What Does it Mean to be Board Certified?


When your surgeon is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, you can rest assured knowing that he or she is very well qualified to perform your procedure. To be eligible for certification, it is required that the surgeon:

  1. Graduated from an AOA-accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine
  2. Is licensed or credentialed to practice
  3. Conforms to the standards set forth in the AOA Code of Ethics
  4. Completed a minimum of training as follows:
      5. a. Cardiothoracic Surgery: Four years of training in general surgery followed by two years of training in cardiothoracic surgery. 
      b. General Surgery: Four years of training in general surgery.
      c. General Vascular Surgery: Four years of training in general surgery followed by two years of training in general vascular surgery.
      d. Neurological Surgery: One year of training in general surgery followed by four years of training in neurological surgery.
      e. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Three years of training in general surgery followed by two years of training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
      f. Urological Surgery: Two years of training in general surgery followed by three years of training in urological surgery.

For additional details, please visit the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery's website.