Our History
Serving you for over 25 years
Recognizing the need for a surgical specialty board within the field of podiatry, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) approved the creation of the National Board of Podiatric Surgery. Today that board is called the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS).
The primary function of ABPS is to certify qualified podiatric surgeons. Initially we offered a single certification in foot and ankle surgery. Today certifications may be obtained in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. Prior to receiving certification, candidates can become board qualified in either foot surgery or reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery.
For those certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery, recertification examinations are required to remain certified. Additionally, residents can test their knowledge though the In-Training examination and diplomates can self-assess if credentialed before 1991.
Irvin O. Kanat, DPM, was president of the American Podiatry Association (APA) in 1974-75 when he took an active role in establishing ABPS. APA is now known by most of you as the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
The first examinations were administered in June 1976 in Chicago. All examinations except for 1977 have been held at the Marriott O’Hare Hotel in Chicago.
The Late John L. Bennett served as Executive Director of ABPS from its founding in 1975 until his retirement in 1996. Our current Executive Director, James A. Lamb, was appointed in August 1, 1996