I am very proud to be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. This distinction underscores the lifelong commitment I have made to provide the highest quality plastic surgery in a safe environment for my patients. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of twenty four boards that comprise the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Arguably the most rigorous board examination of all medical specialties, requirements to sit for the board exam include the successful completion of a residency/fellowship (anywhere from 5 to 9 years of training) in plastic surgery, passing a written board exam, and passing an oral board exam. The oral board exam requires plastic surgeons to track and collect their surgical procedures over a seven month period, then submit those cases to the Board. If the Board deems there are enough cases completed, the Board then selects five of those cases to be submitted for examination. Candidates for the exam must provide blinded information about the patient and the care that they provide in great detail including photographs which include the patient’s consent for use. Failure to obtain such consent results in having to prepare an additional three cases for the oral exam.
The oral examination takes place over two days once every year. Candidates sit before board examiners for three different blocks: two blocks include unknown cases for which the candidates must explain their treatment plan and be quizzed about potential scenarios and how they would be managed. The third block is defending the care of their own patients. A large focus is on the management of complications.
Not all test takers pass this examination. Over the past ten years, the pass rate fluctuates between 81% and 95%. I was very happy to have passed my boards on the first try.
Maintenance of Certification became a requirement in 1995. Every ten years, diplomates must recertify by demonstrating continued Professionalism, Life-long Learning & Self-Assessment, Assessment of Knowledge, Judgement, & Skills, and Improvement in Medical Practice.1
So why is this important?
In addition to demonstrating the commitment to providing safe and effective care, it distinguishes us from non-ABMS “certifications.” One such board is the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. This so-called board is not recognized by the ABMS and “cosmetic surgeons” may come from a variety of different backgrounds (including non-surgical and even dentistry). They only require an apprenticeship with another cosmetic surgeon. Many do not have hospital privileges for the procedures they perform, do not hold appropriate malpractice insurance, and often operate at non-accredited facilities. Using the title board certified cosmetic surgeon is confusing and misleading. In addition, any doctor—regardless of training–can say they are a cosmetic surgeon. Only board certified plastic surgeons have the comprehensive training and proper qualifications to perform plastic surgery, including aesthetic or cosmetic procedures. This is essential for a safe and optimal outcome.
For more information about board certification and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you can visit: https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/about-us/mission-statement/ You can also verify that your surgeon is properly board certified at this site.
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I am a wife, mom, and native Metro Detroiter who loves 80’s music. Chances are, I am a lot like you. After almost fifteen years of plastic surgery practice, I opened my own solo practice in January 2019.
My goal is to offer high-quality plastic surgery in a relaxed and comfortable environment that doesn’t feel like most doctor’s offices. A patient myself, l know how it feels to be on the other side of the examination table. I have designed an office with that in mind.
Please take a look at the upcoming events hosted by Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell. We look forward to seeing you there!
