We’re happy to announce that our two first-class orthopedic surgeons have proved their quality by renewing their certifications through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. David Scott and Dr. Amaryllis Scott were both originally certified in July of 2000, participating in a written and oral exam in order to earn their certification. The Board, however, acknowledges the importance of ensuring that orthopedists are staying up to date with developing research and medical advancements. They require a recertification process every ten years. Our doctors completed their exams in September and are now recertified until 2030. You can verify this information on the ABOS website.
Since this is big news on our end, we wanted to answer some of your questions about our qualifications.
What is the certifying agency?
“Founded in 1934 as a private, voluntary, nonprofit, autonomous organization, the ABOS exists to serve the best interest of the public and the medical profession by establishing educational standards for orthopaedic residents and by evaluating the initial and continuing qualifications and competence of orthopaedic surgeons. To improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients, the ABOS establish[es] and maintain[s] high standards for competence and lifelong education of board certified orthopaedic surgeons.” (ABOS.org)
Why is a board certification desirable from the patient’s point of view?
Based on ABOS’s vision as stated above, patients can see that the goal in testing and certifying orthopedic surgeons is to safeguard patients’ care and improve their outcomes. For this reason, a patient receiving treatment from certified surgeons like Dr. David and Dr. Amaryllis can rest easy. Our surgeons’ levels of education and care meet the standards of an unbiased organization with the patient’s welfare at heart.
Why does OSC prioritize staying certified?
Even though recertification is a four-part process that requires considerable time and effort on our part, we believe that the patient-physician relationship is a key component in successful treatment outcomes. Trust is one of the most essential elements of that relationship, and maintaining our certifications allows our patients to receive our care with full trust in our qualifications and expertise.
What is the recertification process?
The Board must ascertain four things before recertifying an orthopedic surgeon:
- Part I: Evidence of Professional Standing (peer review, full and unrestricted licensure, and hospital credentials).
- Part II: Evidence of Life-Long Learning and Self-Assessment (240 credits of Category 1 Continuing Medical Education that include a minimum of 40 CME credits of Self-Assessment Examinations).
- Part III: Evidence of Cognitive Expertise, which occurs through a recertification assessment exam.
- Part IV: Evidence of Performance in Practice (peer review process and submission of case lists).
As you can see, recertification is an ongoing process through continuing education and maintenance of professional standing. Once every 10 years, however, our orthopedic knowledge is also tested once the Board determines our credentials are otherwise in order.
OSC is proud of our doctors’ expertise, so it is important to us that our patients know the lengths we go to protect the quality of their care. You may always rest assured that you are in good hands with Drs. David and Amaryllis Scott. Contact us today to inquire about the certified orthopedic care we continue to provide year after year.