What does it mean to be board certified?

Meets reqs.: A board certified surgeon has met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge specifically in the field of surgery. This includes completing a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, performing a minimum number of operative procedures, and successfully completing a written and oral examination process.

Board Certified: Though many types of board certifications exist, only one is recognized by the respected American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and that is the board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification shows that a surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program.