In 1933 the Advisory Board of Medical Specialties was formed as a means to oversee and regulate the training of doctors in different medical specialties. Today, they pass training and testing standards their member boards i.e. Family Medicine, Radiology, Plastic Surgery, much achieve to remain accredited. There are many ‘boards’ that are not accredited by the ABMS and their specialty training is not recognized by the medical world. The Board was renamed the American Board of Medical Specialties in 1970. The American Board of Plastic Surgery was initially recognized in 1938.

Medical specialty certification in the United States is a voluntary process. While state medical licensure sets the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients, it is not specialty specific. A Texas medical license can be received with just one year of training after medical school. Board certification—and the Gold Star—demonstrate a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice.

The Gold Star signals a board certified physician’s commitment and expertise in consistently achieving superior clinical outcomes in a responsive, patient-focused setting. Patients, physicians, healthcare providers, insurers and quality organizations look for the Gold Star as the best measure of a physician’s knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within a given specialty.

Certification by an ABMS Member Board involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the specific area of medicine.

At one time, physicians were awarded certificates that were not time-limited and therefore did not have to be renewed. Later, a program of periodic recertification (every six to 10 years) was initiated to ensure physicians engaged in continuing education and examination to keep current in their specialty.

However, in 2006, ABMS’ 24 Member Boards adopted a new gold standard for re-certification with a continuous ABMS Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program for all specialties. MOC uses evidence-based guidelines and national standards and best practices in combination with customized continuing education so physicians demonstrate their leadership in the national movement for healthcare quality. MOC also requires proof of continuing education and experience in between testing for re-certification.

Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), established in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon ensures that you have selected a physician who:

• Has at least 6 years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of 3 years in plastic surgery.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Operates only in accredited medical facilities.
• Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
• Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
• Is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or in Canada by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.