Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is a non-profit physician-led umbrella organization for 24 of the 26 approved medical specialty boards in the United States. It is one of three leading entities overseeing physician certification in the United States and oversees the certification and ongoing professional development of physician specialists by its 24 medical specialty Member Boards.

ABMS works closely with the Member Boards to set educational and professional standards for the evaluation and certification of physician specialists. The Member Boards certify specialists in numerous specialties and subspecialties through a comprehensive process involving educational requirements, professional peer evaluation and examination. ABMS also works in collaboration with other professional medical organizations and agencies to set rigorous standards for graduate medical school education and accreditation of residency and training programs.

The leadership at each Member Board is made up of certified specialists in the particular field represented by that board. Board members may include teachers in the specialty, those with specialized training or skills in the specialty or subspecialties represented by the board, and from among those who have demonstrated the expertise, motivation and ability to assist in evaluating candidates who wish to become board certified.