The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. was organized as a subsidiary of the American Board of Surgery in 1938. The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. was given the status of a major specialty board in 1941. It is the one certifying body for Plastic and Reconstructive surgery recognised by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Overview
ABPS certification has the following 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, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or urology.
As well as:
- Completion of plastic surgery residency training of at least two years
- Passing comprehensive oral and written exams
Renewal of certification:
- Certificate issued 1995 and after
Diplomates who received ABPS certification in 1995 or after must be renewed by Maintenance of Certification (MOC) examination every 10 years.
- Certificate issued prior to 1995
- Diplomates who were Board Certified prior to 1995 are not required to renew by examination every 10 years. Board Certification certificates issued prior to 1995 have no expiration date.