How Do I Determine a Plastic Surgeon's Board Certification?
When you go in for an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, ask him or her what their Board Certification is, and get that information in writing. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has 24 boards that certify physicians. These physicians have to meet very rigorous standards set by their individual boards. This includes completion of four years of medical school, at least three years of a residency in their specialized field and passing grades on written and oral exam.
You can go online to www.abms.org and find out more information about these boards, and to verify a surgeon's certification. The ABMS also has a Toll-Free Phone Verification Hotline at (866) ASK-ABMS for your convenience. You can also contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at 215-587-9322 or visit the board's website at www.abplsurg.org to verify a surgeon's certification.
Besides being board certified, I advise you to find a surgeon who is a member of at least one of the recognized medical societies, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Dr. Harrell is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and an active member of ASPS as well as the more exclusive ASAPS. Dr. Harrell is also a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).
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