HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SURGEON
By Robert Caridi, M.D.
Westlake Plastic Surgery
As I have said many times before, the most important decision that you will make, regarding your plastic surgery care, is your choice of surgeon. The Internet has provided patients with a means to make more informed decisions, and to take an active role in their medical care. I would recommend starting research by making sure that your surgeon is actually a plastic surgeon, and not just someone who calls himself/herself one. There is no patent on the term “plastic surgeon,” so often, it’s used by health care providers in an untruthful, or deceiving, manner.
I would only recommend that you visit with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. By choosing a plastic surgeon that is certified by ABPS, you can be assured that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon. This includes a minimum three-year residency in an accredited general surgery program and a minimum two-year residency in plastic surgery. To become certified, the doctor, then, must successfully complete comprehensive written and oral exams. In my case, following medical school, I completed seven years of additional training as a resident surgeon and I have passed my written and oral exams. Only the American Board of Plastic Surgery can certify plastic surgeons. You may call 215-587-9322 or visit www.abplsurg.org to verify that the doctor is certified.
I recommend that you consider only surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Membership in this organization ensures that your surgeon practices in an ethical and safe manner and requires continuing medical education study.
Probably the next most important issue is the reputation of your surgeon. This is best determined by asking people around your community: your doctor, family, friends, and health care workers at local hospitals. Spending face to face time with your surgeon should allow you to come away knowing if they make you feel comfortable, confident, and trustworthy with your care.
Robert C. Caridi M.D.
