Hello Susan. Given the volume and breadth of medical knowledge, most physicians choose to specialize in a particular field of medicine and undergo additional training in a residency and/or fellowship. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) which is comprised of roughly twenty-four individual medical specialty boards, oversees medical education and medical training. The ABMS requires high standards of training and performance and ensures them by rigid initial and periodic examinations. Applicants that successfully meet these standards receive diplomas and are considered “board certified.” Finding a physician that is board certified in pain medicine ensures that your physician has undergone the highest level of training and possesses the most up-to-date knowledge to address your pain needs. You can always check the credentials of your physician by logging on to the ABMS website at www.abms.org to see if your physician is indeed board certified in their particular field of practice.