Why Board Certification Should Be Your Priority as a Patient

When it comes to entrusting your appearance and well-being to a plastic surgeon, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon should be an important factor. You’ve likely encountered the term “Board Certification” in advertisements or recommendations from medical practices, but its significance may not be immediately apparent. So, what exactly does board certification entail, and why should it matter to you as a prospective patient? 

What Does a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Mean? 

Within the landscape of the U.S. healthcare system, board certification stands as an outstanding achievement for doctors within their chosen specialty. This certification denotes that a medical specialist, whether a surgeon, pediatrician, OB/GYN, plastic surgeon, or other, has surpassed the basic criteria, demonstrating an exceptional level of proficiency and dedication in their field. The training and requirements you need for board certification are extensive. 

Board Certification is an voluntary accomplishment indicating that the surgeon has finished the requisite training and successfully cleared extensive written and verbal tests encompassing all plastic surgery techniques. They must graduate from an accredited medical school and then complete at least 6 years of additional training as a resident surgeon accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or at least 5 years in a resident program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. During their residency, they must cover all areas of surgery including 3 years dedicated solely to plastic surgery.  

Why Board Certified Should be Important to You? 

As a patient, opting for a board-certified plastic surgeon simplifies your background checks and assures you of extensive experience, ultimately leading to lower complication rates and a commitment to excellence in care.  

Board certification confirms a surgeon’s training and expertise, eliminating the need for patients to conduct extensive research on their own. Moreover, board-certified surgeons have demonstrated their proficiency through rigorous training and examinations, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and experience to deliver optimal results.  

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon reflects a commitment to your safety and satisfaction, providing peace of mind throughout your surgical journey. 

Are All Surgeons Board Certified? 

No, board certification is something a surgeon must choose to do. Therefore, when considering surgical options, it’s essential for patients to inquire about a surgeon’s board certification status and consider it as one of the factors in their decision-making process. 

Different Types of Certification Agencies 

When it comes to being board certified there are many organizations or agencies that oversee the certification for M.D.s or O.D.s. There are three main agencies, one of them is the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of. The other two agencies are American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS), or American Board of Physicians Specialties (ABPS). These agencies offer board certifications for numerous specialties, that you can receive board certification in.  

Board Certification at Illume  

At Illume, our team comprises not only premier board-certified plastic surgeons but also highly skilled anesthesiologists from ANEX Anesthesia group who have undergone board certification.  

Together, we lead a compassionate and dedicated team deeply committed to ensuring patient safety and providing the care and the results you desire. Our patients trust us to look and feel their best, and we are dedicated to achieving and maintaining that goal for each individual. 

Now that you know more about board certification and confirmed that Illume’s doctors are board certified you may want to schedule a consultation. You can schedule a consultation at Illume, by clicking here or call or text our office at 414-439-3000.