Why is being a “Board Certified Plastic Surgeon”, so important?

Posted July 28, 2014 in Alabama Cosmetic Surgery, Alabama Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Alabama, Plastic Surgery Birmingham

Why is being a “Board Certified Plastic Surgeon”, so important?  We post it on most of our blog posts, but, what does it even mean? The process of becoming a board certified plastic surgeon was set up to assure you, the public, that a surgeon has the knowledge, education and skills required to meet the highest quality patient care in a specific specialty.  It includes successfully completing an approved educational program and evaluation, as well as, an examination process. There can be specific requirements related to a specialty certification but these are the general certification requirements according to The American Board of Medical Specialties, for a surgeon.

1. Completion of a course of study leading to the M.D. or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree from a recognized school of medicine or school of osteopathic medicine.

2. Completion of required training in an accredited residency.

3. Specialty boards may require assessments and documentation of individual performance from the residency training director or from the chief of service in the hospital where the specialist has practiced.

4. An unrestricted license to practice medicine.

5. Passing the examinations given by the specialty board.

Any certification received after 1994, is limited to 10-year increments.  Every year during the 10-year period, the board certified physician is required to maintain their certification, knowledge and skills through continuing education classes and ongoing review and evaluation of practice performance and examinations. Selecting a board certified surgeon is VERY IMPORTANT because you can rest assured in the knowledge that you are in qualified, educated, and skilled hands.