Board Certification – Not All Are Created Equal

Recently, John Vitolo, MD passed the re-certification board examination with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. This is a grueling and rigorous process requiring 120 hours of continuing education, a written and oral examination and a peer review.  Re-certification is required every 7 to 10 years. 

The American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons is not the only board to offer certification; however, the requirements of this board are more challenging than others in the field. To qualify for initial certification, surgeons must be a graduate of an accredited 4 year medical school and have successfully completed a 5 year accredited orthopedic residency program in the US or Canada.

In addition to being board certified in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Vitolo holds a sub-specialty certification in Sports Medicine from the ABOS. This sub-specialty certification requires an additional year of training/education, endorsement by the program director, peer review, documented experience with Arthroscopic Surgery and knowledge of non-operative conservative treatment of select injuries. 

Certifications given by the ABOS are given to an elite group of orthopedic surgeons. To become board certified requires commitment and a desire to continuing learning and provide the highest quality care to patients. By visiting an ABOS Board Certified surgeon, you can rest assured that you will receive optimal care.

Who is the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery?

·         Non-profit, private, independent organization - Founded in 1934

·         Established to serve the best interests of patients and the medical profession

·         Board establishes education standards for orthopedic surgeons

·         Standards are evaluated through standardized exams and practice evaluations

·         Membership is given only to distinguished orthopedic surgeons who have met set requirements and are active in patient care, education and research

To find out if your surgeon is certified by the ABOS or to find one that is, you can visit this link: https://www.abos.org/find-a-certified-orthopaedic-surgeon.aspx.