What is the Difference Between Being a Member of the ASPS and Being Board Certified?

Thank you for the excellent question. There are many many Boards that can certify practitioners and surgeons. The American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) certifies Surgical Specialist based upon their field of training, education and experience. They have been recognized by the AMA for many many decades. This is the Board that Certifies your Urologist, Heart Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, etc. This is also the Board that certifies Plastic Surgeons through the American Board of Plastic... more

Excellent question. In order to be a member of ASAPS, on must successfully complete an accredited plastic surgery residency, and pass rigorous written and oral exams. Additionally, on must adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Board certification is a must, but it doesn't mean you are dealing with a trained plastic surgeon. For example, a family doctor with only a weekend class in say, liposuction, may advertise that he is board certified (in family medicine),... more

Board certification can be for any specialty. Being a member of the ASPS is a board ceritifed plastic surgeon in good standing who meets the requirements to join.