How much training is enough?
In 2015, the Georgia Governor signed into law HB 416 requiring health care professionals to disclose to consumers their proper credentials. Under this law, only Board Certifications issued by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) or the AOA can be advertised as legitimate credentials.
In light of the diverse array of practitioners offering elective cosmetic/aesthetic surgery, HB 416 was a boon to the public. Unscrupulous practitioners could no longer use white coat deception and false advertising to garner clients.
I have always been simultaneously appalled and fascinated by the fact that unqualified practitioners would take it upon themselves to attempt to execute technically demanding medical procedures without the requisite training or infrastructure. I wonder if myself and other Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are over trained or whether many aesthetic procedures are simply not that difficult.
The fact of the matter is that any surgical procedure is demanding and requires a certain degree of theoretical knowledge. I often inform my clients that the most important part of the operation is the consultation where the proper treatment is matched to the client’s goals and a surgical plan formulated.
The judgment and requisite technical skill set required to successfully perform surgery is the result of hours, days, and years of dedicated training. The economist and author Malcolm Gladwell has studied how many hours are required to achieve mastery in a cognitively demanding field. His conclusion of 10,000 hours was principalized in the 2008 bestseller Outliers. More importantly, Mr. Gladwell identifies the discipline required to put in 10,000 hours of effort, or trained ability, into an endeavor as the single factor that results in sublime expertise. Many of us may simply refer to the latter as grit.
All surgeons who have successfully completed training in a properly credentialed program comfortably surpass the 10,000-hour rule. Board Certification verifies the practitioner’s theoretical knowledge and technical competency. While it is true that Board Certification does not guarantee results, it does offer the highest probability of a successful outcome.
In my practice, I continue to advance my skill by seeking out additional training opportunities. In essence, I will never stop educating myself for the duration of my career. On the occasion that I am offered a compliment for an excellent surgical outcome, I am quick to humbly acknowledge that I am “simply well trained.”
If you are considering undergoing aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, please take the time to review the training and credentials of your surgeon in well in advance of the initial consultation.
P. Pravin Reddy, MD
Dr. Reddy is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon trained in all aspects of aesthetic face and body surgery.