American Board of Dermatology

The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) is an autonomous body that acts as the certifying agency for the specialty of dermatology. The ABD also works with the Residency Review Committee for Dermatology in the accreditation of dermatology residency training programs.

The American Board of Dermatology, located in Detroit, Michigan, is a voluntary, non-profit, private, autonomous organization. It exists for the primary purpose of protecting the public interest by establishing and maintaining high standards of training, education and qualifications of physicians rendering care in dermatology.

The American Board of Dermatology is one of the 24 member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Dermatology and Syphilology was incorporated in 1932 to elevate and maintain the standards of this specialty. Its foundation stemmed from a growing awareness that specialization in medicine had to be based on adequate training, knowledge, and experience.

The mission of the American Board of Dermatology is to serve the public interest by promoting excellence in the practice of dermatology through lifelong certification. The objective of all of its activities is to provide assurance that a “Diplomate” of the Board possesses the knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for the provision of superior, specialized care to patients with diseases of the skin, hair and nails.