Michelle A. Spring, M.D.

The American board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the national agency whose function is to oversee sub-specialty boards.The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Through ABMS, the boards work together to establish common standards for physicians to achieve and maintain board certification. The boards were founded by their respective specialties to protect the public by assessing and certifying doctors who meet specific educational, training and professional requirements. The ABPS is an independent, non-profit organization. Over the years more than 100 boards have submitted to the ABMS for certification, but only 24 have met their strict educational and examination criteria. They are as follows:

Allergy and Immunology
Anesthesiology
Dermatology
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Emergency Medicine
Family Practice
Internal Medicine
Medical Genetics
Neurology
Neurological Surgery
Nuclear Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedic surgery
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Pathology
Pediatrics
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Plastic Surgery
Preventive Medicine
Psychiatry
Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Urology

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the evaluating body that is responsible for determining and evaluating the training and certification of plastic and reconstructive surgeons. It is the only plastic surgery board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties at this point in time.

In order to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must first complete an approved residency in plastic surgery, then pass a written qualifying examination, and then an oral certifying examination. This takes many years of training, examinations, and continuing medical education credits to qualify. In addition, the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires that the candidates adhere to strict ethics regarding billing, advertising and the practice of the specialty. This is NOT like any other specialty board requirements, and is one of the many factors that differentiate plastic surgeons from other providers doing cosmetic procedures.

There are other surgeons, besides plastic surgeons, who have the ability and experience, which enable them to do cosmetic surgery. Otolaryngologists (Ear Nose and Throat specialists) perform nose surgery, hair transplant surgery, and facial plastic surgery; ophthalmologist (eye specialists) do eyelid surgery; and specially trained dermatologists do dermabrasion, laser skin surgery, Botox and fillers.

There are also boards other than the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which provide certification for other surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery. A few of the boards, which are not certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), include:

Oculoplastic Surgery, Dermatological Surgery, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Oral and Maxillo Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Liposuction Surgery

Simply being "board certified" can have a variety of meanings. By knowing exactly which has certified your surgeon, and whether or not the American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes that board, you will better understand your surgeon's training and qualifications.

Another important indication of a certified plastic surgeon is whether she or he is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Membership requirements are:

• Are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.
• Have at least six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years in plastic surgery.
• Operate only in accredited medical facilities.
• Adhere to a strict code of ethics.
• Fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.