Samir Pancholi, M.D.
R&R Plaza, 8068 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117
pancholi@drpancholi.com

Purpose: As the field of cosmetic surgery continues to grow, practitioners with varying credentials perform procedures with differing levels of education and experience.  By achieving board certification in cosmetic surgery, a physician may present to the public, regulatory bodies, and adjunctive related healthcare entities as having achieved a standard level of knowledge and understanding that provides for patient safety.
Methods: A review of the history of board certification and evolution in the United States along with the formation and progression of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the application of certification status towards public acceptance, marketing, and regulatory initiatives.  A review of the formation of the International Division of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and its progress.
Results: Attaining a definable standard via board certification perceptually presents a physician as safe, trustworthy, and more likely to produce a positive result.  Although certification does not guarantee competence, medical society politics and marketing have increased the value of certification.  With the formation of overnight „sham“ boards, recognition and affiliation with a proper and legitimate certifying organization such as the International Division of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is paramount to recognition and credibility of its member physicians.
Conclusion: Attaining board certification by a recognizable and credible entity brings similar recognition to the certificate holder.  As like-minded practitioners form new specialty certifying boards, standards, experience, and numbers will prove positive in developing and maintaining the boards credibility. Furthermore, such an entity will have a greater voice in the political realm of medicine and in forming regulation, should and when that time arises.