Pediatric recertification and quality of care: the role of the American Board of Pediatrics in improving children's health care.

American health care is in the middle of a second revolution in quality as profound as the Flexner revolution occurring almost 100 years ago. Although systems issues are the basis for most of the concern, physician quality and professional development are also pertinent. Specialty board certification and maintenance of certification are key drivers of professional development and improvement of care.