Board Certification

I saw a patient today, who, after the consultation was finished had a list of questions for me. This is not atypical and in fact, shows me the person is doing their homework before deciding on a surgeon. What is interesting is that people usually have the same list of questions. Is there a page on the web that suggests these? Usually, they ask about my experience, although as I get older they just look at me and somehow know that I am old enough to have done all types of procedures. The board certification question is another standard. They ask "Are you Board Certified?". To which I reply, "yes". But that really isn't enough. You need to understand what Board Certification is and isn't and how being certified is a good starting point, but you have to know which board did the certification. It doesn't help much if you are looking for a plastic surgeon and the doctor you are seeing is certified by the family practice board. They are certified but by a board that is irrelevant to the expertise you are looking for.

I also see "Boards" that are bogus. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery? Really?
It is a "board" but it isn't recognized by the medical community. It seems to be a way for inadequately trained physicians to say they are certified. In many states you are not allowed to say you are board certified unless the board is recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties. Be sure to check this site out when doing your research.

The reason doctors join these non recognized boards is because they don't want to invest the time and effort it takes to become a fully trained plastic surgeon. Six years after medical school, minimum.

Make sure your doctor is Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Caveat Emptor!

Dr. J