Hospice and Palliative Medicine

The field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) is based on expanding the scientific knowledge about symptom control when a cure is not possible. The subspecialty of HPM was established in order to recognize excellence among physicians who are specialists in the care of seriously ill and dying patients.

As of late 2021, the ABPMR no longer offers HPM (Hospice and Palliative Medicine) as a subspecialty certification. ABPMR diplomates can still train and become certified in HPM, but will apply for certification in HPM through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). All HPM diplomates will certify and continue their certification in HPM through the ABIM, while still continuing their primary PM&R certification with the ABPMR.

All current ABPMR HPM diplomates will receive a new HPM certificate and details of certification requirements from the ABIM in early 2022. If you are a current or future HPM fellow in training, apply for your HPM certification through the ABIM.

Since the ABPMR began offering HPM certification in 2008, 69 diplomates have been certified. The ABIM will better serve and support HPM diplomate needs by offering Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) for continuing certification in this subspecialty. We still encourage ABPMR diplomates to pursue HPM certification! Please see more details of this transition here.