ABOUT BOARD CERTIFICATION
Almost everyone has heard that they should look for “board certification” when searching for a qualified plastic surgeon (or any other physician for that matter). Board certification is one of several important criteria a patient should consider during the selection process.
However, most people don’t really understand exactly what this means and what is involved in becoming “board certified.” Or that a plastic surgeon can be “board certified” without being certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Board certification by the ABPS means that a surgeon has undergone the rigorous and specialized standards of training set forth by the ABPS. The experience and knowledge that comes from these standards is unparalleled in the field of plastic surgery.
Board Certification: ASPS & ABPS Requirements
To qualify as ABPS board certified a doctor must meet the following provisions: he/she must have graduated from an accredited medical school; he/she must have completed a minimum of five years of both general surgery and plastic surgery residency training, in addition to passing extensive oral and written exams. It is required that all members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are certified by the ABPS or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In addition to certification, ASPS membership requires regular attendance to medical education courses and adherence to a strict code of ethics.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only ABPS board that has traditionally overseen the training and certification of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons. Certification by other boards does not give you the same protection. Other boards have less strict criteria for certification and some require only a fee. A few of the boards which have not been approved by the ABMS are as follows:
- Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Plastic Esthetic Surgery
- Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
- Dermatologic Surgery
- Facial Cosmetic Surgery
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Drs. Kevin Nini, Philip Wey, and Naveen Ahuja are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You may call the ABPS at 1-866-275-2267 to see if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Give them the name of your surgeon and they will tell you if and when he or she was certified. You may also visit: ABPS online and type in your doctor’s name.
If you have any questions about board certification or other qualifications, please contact PSANJ.
