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How does a Plastic Surgeon become "board certified"?

Why wouldn't all PS's want to be? And does a PS practice before becoming board certified? (My friend is an ARNP works for a PS who is not certified yet(?) and is having a mommy make over Tuesday. She said it takes time to get certified? He is not cheap either. )

Doctor Answers 2

How does a Plastic Surgeon become "board certified"?

To become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ,one must undergo basic surgery training such as a 5 year general surgery residency.  This training is followed by 2 -3 years of Plastic Surgery- only training. In addition , some surgeons then undergo additional training known as fellowships in specific fields of Plastic Surgery such as Aesthetics and Cranialfacial surgery.  A surgeon must be in practice for 2 years to be eligible to take the written Plastic Surgery Board Exam.  after this portion is passed the surgeon turns in all of his cases for the last two years and the American Board of Plastic Surgery picks 5 cases for review and for presentation to 4 examiners (2 per room) and answers any questions concerning the cases and any other topics of Plastic Surgery.  After the surgeon passes the Oral Exam he is called Board Certified.

Houston Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 67 reviews

4208 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77027

How does a Plastic Surgeon become "board certified"?

  1. Training To be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, (ABPS) three or more years of preliminary training in general surgery or a surgical specialty is followed by two to three years of training in plastic surgery, all in programs approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. 
  2. Written Examination  This is administered after the surgeon has completed formal training, and covers the field of plastic surgery.
  3. Oral Examination The ABPS administers this exam, which includes a preliminary review of the candidates practice during the years since completing training. A candidate who passes this exam in board certified.

Thank you for your question.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 40 reviews

1110 112th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
