The Monthly Dose: June 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of "The Monthly Dose"!

Let’s dig in!

Ten years ago, I took that to heart when I launched the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS). It began with a petition I started at my kitchen table—ultimately signed by over 22,000 physicians—calling for a better, less burdensome alternative to the mandated Maintenance of Certification (MOC). Like many of you, I watched as the requirements for maintaining board certification became increasingly expensive, time-consuming, and disconnected from the realities of clinical practice. The conflict of interest was so clear as certifying organizations suddenly were exclusively creating, mandating, and profiting from clinically unproven programs. It didn’t sit right with me then and it still doesn’t sit right with me ten years later.

In that time, NBPAS has worked tirelessly to provide a choice to physicians while challenging the deeply entrenched monopoly held by the ABMS. We have countered aggressive misinformation campaigns, retained legal experts when needed, testified in front of state legislators, educated federal agencies, and fought for recognition across the healthcare landscape.

While there are ups and downs, we know that our efforts are working. Today, a large majority of insurance carriers accept NBPAS and over 250 hospitals and health systems recognize our certification. These numbers are only expected to grow. More and more healthcare leaders are recognizing–and often quietly acknowledging what they and NBPAS have always believed: CME and clinical experience, not bureaucratic exercises, are what keep physicians competent and current.

The tide is turning. Today, NBPAS certifies just over 15,000 physicians, out of nearly 1 million practicing in the U.S. This is a fraction of board certified physicians, despite widespread agreement that the current system needs serious reform. That’s why change requires not just conviction, but collective action. We would not be here today without every single physician who has started tough conversations, challenged deeply held assumptions, and put their careers and livelihoods on the line to stand up for change.

If you’re reading this and are not yet NBPAS-certified but feel frustrated with the MOC toll booth and want to be part of lasting change—not just for yourself, but for those who follow—consider following my mother’s advice: Don’t stand still. Do something.

NBPAS is here to help you do just that. Certify with us. Share what we’re doing. Be part of the momentum for something better.

Her words still guide me. I hope they inspire you too.

Paul Teirstein, MD, DNBPAS
President, NBPAS

We’re excited to share that, as of a credentialing update effective January 2025, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon now recognizes NBPAS certification for physician credentialing. This marks another meaningful step toward modernizing board certification requirements and offering physicians a choice grounded in clinical relevance and evidence-based standards.

With this update, we estimate that NBPAS is now accepted by 80-85% of BlueCross BlueShield plans nationwide. The number may be even higher, as we often learn of acceptance only when physicians reach out and share their experience.

You can view Regence’s credentialing criteria here: regence.com/provider/contracting-credentialing/credentialing

Cheers to another step forward. More momentum for physician choice.

In recent months, more than 25 hospitals have joined the growing list of institutions that recognize and accept NBPAS certification - a clear sign that meaningful change is not only possible, but already underway.

If your hospital doesn’t yet accept NBPAS, you can help build momentum. Many physicians have successfully introduced NBPAS through a simple survey of their Medical Executive Committee (MEC). We offer tools, templates, and guidance to support you every step of the way.

With over 240 hospitals already on board—and likely more we haven’t yet heard about—each new addition strengthens our collective voice and helps accelerate the shift toward a physician-led, evidence-based approach to continuous certification.

The time is now. Your leadership matters. Be a champion of change.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are restoring choice in board certification—and your voice is making a difference.

See the full list of accepting hospitals: nbpas.org/pages/accepting-hospitals

Champions of Change

Thank you to all NBPAS physicians who go above and beyond to champion life-long learning while advocating for competition and choice in continuing certification.

Meet our June Champion of Change: Dan Morhaim, M.D.

An accomplished author, Dr. Morhaim wrote The Better End, a work endorsed by Maya Angelou, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, and Dr. Leana Wen. His articles have been featured in both medical journals and mainstream media, and he is a frequent guest on television, radio, and podcasts.

Dr. Morhaim also dedicates his time to several boards and commissions, including the Maryland Behavioral Healthcare Council.

Most recently, he lent his invaluable expertise to NBPAS during the complex 2025 Texas legislative session. His guidance was instrumental in helping SB 2207 advance rapidly through the legislative process.

NBPAS is deeply grateful for Dr. Morhaim’s continued dedication and impact on behalf of our organization and physicians nationwide.