The American Board of Anesthesiology.

The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has been in existence since 1937 for the purpose of advancing the practice of anaesthesiology in the United States. It is a credentialling organization which requires anaesthesiology residency training, medical licensure, and successful completion of written and oral examinations in order for an individual physician to be granted a diploma. Residency training requires four years and must culminate with a satisfactory certificate of clinical competence. The written and oral examinations follow residency training. The ABA also issues subspecialty certificates in critical care medicine and pain management. There is a voluntary mechanism for diplomates to demonstrate continuing qualifications. This is accomplished by peer review and a written examination.