Functions of American Board of Plastic Surgery

The Mission Statement of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. states that it promotes safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and recertification of plastic surgeons as specialists and sub specialists.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery

• Establishes the requirements for doctors who want to be trained in plastic surgery;
• Sets the standards for graduate education in plastic surgery;
• Conducts qualifying written and oral examinations for certification;
• Evaluates the knowledge and training of plastic surgeons

Certification by this Board is very important although not required because it means that the surgeon has the approval of this medical specialty.

What Does Its Certification Mean?

The American Board of Plastic surgery is the only Board, which certifies in the full spectrum of the entire specialty of plastic surgery. Although it is not an educational institution and its certificates are not degrees, the Board validates a surgeon’s qualification and makes him a Diplomate of the Board by awarding him a certificate.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies a doctor who:

• Has graduated from a accredited medical school;
• Has done internship and residency training in either general surgery or otolaryngology;
• Has completed an approved residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery;
• Has practiced for at least two years after graduation;
• Has passed written and oral exams set by the Board;
• Has had his cases in the preceding year reviewed.
• This extensive process that may take more than seven years after graduating from medical school ensures that a surgeon can deal with any part of the body.

How Is The Reader Helped

The American Board of Plastic surgery is the only one recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors in plastic surgery. Getting a qualified physician is a top priority to anyone contemplating plastic surgery. It is a serious responsibility that the patient undertakes in planning to undergo the surgery and every step will be taken to ensure safety and satisfaction if the surgeon is Board-certified.

Therefore, a patient must do proper research to choose a doctor who has been certified by the Board of American Plastic Surgery. Hence, learning about the Board’s rigorous process in certifying doctors will assure a patient that he has put himself under the best possible care if he has chosen a surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.