What Does It Mean if Your Surgeon is Not a Member of the American Medical Association?

Hi! Thank you for your question,


I am Dr. Speron, a proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).  I am also certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.


Not all doctors are members of the American Medical Association. Some are not eligible based on not having a license while others just do not think the AMA supports doctors so they refuse to pay membership fees.  If they are well respected members of their societies and board certified, chances are it is the latter.


You can research if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This also states that your surgeon is adequate with the major plastic surgery organization in the US. This certification will ensure you that the surgeon has done his or her training in plastic surgery and has passed the oral and written exam. Membership in ASPS assures you of board certification which is a prerequisite for membership.


If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at 847.696.9900.
Best of luck and have a great day!


Regards,
Dr. Speron

HI,

Membership in the AMA is not at all a sign of physician competance.The AMA is a general advocacy organization.  I personally find that the AMA is a conservative group and is not necessarily devoted to true patient advocacy. Look at the specialty of the physician that you are interested in. If he or she is a plastic surgeon, then membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery is a valid indicator of a physician in good standing who has passed his or her board requirements.

 

Regards,

Daniel Medalie MD

 

Good job on researching your surgeon. However, AMA membership does not in any way provide anything about the surgeon's qualifications (and most surgeons do not join the AMA).

The best places to check on a plastic surgeons qualifications are:


The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)


Your surgeon should be listed as Board Certified by the ABPS and a member of at least ASPS or ASAPS. Do not accept other board certification for this type of breast surgery.