Board Certification of a Doctor - What Does it Mean?

Today's question is "What is board certification?" Board certification comes up when evaluating a doctor's credentials when we question the doctor, usually at the time of deposition. Board certification means that a doctor has taken an examination after completing medical school and completing their residency training. It establishes a basic understanding and fundamental knowledge of medicine in their particular area of practice, whether that's in obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, neurosurgery, or any type of specialty.

If a doctor has sat for the exams, which is usually both a written exam and an oral exam, and passed that, then they will become a fellow of the American college of whatever specialty they belong to. Whether they're a fellow of the American College of Emergency Room Physicians or Pulmonary Physicians, or American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, that means that they are now board certified, and the level of basic medicine, the fund of knowledge that they have, is the same whether they graduated and trained in New York, or in California, or in Florida or anywhere else.

Now, here's a question I'm often asked. "Just because somebody is board certified, does that mean that they can do no wrong?" The answer is "No." You can have excellent physicians who are board certified, who are great at what they do, and make a mistake, an error, during the course of treatment. You can also have physicians who are not board certified also do a great job, and at the same time there are non-board certified physicians who can make mistakes, and as a result, cause significant injury.

The mere fact that a physician is board certified, does not in and of itself mean that there can be no wrongdoing.

Gerry Oginski is an experienced NY medical malpractice and personal injury trial attorney practicing law in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, New York.

Take a look at Gerry's website http://www.oginski-law.com and read his free special reports on malpractice and accident law. We have over 250 FAQs to the most interesting legal questions. I guarantee there's something for you. For more information, call him personally at 516-487-8207, he welcomes your call.

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