Knowing why physician board certifications matter can be beneficial for patients who are seeking a new doctor, especially if an orthopedic surgeon or specialist is needed. However, it’s not as cut and dried as it may seem.

After completing four years of medical school, students seeking certification take part in hands-on clinical rounds, otherwise known as a residency-training program. During this time, students get valuable experience at a teaching hospital, surrounded by skilled doctors and nurses.

But receiving a diploma and state licensure is just the first step in the process of becoming a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. If a doctor wants to become board-certified, they will need to proceed to step two, which is really a lifelong commitment to a medical specialty.

To become board-certified, participants must complete and pass grueling exams, otherwise known as “the boards”. These voluntary and intensive tests have a big impact on a medical doctor’s future – if they don’t pass their boards, they’re not board-certified.

As you research prospective doctors of any specialty, make sure board certifications are on your must-have list. Here are five reasons why.

1. Specificity: Physicians select their board specialty for many reasons, and some even earn double-board accreditation. With a laser-focused commitment to a specialty, patients know that they’re receiving care from a physician who has mastered their particular area of expertise. In the case where multiple board specialties are achieved, patients benefit from the overlapping expertise, which is especially crucial for less-common conditions.

2. Integrity: Board-certified orthopedic surgeons and physicians are immersed in the principles of medical integrity and must abide by a formal code of conduct to practice medicine with professionalism and integrity. In fact, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon must promise to abide by a strict, enforceable code of ethics that is centered on patient care.

3. Continuing Education: Physicians don’t just pass their boards, establish a career and then suddenly stop learning. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite. Board certifications can only be upheld through continued education. Doctors are constantly evaluated on medical improvements, research, and evolving best practices.

4. Better Patient Outcomes: It may seem reasonable that physicians who pass strict exams and maintain ongoing learning provide better results for their patients. This topic has been scientifically researched and proven. Simply put – findings show that board certification yields higher-quality healthcare.

5. Accountability: With board certification comes consequences and responsibility because – although rare – certifications can be retracted.

Whenever there is a suspected traumatic or repetitive motion injury to a bone, joint, tendon or nerve, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon is the best choice for treatment. If you are experiencing chronic joint or bone pain, diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, or have arthritis, call our office today to schedule a consultation.

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