FABNO Certification
The OncANP supports the advanced training of Naturopathic Doctors in Oncology. Successfully board-certified members are awarded the status of Fellow by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO). These Fellows meet the highest standards of the profession.
The American Board of Naturopathic Oncology – the board certification branch of the OncANP – provides the most rigorous additional education and certification available for Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) interested in cancer care in North America and worldwide. Designation as a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) requires meeting a strict set of criteria including:
2-year CNME-accredited residency focused on naturopathic oncology, as determined by the ABNO Board of Medical Examiners OR in practice for at least 5 years with 2250 oncology patient contacts AND
Submit 4 oncology cases covering a time period of no less than 12 months AND
50 CEs in oncology-related topics
All approved applicants must then pass a board certification exam.
Criteria for ABNO eligibility emphasizes the following:
The evaluation and management of patients with malignancies with an understanding of established standards and a multidisciplinary approach.
Clinical experience that is focused on integrative patient management, coordinating care with medical, radiation and surgical oncology, as well as palliative care and other integrative disciplines.
Develop expertise to evolve one’s clinical practice in the context of a rapidly developing area of specialization and complex patient management.
Develop the ability to evaluate and conduct research.
Applicants found to meet these criteria are then eligible to sit for the Board Certification examination. Certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) was recognized by the AANP in 2006.
Naturopathic physicians with a FABNO designation are committed to excellence in integrative oncology and to furthering the science and knowledge for the benefit of patients.
It is important to note that FABNO is not:
An accreditation of exclusion- i.e., FABNOs can and may see other patient populations aside from oncology patients. In addition, doctors who do not hold FABNO accreditation may well be skilled with oncology-specific populations.
Without continued accreditation and education. To retain board certification a doctor holding a FABNO accreditation is required to recertify every 10 years.
In summary, NDs, and particularly FABNOS, can provide decision-making support to patients seeking information on what complementary therapies to potentially use and which to avoid. NDs and FABNOs provide critical appraisal, truly informed consent, and shared decision-making around therapies which can be supportive in aiding the body’s fight against cancer as a disease, in helping a patient deal with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and in improving their overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take the exam?
The exam is live-proctored electronically so you can take it from the comfort of your home or office in the testing window provided.
How long is FABNO certification good for?
The initial certification is valid for 10 years, after which time you must fill out your recertification application.
Are there study materials provided?
Yes! Once approved for the exam, you are provided with the testing blueprint (link found above) and a list of sample references. This reference list is not intended to be a mandatory study list, nor are these the only possible references that may be used for the exam but are simply a starting guide to help direct those on their study journey.
What does the typical exam cycle timeline look like?
Our exam offering time has varied throughout the years as we have to ensure we have enough applicants sitting for the exam to make it feasible, fiscally as well as logistically. As such, exams are usually offered every 12-24 months. Once the application is launched, applicants have approx 3 months to gather materials and write up cases. Once those are submitted, the ABNO Board of Medical Examiners (ABNOBoMEx) will review the blinded applications and make a determination. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once applicants are notified, there is a 3-4 month study window before the exam is offered.
If you have more specific questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.