What does a "board certified" doctor mean?

Many people recommend asking your doctor questions about their qualifications, including whether or not he or she is "board certified." But what exactly does that mean? What does it take to become a board certified orthopedic surgeon?

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons is one of 24 medical specialty groups that evaluate physicians who seek board certification. Physicians can voluntarily seek board certification once they have completed their required training. In order to become board certified, the physician candidate must have completed training deemed satisfactory by the board, and then pass a series of examinations administered by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

For an orthopedic surgeon to become board certified, he or she must pass both a written and oral examination. Candidates who are in a period of evaluation by the board are considered "board eligible" orthopedic surgeons.

For information about finding a doctor, and checking their board certification status:

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