Hays Elected Secretary of National Organization

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2012) – Dr. Lon R. Hays, chair of the University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry, has been elected secretary of the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM).

In addition to being elected secretary of the organization, Hays serves on the Finance Committee, Maintenance of Certification Committee, External Relations Committee and the Credentialing Committee.

"I am honored to be elected to this position by my peers within the ABAM," said Hays. "The work of the ABAM is increasing in its relevance particularly as the epidemic of prescription drug abuse continues to grow. I'm glad to be a part of the great work this organization is doing."

ABAM is an independent medical specialty board established in 2007 to certify addiction medicine physicians from several specialties, including emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, psychiatry and other specialties. Prior to ABAM’s formation, only one medical specialty (psychiatry) offered sub-specialized training and certification in addictions.

To ensure that ABAM-certified physicians maintain lifelong competence, ABAM offers a rigorous certifying examination developed by an expert addiction medicine committee and the National Board of Medical Examiners, as well as a maintenance of certification program.

Nearly 2,600 physicians have been certified. Physicians from any specialty who are certified by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), or who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in their primary field, may qualify to sit for the ABAM examination and become board certified in addiction medicine.

For more information on ABAM, the ABAM 2012 Certification Examination, and the ABAM Foundation accredited residency training programs, visit http://www.abam.net.