Where can I Check Plastic Surgeon Credentials and Qualifications? Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

where might I go to find a physician's past training, years in practice, etc. Also, the new "hot" plastic surgeon in NY has a great reputation, but is only 41 yrs. old. Having physicians in my own family, I know most don't finish final training until their mid-thirties. I your opinion, would someone this young had enough experience? Thank you so much

What does a board certified plastic surgeon have to do?

Many people are confused about what training a board certified plastic surgeon has received and confused about what a board certified plastic surgeon is. Here's the breakdown: 1. Finish College 2. Finish Medical School -> now you're an MD - you can perform medical procedures and medical evaluation under a training program license. Most training programs provide malpractice insurance. You cannot practice medicine on your own (legally) in any state in the US without additional training. 3. Finish Residency training in a particular field -> now you can become licensed. - Once you are licensed you can "hang a shingle" and begin practicing. You can apply for hospital privileges, participate in insurance programs (blue cross) and practice medicine. This is where people (rightfully so) begin to get confused. ANY MD can perform ANY medical procedure. (This is CERTAINLY NOT to say they should, but legally they can). So an OB-GYN can perform a brain tumor excision. Now there are limits that can be imposed by hospitals (most hospitals will not grant privileges outside of your training). But surgery centers and certainly private offices may not have these restrictions. And if a physician is sued for practices outside of training they may be dropped by an insurance carrier. (you also need to pass three certification exams between medical school and residency to become license eligible). 4. Board Certification For plastic surgery there is only one recognized certification and that is the American Board Of Plastic Surgery. To be board certified a physician must: A. Graduate from a recognized plastic surgery residency; B. Apply for the boards and take and pass a written test; C. Collect cases for nine months (this was increased this year from six) after which time these cases are reviewed and if deemed to be of appropriate standards a second oral exam is given about selected cases the physician has performed and unknown cases. Then they can say they are a board certified plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have undergone the strictest review and certification available for both technique, judgement and ethics. I hope this helps. Steven Williams, MD