Skip to Content

FAQs

Q: Why is there a board certification program in Clinical Lipidology?

Atherosclerotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, account for approximately one-third of all deaths in the U.S. Lipid management employing dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacologic modalities has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective strategies for the prospective treatment of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the number of specialists with expertise in lipid management is inadequate to address this large population of patients.

The American Board of Clinical Lipidology was established to assess the level of knowledge required to be certified as a Clinical Lipidologist, to encourage professional growth in the practice of Lipidology, and to enhance physician practice behavior to improve the quality of patient care.

Q: Who is a Clinical Lipidologist?

Clinical Lipidologists are physicians who come from a variety of backgrounds such as general Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Osteopathy, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. The ABCL certification program establishes a consistent benchmark of expertise in the field of clinical Lipidology. A statistical breakdown of current Diplomates is available on the lipidboard.org website.

Q: Why should I become a certified Clinical Lipidologist?

The commitment to achieve certification by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology requires hard work, time and effort, however, the recognition carries with it significant, long-term value including the following benefits:

  • Certification by the ABCL signifies that you have documented your commitment to continued professional development in Lipidology.
  • Certification provides assurance to the public, your colleagues and the medical profession that you have successfully completed a course of education in lipid management and have passed an additional rigorous examination in Clinical Lipidology.
  • Certification contributes to your professional stature and credibility in the field and provides stronger credentials for enhanced professional and advancement opportunities.
Q: What is a “Diplomate of the ABCL”?

A Diplomate has successfully credentialed and passed the certification exam, and has been endorsed by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology as displaying a high level of experience, knowledge, and competence in clinical lipidology.

Q: Is a Diplomate the same as a “Fellow”?

No. A Fellow would normally have met a standard designated by a professional organization such as the NLA, AHA, ACC, AACE, etc. Once granted the title of “Fellow,” the acronym specifying the type of fellowship awarded can be used as a professional title, e.g., John Smith, MD, FNLA, FAHA.

Q: What are the requirements for certification?

Eligibility requirements for the examination are outlined on the website and in the application and handbook
available for download on the site

Q: How long does it take to qualify for the ABCL exam?

It depends on if you have earned the requisite number of points required to successfully credential for the exam
by the time of application. A physician board-certified by a primary care board such as ABIM or ABFM and also
holding subspecialty certification in a related field such as endocrinology or cardiology would automatically
possess 100 of the 200 points necessary to sit for the ABCL exam. After you apply, the Credentialing
Committee will decide within 30 days whether you qualify for the exam. See the eligibility requirements for more
information.



by Dr. Radut.