Board certification is an important but somewhat confusing issue for the public to understand. To become a board certified plastic surgeon (we are not talking about a so-called "cosmetic surgeon"), one must complete 4 years of medical school, 5 years of a surgical residency and at least 2 years of a plastic surgery fellowship. Once these basic requirements are met, you have to accumulate multiple cases and experience, and then pass vigorous written and oral examinations which include case reviews. Only then is a plastic surgeon granted board certification or "diplomat" status by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities to certify board certification. It is up to you to research the credentials of doctors or dentists claiming to be plastic surgeons or "cosmetic surgeons". Some of these doctors even claim "board certification". The bottom line, do your "home-work" and make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. We are fortunate to have some very excellent and well trained board certified plastic surgeons in Tulsa.Monday, November 2, 2009
WHAT DOES BOARD CERTIFICATION MEAN?
Board certification is an important but somewhat confusing issue for the public to understand. To become a board certified plastic surgeon (we are not talking about a so-called "cosmetic surgeon"), one must complete 4 years of medical school, 5 years of a surgical residency and at least 2 years of a plastic surgery fellowship. Once these basic requirements are met, you have to accumulate multiple cases and experience, and then pass vigorous written and oral examinations which include case reviews. Only then is a plastic surgeon granted board certification or "diplomat" status by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities to certify board certification. It is up to you to research the credentials of doctors or dentists claiming to be plastic surgeons or "cosmetic surgeons". Some of these doctors even claim "board certification". The bottom line, do your "home-work" and make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. We are fortunate to have some very excellent and well trained board certified plastic surgeons in Tulsa.
