of the physician’s practice pattern and level of expertise in vascular medicine within the local medical community.

Eligibility Requirements:

A.	Must possess a valid, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the jurisdiction of practice.
B.	Hold current primary board certification (ABIM, ABOIM, ABS, ABR) or specialty board certification in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery or Vascular Medicine (ABVM General Examination).
C.	Meet the training requirements for peripheral intervention through either the practice pathway or fellowship training pathway as outlined below.
D.	Attestation of privileges or fellowship training statement as outlined below.
E.	Pay the required examination (ABVM Endovascular Examination) fee.

Certification Process to attain status as Diplomate of ABVM:

A.	Meet all of the eligibility requirements.
B.	Pass the computer-based endovascular examination.

Training Requirements:

A. Formal Training Pathway

1.	Successful completion of a formal ABIM-accredited fellowship that included training in peripheral interventional procedures within 3 years of application. Those outside of 3 years from their formal training should apply through the practice pathway.
2.	Performance of the requisite number of diagnostic (n=100) and therapeutic (n=50) peripheral interventional procedures, at least half as primary operator.
3.	Notarized letter of attestation of acceptable performance by fellowship program director.
4.	Counting of cases and procedures follow the guidelines outlined in COCATS-4 document published J Am Coll Cardiol, 2015. http://www.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=2199473&resultClick=3

B. Practice Training Pathway
1.	Have active status in local institution to perform interventional peripheral procedures.
2.	Be able to demonstrate performance of these procedures within the preceding 12 months.
3.	Performance of the requisite number of diagnostic (n=100) and therapeutic (n=50) peripheral interventional procedures, at least half as primary operator. These procedures must have been performed within 2 years of the application with 50% within the past 12 months.
4.	Notarized letter of attestation by chief of staff or interventional laboratory director from the local institution where active status is maintained.