ABIM seeks to enhance the quality of health care by certifying internists and subspecialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care. Since its founding in 1936 to answer a public CALL to establish more uniform standards for physicians, certification by ABIM has stood for the highest standard in internal medicine and its 21 subspecialties. Certification has meant that internists have demonstrated - to their peers and to the public - that they have the clinical judgment, skills and attitudes essential for the delivery of excellent patient care. ABIM is not a membership society, but a physician-LED NON-profit, independent evaluation organization. Research suggests board certification is associated with better care. Our accountability is both to the profession of medicine and to the public. ABIM's governance structure consists of more than 330 members on more than 50 boards and committees and includes physicians, allied professionals and public members. ABIM offers certification in 22 disciplines - representing the breadth and depth of internal medicine.