American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)

The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) was established in 1938 to develop standards for the education, examination, and certification of physicians practicing anesthesiology. Originally organized as a specialty board associated with the American Board of Surgery, it became an independent primary board of the American Board of Medical Specialties in 1941. Since its founding, the ABA has played a central role in advancing anesthesiology from a developing medical service to a recognized medical specialty by establishing rigorous certification examinations, accrediting training standards, and promoting lifelong learning and professional competence.