AOA Launches Board Certification in Advanced Benign Gynecologic Surgery
acoog news | Board Certification
A New Board Certification for Advanced Benign Gynecologic Surgeons
Osteopathic gynecologic surgeons now have a board certification built for the work they do every day. The first oral exam takes place in spring 2027.
A Milestone for Osteopathic OB/GYN
Advanced benign gynecologic surgery now stands as its own board-certified subspecialty.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has launched subspecialty board certification in Advanced Benign Gynecologic Surgery (ABGS). The American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOBOG) administers the new credential.
For years, surgeons who mastered complex hysterectomy, operative hysteroscopy, and advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery had no board certification to reflect it. ABGS changes the picture. It recognizes advanced minimally invasive benign gynecologic surgery as its own discipline.
ABGS joins Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), and Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) as an AOBOG subspecialty.
Two Pathways In
Built for fellowship graduates and experienced surgeons alike.
Fellowship Pathway
For surgeons within board eligibility, which ends Dec. 31 of the sixth year after fellowship completion. Qualifying fellowships:
- Complex Benign Gynecology (formerly Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery) through the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)
- Minimally Invasive Gynecologic/Robotic Surgery through the Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons (SLS)
- Gynecologic Oncology, REI, or URPS fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), paired with a surgical case log
Candidates need three years of clinical experience after residency. Fellowship years count.
Clinical Pathway
For surgeons who built their expertise in practice, including those well past board eligibility. Candidates qualify through a surgical case log.
This pathway stays open for five exam cycles only, 2027 through 2031.
After 2031, it closes.
Your Cases Make the Case
Required for the Clinical Pathway and for Gynecologic Oncology, REI, and URPS fellowship graduates.
The log covers the 24 months before application and documents at least 150 minimally invasive benign gynecologic cases performed as primary surgeon. Every category minimum applies:
50+
Minimally invasive hysterectomies
20+
Operative hysteroscopies
20+
Advanced laparoscopic or robotic procedures
Each case counts once. AOBOG requires its own Excel template, available on the ABGS oral exam page.
Every Candidate Must
Core eligibility applies to both pathways.
- Graduate from a college of osteopathic medicine accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), or from a U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). International graduates qualify with a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Hold current AOBOG certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, REI, or URPS.
- Hold an unrestricted license in a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canada.
- Adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics.
Certified by ABOG?
Diplomates of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) earn AOBOG certification first through the AOA's American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Reciprocity process, then apply for ABGS. Apply for ABMS Reciprocity →
Exam at a Glance
One four-hour oral exam, once a year, in person.
Format
Four-hour oral exam with two AOBOG-certified physician examiners.
Location and Timing
Chicago area, each spring, in a Thursday through Sunday window with morning or afternoon sessions.
Application and Fee
Window opens six months out and closes three months out. Fee is $3,525, with a 30 percent late fee after the first deadline.
Examiners also assess osteopathic principles and osteopathic manipulative medicine in treatment, communication, and professionalism. This exam tests the whole osteopathic surgeon. Results post to the certification portal, with a target of eight weeks after the exam window.
Keeping the Credential
ABGS diplomates maintain certification through Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC).
Primary Certification
AOA and AOBOG do not require diplomates to keep primary OB/GYN certification after earning ABGS. Confirm with your hospitals, employers, and payers before letting any primary certification lapse.
Start Now
The first exam is months away, and the case log looks back 24 months.
Pick your pathway
Check your fellowship and board eligibility dates against the Fellowship and Clinical Pathway rules.
Open the case log template
Download the AOBOG template today and start logging qualifying cases.
Watch the deadlines
Track the application window on the AOBOG exam dates page. Don't wait for the last cycle.
Ready to earn ABGS certification?
Get the full requirements, case log template, and application details from AOBOG.
ACOOG
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