Good plastic surgeons should be committed to their patients, but also to the advancement of the specialty and their own knowledge and skills. One important way we continue our professional growth is by maintaining active memberships in professional organizations for plastic surgeons. I am one of several Tampa plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. I’m also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Membership requirements for these societies include letters of recommendation from other leaders in Plastic Surgery, board certification and a high degree of surgical experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Additionally, members of these organization have strict requirements regarding ongoing surgical education and training beyond standard requirements of typical hospitals to maintain membership.
These organizations offer a number of benefits to their members, including plenty of opportunities to participate in ongoing research and discussion with other members across North America and around the world.
The benefits of staying abreast of the latest advancements in plastic surgery are far-reaching. Surgeons who are regularly educated on new technologies and trends can pass their knowledge on to their patients, offering them a wider variety of options that are constantly increasing in safety and effectiveness. When patients are safe, healthy, and happy with their outcomes, their satisfaction rises exponentially.
When you’re researching plastic surgeons, be sure to look closely at the credentials listed on his or her CV. Pay particular attention to whether he or she has board certification specifically in plastic surgery, as surprisingly many physicians who practice plastic surgery are not board certified in plastic surgery rather than in fields such as general surgery, gynecology, family medicine and so on. The specific credentials can shed a lot of light on the doctor’s priorities and the level of care that you can expect.