On Thursday, September 9, 2021, ABFM issued a joint statement with the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics reminding Diplomates of their responsibility to provide patients and the public with information that is factual, honest, and in keeping with evidence. 

This statement was prompted by concerns raised by Diplomates and the public and is in response to a recently issued statement by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) stating that providing misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine contradicts physicians’ ethical and professional responsibilities, and therefore may subject a physician to disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of their medical license.  The joint statement aligns with our commitment to professionalism as described in ABFM’s Guidelines for Professionalism, Licensure, and Personal Conduct.

We are grateful for the compassion and commitment of family physicians serving their patients and the public during this pandemic.