American Board of Plastic Surgery

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only certifying board exam devoted to examining a surgeon's skill in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. The ABPS is an independent sub-specialty board that examines and certifies physicians in general, facial and dermatological cosmetic surgery. Organized as a subsidiary of the American Board of Surgery in 1938, the ABPS was given the status of a major specialty board in 1941. It is the one certifying body for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery recognised by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Mission Statement
The mission of The American Board of Plastic Surgery is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and recertification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists.

History
Established in 1937 and officially recognized in 1941 as the board responsible for certifying physicians in the specialty of plastic surgery by action of the American Board of Medical Specialties and as approved by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association.

Purposes
The essential purposes of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are:

1. To establish requirements for the qualifications of applicants who request a certificate of their ability in the field of plastic surgery in its broadest sense.

2. To conduct examinations of approved candidates who seek certification by the Board.

3. To issue certificates to those who meet the Board's requirements and pass the respective examinations.

4. To do and engage in any and all lawful activities that may be incidental or reasonably related to any of the foregoing purposes.

Certification Requirements:

- Graduation from an accredited medical school
- Completion of either at least three years of general surgery residency training or a complete residency in neurological surgery, orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology or urology
- Completion of plastic surgery residency training of at least two years
- Passing comprehensive oral and written exams

You can learn more about the ABPS and find board-certified surgeons at www.abplsurg.org.

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