Plastic Surgeon - Process of Board Certification

What does it take for a plastic surgeon to receive board certification? So many people talk about the importance of looking for a physician that is board certified, but they may not truly understand what it means. Does this set some doctors apart from others? Does it guarantee that you are going to get favorable results? This certification lets patients know that this is a doctor that has gone through several different tests and examinations and found to be competent by a set of his or her qualified peers. Residency and Experience in Cosmetic Surgery Most people already know that a plastic surgeon must graduate from an accredited medical school. This is after receiving an undergraduate degree. The amount of time this takes a person varies based on what he or she is specifically studying and where they are taking classes. The next step is a residency of at least five years. Much of the work is hands-on and doctors are able to learn more about interacting with patients. During this time, he or she may begin to focus some efforts towards cosmetic surgery. From there, most professionals have around three years of experience with general surgery and at least two years experience specifically in the industry of cosmetic surgery. Once the traditional schooling is complete, there is still a lot for the doctor to learn. He or she spends the next few years learning about different experiences and situations that arise in the course of a surgery. For many residents, this is the perfect time to look into choosing a specialty like cosmetic surgery. Written Qualifying Exam Board certification requires an application. This is more than just a document that requires a list of prior work experience. The residency program director must sign off and attest to the fact that the applicant has the necessary surgical skills and is up to the level of professionalism and ethics that the board requires. The written qualifying exam is unlike any test that most people have ever experienced. It tests the knowledge of a plastic surgeon. It requires extensive study and without a passing grade, a person cannot move on to becoming board certified. For some doctors, the test must be taken more than once to pass; however, there is some time required between one attempt and the next. Oral Certifying Exam Once the written exam is complete, surgeons also need to pass the Oral Certifying Examination. Here it is not just their knowledge that is examined. They must also look at certain situations and using their best judgment, make a decision. Experienced doctors ask the questions and spend time evaluating the answers. All of this must be done before a plastic surgeon can become board certified.