Ensuring your cosmetic enhancements meet your expectations goes beyond choosing the right procedure. More importantly, you need to carefully select the perfect professional for you, who understands your vision, takes genuine care of you, and, of course, holds the necessary credentials for getting you to your best look-and-feel.
If you have been researching plastic surgery procedures for a while now, you have probably already heard the term “board-certified plastic surgeon”, but what does that actually mean and why does it matter so much?
We are breaking down what it takes to get a board certification and how it sets qualified plastic surgeons apart. Whether you’re starting to get informed or are already narrowing down your options, this guide can help you make an informed and empowered choice.
At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, our team is led by Joseph Fodero, MD, PA, a board-certified plastic surgeon who will make sure you enjoy a professional, welcoming, and friendly experience from the moment you first step a foot in our practice to your full recovery.
What Is a Board Certification?
A board certification is the result of a voluntary process that demonstrates a physician’s expertise in a particular medical specialty.
When your doctor is board-certified, it means they have gone beyond the minimum requirements to practice medicine. This often means completing years of specialized education and training, as well as rigorous and ongoing examinations by an official medical board.
Licensed Physician or Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
These two terms are commonly used but are not interchangeable. A licensed physician is someone who has met the requirements to practice medicine, like graduating from medical school and passing the correspondent license exams.
However, a board certification requires advanced training in a specific area. In the case of plastic surgery, applicants must complete a specialized residency and pass comprehensive exams.
The Role of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
The ABPS is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the leading organization for physician certification in the U.S. The ABPS was established in 1938, and since then has ensured to certify that the best plastic surgeons in the country are skilled in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures through rigorous training, examination, and ongoing certification and updates.
How Does a Plastic Surgeon Get Board-Certified?
In order for a person to get a plastic surgery board certification, there are several requirements that must be met:
Undergraduate Degree
The first requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a focus on pre-medical courses like biology, chemistry, or physics, that prepares the student for the demands of the second requirement: medical school.
Medical School
Throughout the course of four years, candidates pursue their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree by exhaustive coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and more, as well as clinical rotations in various specialties.
Residency Training
After medical school, aspiring plastic surgeons must enter a residency program that provides direct surgical training under the supervision of other experienced surgeons.
They must complete at least six years of residency, including general surgery for a strong foundation. Out of these, at least three must be exclusively dedicated to plastic surgery, including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations
Once a candidate has completed the residency training and is officially applying for a board certification, they will have to pass written and oral exams administered by the ABPS. These assess their knowledge, skills, and decision-making abilities in their field.
Continuous Certification Program
Board-certified plastic surgeons must commit to lifelong learning in order to maintain their credentials, which is why they are expected to stay updated on advancements and renew their certification.
The ABPS especially does this through their Continuous Certification Program, which involves periodic assessments, professional development activities, and demonstrating ongoing competence and skillset.
So, Why Does Board Certification Matter?
In fewer words, we could say board certification matters when it comes to plastic surgery because of 5 relevant reasons:
- It ensures your surgeon has undergone rigorous, standardized, and specialized training
- It validates their experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
- It ensures they operate only in accredited medical facilities
- It shows commitment to continuing their education and updating their techniques
- It offers peace of mind regarding safety, ethics, and skillset
Making Sure Your Plastic Surgeon is Board-Certified
Sure, if your surgeon has a board certification, they will tell you—and this is definitely not something to lie about.
Nonetheless, you can also:
- Visit the ABPS website (www.abplasticsurgery.org)
- Check the American Board of Medical Specialties (www.certificationmatters.org)
- Ask your surgeon directly about their training and credentials
Joseph Fodero, Your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is much more than a formality: it is the differentiating factor that will get you the results you have been dreaming of.
Dr. Joseph Fodero, MD, PA, first got his board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 2000, and has kept updating it ever since. He also holds a Medical License in the states of Michigan (1993) and New Jersey (1999).
More than that, he is a skilled professional and compassionate human being that takes care of all his patients, understanding what each needs and creating a tailored plan for their aesthetic goals.
Enjoy being you like never before and make an appointment at our New Jersey practice by calling (973) 295-6565 or using our online scheduling tool.