When choosing a plastic surgeon, you need to consider a number of factors. The primary indicators of the qualification of a surgeon include their medical training and surgical experience. Other important factors are platform certification, licensing, hospital membership, and membership in the board of directors.
There are vast varieties of experience and the experience of a surgeon who performs lengthy invasive procedures, such as breast augmentation and abdominoplasty, compared to fine-tuning surgeons, the fine skills needed for rhinoplasty and face lifting.
There are a number of confusing medical and certification boards created for plastic surgeons. Just reading that a surgeon is “on board certified” does not necessarily mean the same thing from one doctor to another.
Certification tips are not created equal, and the state medical license does not limit the doctor only to the practice in the specialty in which they studied. Ensuring that your doctor is certified by the Board of the American Commission on Plastic Surgery means that he or she has passed the most examinations in the area of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
No matter what your doctor graduated from MD or DO school, it does not matter. State licensing agencies and most hospitals recognize these degrees as equivalent, because the curriculum of both schools is almost identical.
To be licensed to practice medicine in the United States, doctors must graduate from an accredited medical school, undergo a series of rigorous examinations, and receive another seven years of postgraduate education.
The hospital provides benefits to the doctor, based on his abilities, performance, experience and accreditation. Hospitals do not grant privileges to doctors who do not participate in special training.
Thus, it is often easy to consult with your surgeon's appropriate hospital to ensure that they have the privileges to perform the type of surgery in which you are interested.
As in medical and certification boards, not all professional societies are created equal. Membership of a surgeon in a particular society does not guarantee their work.
However, some professional societies require extensive surgical training and experience. It is important to note that medical societies do not provide membership to the board of directors. In order for the surgeon to receive membership, they need to invite to participate and maintain their membership in continuing education, paying particular attention to new procedures and patient safety.
Visit the American Council of Medical Specialties or the website of your state council to investigate a doctor’s powers, judicial decisions on abuse of office and disciplinary measures. The accreditation of the facility can be verified by the Joint Accreditation Committee of health organizations.
