Economic concerns have always been a driving ­issue in the medical field, but with healthcare regulation changes, U.S. economic instability, and budget cuts across the board, these issues have never been more prevalent.

Back in what some physicians may consider the "good old days," board certification wasn't that big of a deal. It was a great accomplishment-if your specialty had a board to speak of-but it wasn't necessary to have a successful practice. Today, however, nearly every specialty has...