Board certification is a voluntary process on the part of any physician. It is different and distinct from licensure to practice medicine, a function regulated by state government. A Board certified physician has met certain standards and passed tests that are developed to assure the public that he or she has been adequately trained in a given specialty. FOR THIS REASON,IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DOCTOR IS BOARD CERTIFIED!Throwback Thursday— to 2003, when Dr. Bailie was one of two US surgeons invited to join a European development team to collaborate on the Promos Total Shoulder System.
The novel implant, manufactured by PLUS Orthopedics, was conceived by surgeons at the Schultes Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland. Knowing that modifications and improvements were needed before expansion would be allowed in America, they recruited Dr. Bailie to travel to Zurich in order to work with engineers and other physicians. Dr. Bailie was course director, performing surgeries and giving lectures. He and his associate brought the technique to the United States. During this project, PLUS Orthopedics was purchased by Smith-Nephew, a large Orthopedic device manufacturer based in the UK. The device continues to enjoy success in the United States and Europe with a rapidly growing share of the shoulder implant market. To learn more about The Promos Shoulder System, as well as other procedures offered by Dr. Bailie, please visit his web page: www.AzISKS.com (Arizona Institute for Sports, Knees and Shoulders)
Orthopaedic surgeons who have completed an accredited residency may apply and be admitted to take the written examination. This examination, which is a timed, secure, computer administered exam, consists of approximately 320 multiple choice questions covering all of Orthopaedics. It is given at Prometric testing sites throughout the U.S., on a single day in July. It involves 8 hours of testing time divided into 7 sections.The questions are produced through the work of over 70 volunteer practicing orthopaedic surgeons, with the help and professional guidance of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Each question submitted is required to be supported by at least 2 peer reviewed references, and is subject to review by at least 3 different groups of surgeons before appearing on a test.
After passing Part I, candidates have a period of 5 years to apply for and pass the Part II oral examination.Once admitted to take the oral examination, a candidate must submit a list of all surgical cases performed during a defined 6 month period. The Board selects 10 cases to present at the examination each year. The candidate must bring 3 copies of all pertinent medical records and one copy of imaging studies for each of the 10 cases. The examination is given in Chicago in Juy and consists of two 1 hour and 55 minutes of examination time, divided into four 25 minute periods with two examiners in each period. The examiners independently grade each case presentation on 6 skills: data gathering and interpretation, diagnosis, treatment plan, technical skill, outcomes and applied knowledge. In addition, the case list is evaluated on surgical indications, handling of complications and ethics and professionalism.
Candidates who pass the examination are notified in the fall. After passing Part II, a surgeon receives a certificate and becomes a “diplomate” of the ABOS for 10 years. They then can voluntarily retake the boards, submitting cases and 120 hours of Contining Medical Education, and paying the several thousand dollar fees.
