TIPS FOR SELECTING A QUALIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Finding a trustworthy cosmetic surgeon can be challenging. Dr. Manish Shah recommends evaluating qualifications based on training, certification, associations, and attitude.
Dr. Shah stresses that patients should seek out plastic surgeons who have completed a post-surgical residency fellowship in the sub-specialty and possess a certificate certifying the dates of service and the hospital and department in which they trained. If a physician is unwilling or unable to disclose this information, Dr. Shah advises that it becomes a clear issue of “medical consumer beware.”
After completing their training, physicians must obtain certification from a certifying board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS). Dr. Shah warns against relying on “boards” not recognized by the ABMS, such as The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. In an emergency, patients should confirm if a physician is affiliated with a certified hospital.
Dr. Shah suggests verifying a physician’s associations and affiliations, mainly if they work at a renowned teaching hospital in the related department. This guarantees that the hospital committees have thoroughly examined their qualifications and that they are current and legitimate. If a physician has left the hospital due to increasing costs, they should remain connected with the hospital if a patient requires hospitalization.
Dr. Shah suggests that patients look for physicians with “Fellow of the American College of Surgeons” after their name, which indicates that the surgeon has thoroughly evaluated both professional competence and ethical fitness. Patients should not be impressed by a P.C. after a physician’s name, as it only means they are incorporated.
In summary, patients should investigate a physician’s training, certification, associations, and attitude toward patients and the medical community to determine their qualifications. Dr. Shah encourages patients to be cautious and informed when selecting a cosmetic surgeon in a country with doctors who call themselves “cosmetic surgeons.”
