Qualifications and professional experiences of cosmetic surgeons is important

Following are those credentials, qualifications and professional experiences that I feel are important for the practice of cosmetic surgery.

A qualification considered important is Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, denoted by the initials "FACS" after the doctor's name and MD. Accepted members have met the tests of professional competence and ethics administered by local members of this international society. Only board-certified surgeons are eligible for membership.

You will want to know if your surgeon holds staff membership in accredited hospitals. Although most cosmetic surgery is now performed in office outpatient surgery suites or surgery centers, a hospital staff appointment is always held by conscientious surgeons. In case of emergency or unforeseen events, hospitalization may be necessary. In addition, regular contact between physicians helps keep your doctor abreast of the latest medical advances.

FELLOWSHIP PLEDGE OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

Recognizing that the American College of Surgeons seeks to exemplify and develop the highest traditions of our profession, I hereby pledge myself as a condition of fellowship in the college, to live in strict accordance with all its principals and regulations.

I pledge myself to pursue the practice of surgery with scientific honesty and to place the welfare of my patients above all else; to advance constantly in knowledge; and to render willing help to my collegues, regard their professional interest, and seek their counsel when in doubt as to my own judgement.

Upon my honor I hereby declare that I will not practice fee splitting, I further promise to make my fees commensurate with the services rendered and with the patients rights. Moreover, I promise to deal with each patient as I would wish to be dealt with were I in his position. Finally. I pledge myself to cooperate in advancing and extending the ideals and principles of the American College of Surgeons.

Acceptance by his or her professional peers is always important to all high-caliber surgeons. Therefore, look for membership in county, state and national medical societies. Many surgeons in private practice hold medical school faculty appointments. Such positions are known as "clinical faculty." Teaching medical students and assisting apprentice surgeons can be a stimulating part of a doctor's professional life.

These appointments are part-time and on a voluntary basis without monetary compensation. However, the rewards including academic stimulation and being at the forefront of medical advances aren't measured in dollars. Only the most qualified practitioners are honored with such an appointment; therefore, a medical school teaching affiliation is a coveted credential.

Many practicing surgeons own the professional advantage of military service some of the richest and most practical experience available. Prior military surgical experience is a huge plus. A unique, one-time opportunity to sharpen one's professional abilities before entering private practice. I attribute a significant portion of my surgical skills to that early portion of my career.

Finally, the most critical ingredient of a cosmetic surgeon's training is a fellowship. A fellowship is the highest and most specialized level of professional training and education a physician or surgeon can attain. Such super-focused training is available only after the surgeon has already achieved the status of a fully qualified specialist.

Among the surgeons now performing cosmetic surgery, only a small percentage have served cosmetic surgery fellowships. This select group of superspecialists is considered the elite among its peers for having attained this additional, highest-caliber credential. All his educational and training experiences should be listed in the doctor's professional bio, which should be made available to you.

These credentials can be verified by consulting The Official ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties), Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, a 581,000 physician profile roster of all board certified specialists. It lists physicians' qualifications, cerification status and biographical information. Available in libraries or can be purchased. The American Board of Medical Specialties also has a public service phone verification hotline: (866) ASK-ABMS.