Physician Not Yet Board Certified. Is That Acceptable?

Question

Thank you so much! I do have another question- my physician graduated in 2005 and completed his residency in 2011. He is not set to take his boards until November but has been practicing here for 2 years. I hear everyone saying that the Dr needs to be board certified but if they haven't been able to take their boards yet, is that okay?

	***Updated Information***

	I posted this before I met him or spoke with his office. It was the best decision I could have made going with him. He was honestly the best Doctor I have ever had. I wish there was some way he could be my PCP. My experience using him was amazing. He is such a humble physician and made my whole family feel involved with the process of my tummy tuck and lipo. He was always willing to answer any questions I had at anytime, day or night. Please don't let a physician not yet being board certified because he hasn't been in practice longer enough to influence your decision. We all have to start somewhere. Thank you

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Every surgeon had a few years in practice when they were board eligible, but not yet certified. if you have a good relationship with the doctor and trust him or her, you should be fine. Hey, at least the doctor is being honest with you, and honesty in a plastic surgeon is a very important quality.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If the physician completed his residency in a plastic surgery training program and he or she displays the competence and attention to detail you desire, then this is OK. Every plastic surgeon has a period of time to wait to take boards no matter how brilliant or how gifted, and there is no way to speed this up. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry. All board certified plastic surgeons begin as board eligible. The process does take time and serves an important purpose. Once we obtain certification we must continue a scheduled maintanence program. Most important is for you to trust your surgeon and his/her work. Good luck.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your quesiton. It is a good one.  Board Certification is a process and takes some time to complete.  If your surgeon is a recent graduate scheduled to take his boards and you are confident in his skilss and care, then it is reasonable.  Someone who is not a recent graduate and not board certified would be more of a concern.  All the best.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

The doctor may have had a reason not to have been certified yet.  It usually takes 3 years after graduation.

	Anyway, a second opinion is always good.  I practice in Southlake TX, if you are interested.

	sek

Physician Not Yet Board Certified. Is That Acceptable?

Answers (10)