Dr. Obteen Nassiri of Las Vegas, NV runs a surgical training facility and hosts ongoing training events for doctors performing surgery. In the article below, Dr. Obteen Nassiri explains what board certification means for surgeons and how they prepare for it.
The next time you sit in your surgeon’s office, take a closer look at the framed diplomas on the wall. Impressive, right? Is there also a board certification in surgery?
That’s even more impressive explains Dr. Obteen Nassiri.
A surgeon does not need to be board-certified to practice; they must be licensed by the state where they practice. But Dr. Obteen Nassiri reports that board certification is a strong indicator of a surgeon’s knowledge and experience practicing a certain medical specialty, anything from general surgery to plastic surgery, surgical oncology, and pediatric surgery.
Think of it as a surgeon who took an extra step to show you that they are highly trained and skilled. Board certification indicates that a surgeon is considered a leader in their specialty field.
Dr. Obteen Nassiri explains that a lot of work goes into becoming board certified. Here’s how surgeons prepare for board certifications in their medical field of choice.
Dr. Obteen Nassiri Explains It’s Voluntary, But Regulated
All surgeons must complete a residency program, an intensive period of training with lengths varying by specialty, that a board approves and certifies. At that point, a surgeon is eligible to become certified by a specific medical specialty board according to Dr. Obteen Nassiri.
While board certification is voluntary, it is tightly regulated. The American Board of Medical Specialties oversees 24 separate surgical specialty and medical boards. The ABMS sets the criteria that surgeons need to meet to take board certification exams.
The Requirements
Dr. Obteen Nassiri explains that in addition to completing a set number of years in an accredited residency program for a chosen specialty, as well as having a certified medical practice license, all candidates need to take an exam to be board certified.
For example,
the general surgery certifying examination is an oral exam led by two examiners held through three 30-minute sections. Some of the exams now have an option to be taken virtually.
Overall, board certification exams are designed to assess a surgeon’s ability to problem solve and test their clinical reasoning and medical judgment. They may also explore ethical aptitude.
Each exam varies by specialty. Generally, it has written and oral portions. Some specialty boards also require that a surgeon has a set amount of experience practicing full time before a certification exam.
Those who meet all the requirements and pass the qualifying exam are deemed a diplomate of a medical board. Dr. Obteen Nassiri says these board certifications are valid for a set amount of time, typically not over 10 years. When a surgeon passes the certified diplomate years, they need to recertify.
Preparations
Dr. Obteen Nassiri reports that besides completing a residency and having several years of experience under their belts, many surgeons prepare for board certification with help from individual surgical specialty boards. The primary way is through so-called in-training examinations.
Held every winter, in-training exams help those leading resident programs assess how their residents are progressing. Such exams aren’t required for one to become board certified, but they can go a long way to measure a surgical resident’s aptitude, including their scientific knowledge and how they manage clinical issues.
There are numerous other ways to prepare for successful board certification. There are certain companies that offer preparation services, covering exam rules, language, and how to convey confidence to examiners. Many companies offer mentors who are board-certified surgeons and have experience helping their own residents pass board certification exams.
Many experts agree that the earlier a surgeon starts actively preparing for boards, the better. This includes encountering new surgical techniques and diagnoses while as a resident and then studying them on your own, learning anything and everything they can about specific procedures.
It’s important, however, not to overdue studying. It's mostly fact-gathering at a specific pace through independent research and attending lectures. Experts recommend taking breaks and not taking in too much information at once.
Explore Different Preparation Techniques
Apart from being conscientious and curious residents, surgeons often prepare for boards in the way that best suits their schedules and learning habits. Dr. Obteen Nassiri says many tape lectures to either listen to multiple times while studying or play in their car while commuting or running errands. Others locate detailed videos on certain surgical approaches and watch them when they can.
Some surgical residents also find study partners preparing for the same specialty board exam, as well as help conduct mock oral board examinations or participate in them.
The Bottom Line
Dr. Obteen Nassiri explains that surgical board certification is the final step in becoming a leader in a specialty field. Surgeons prepare for different types of exams in the ways they best see fit, including working with mentors and fellow students and studying as much about a pertinent subject as they can.
Preparing can be a lot of work, but it’s important work that benefits both the surgeon and their future patients.
