Why Board Certification Matters

Unlike some cosmetic surgeons in Honolulu, Dr. Shim Ching is a plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only recognized certification for plastic surgeons in the U.S. What exactly does that mean and why is it so important?

What Board Certification Means

First, there’s something you should know: Any licensed medical doctor, no matter what training they’ve had or not had, can claim to be a plastic surgeon and legally perform plastic surgery. That means some “plastic surgeons” on Oahu—if not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery—haven’t proven their cosmetic surgery ability or skills before going into business. They may not even have had any specific training for the procedures they’ll perform on you.

Would you go to a doctor for any surgery without the assurances that plastic surgery board certification provides?

Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Surgery

There are board certifications for different medical practice areas, each overseen by their own board. For example, a doctor may be board certified in dermatology, orthopedic surgery, or pediatrics. Is your cosmetic surgery being performed by a doctor certified in plastic surgery? Or an entirely different area that says nothing about their skills as a plastic surgeon?

You need to know that your surgeon is specifically board certified in plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons use the label “board certified” often. Understandably, the patient assumes it means for plastic surgery. This is not always necessarily true. It’s crucial that you not only ask potential surgeons specifically if they’re certified, but precisely which certification they have when first meeting with them.

What Dr. Ching’s Board Certification in Plastic Surgery Means

To become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, your surgeon must first complete an approved residency in plastic surgery. Additionally, they must pass a written qualifying examination, followed by an oral certifying examination.

Dr. Ching has passed this rigorous 3-step process. It’s important to him, but it’s even more important to you as a prospective client and patient. His certification is an assurance to you of his knowledge, ability, and experience in cosmetic plastic surgery.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Membership

Lastly, Dr. Ching’s continuing education isn’t just a matter of his desire to constantly improve; it’s also a requirement of his membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

As a member, Dr. Ching is required to take 150 hours of continuing medical education in a 3-year period. At least 50 of those hours must specifically apply to the practice of plastic surgery. It’s one more way Dr. Ching fulfills his promise of performing the latest and safest cosmetic techniques on patients like you.

You can meet with one of the best qualified plastic surgeons in Honolulu now to ensure you get superior care and the most current techniques. Contact us today to request a consultation with Dr. Ching in Honolulu.

Why Board Certification Matters

What Board Certification Means

Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Surgery

What Dr. Ching’s Board Certification in Plastic Surgery Means

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Membership

See our results in the wild

Schedule a Consultation