Subspecialties for Radiation Oncology

Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Last verified on January 4, 2024
 
Candidates who are certified in radiation oncology, general radiology, diagnostic radiology, or interventional radiology/diagnostic radiology are eligible to be certified in hospice and palliative medicine.
 

The Certificate

In 2006, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved the establishment of an ABMS-recognized certification in hospice and palliative medicine. Previously, radiation oncologists, oncologists, internists, anesthesiologists, and other specialists may have been involved in the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM), which had worked for more than 10 years to promote excellence in the delivery of medical care for advanced progressive illnesses and develop standards for training and practice in palliative medicine. However, as of December 2021, this board no longer provides certification.
 
The official ABMS certification in hospice and palliative medicine is administered through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The American Board of Radiology is a qualifying board of this ABMS-recognized discipline. Other participating boards include the American Board of Anesthesiology, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and the American Board of Surgery.
 
Please see the ABR HPM FAQs for information about the transition of hospice and palliative medicine certifications to the ABIM. Certification can be verified here.