Credentials: What Do They Mean?
Posted April 23, 2018 in Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Credentials—and how they were obtained—should be a patient’s number one concern when choosing a potential surgeon to perform their cosmetic surgery. The surgeon’s education and experience will provide insight to make an informed decision on whether the surgeon is a good fit for the patient’s desired outcome.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
In order to be considered board certified in plastic surgery, a surgeon must have been awarded certification by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. There is no other organization that can award this certification, and it is only 1 of the 24 accredited specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Specialties.
In order to be eligible to sit for the Board of Plastic Surgery Exam, a potential surgeon must complete a lengthy amount of educational courses and practical experience. A premedical student must first earn a bachelor’s degree in addition to completing premedical courses. During this time, a premedical student will take the Medical College Admissions Test and gather letters of recommendation from mentors. In order to be an ideal candidate for medical school, a student must also participate in extracurricular activities, be working in a hospital setting, and demonstrate leadership qualities.
After being admitted to medical school, the student will spend two years in the classroom and then two years in rotating clinical settings of various medical specialties. After completion, all physicians must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination to be an M.D. or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam to become a D.O.
From this point, a new physician will need to complete three to five years of general surgery residency in addition to two to three years of plastic surgery residency or a six-year integrated residency that includes both.
Fellow – American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. It is an association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve a surgical patient’s quality of care by implementing higher standards for educating surgeons. In order to become a “fellow,” or member of this organization, a surgeon’s education, training, professional accomplishments, surgical proficiency, and ethical conduct must pass an extensive review.
Dr. Koch has completed all of these steps and now focuses on providing the highest possible standard of care and attention to his patients.
Recognition
America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals
By invitation only, the America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals publishes the names of thousands of extraordinary individuals in a variety of fields.
Marquis Who’s Who in America
For over 117 years, Marquis Who’s Who in America has provided comprehensive biographical information on the leaders and achievers of today.
Castle Connolly Medical Guide
Based on nominations from peers and reviewed by a research team, a doctor is placed on this medical guide to help patients find excellent doctors in their respected areas of expertise.
Metropolitan Professional Registry
A registry for professionals to be found easier by potential customers.
Strathmore’s Who’s Who
Published yearly, the Strathmore’s Who’s Who is a biographical registry of successful individuals of various fields, such as science, business, law, engineering, and many more.
For more information regarding Dr. Koch’s extensive education and expertise or to schedule a meeting, call his office at 716-631-1220.