THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION

 By Brad Herman, M.D. - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

 

Medical Esthetics is undergoing an attack much like the one that traditional medicine underwent about 100 years ago.  At the turn of the century, the Government of our United States started legislation which eventually led to the regulation of medical schools in and attempt to control quality of medicine. 

Soon thereafter, states adopted rules and regulations, which ultimately led to the dissolution of many medical schools.  The next step in government regulation prompted states to decide that just getting a medical degree from an accredited school was not enough, and states began regulating doctors by requiring licenses and formal testing.

Initially each state had their separate examination and licensure.  Over the years, the states adopted a national testing board (NBME); however, individual state licensure still exists, and each state may have additional requirements for physician licensure.

 

As medicine became more diversified, the doctors felt the need to become recognized for specified or additional training that they may have had.  In 1934 the American Board of Medical Specialties was created to improve individual medical specialty boards and allow each board to determine their own criteria for certification.  This was an effort of self-regulation by the doctors, which kept the government from doing it for them.

 

Parallels can be drawn between physicians and Medical Esthetic Specialists™/ Aesthetic Medical Specialist™- MediEsthetics Specialist™, with regard to reasons for certification.  For physicians, board certification may be necessary for the following reasons:

·        To gain or maintain privileges to perform surgery at a particular hospital.

·        To demonstrate a level of competency equal to or greater than others in your field.

·        To demonstrate that practitioners are interested in setting and maintaining high standards of patient care.

·        To effectively limit the liability of others that may work with you.

For medical based estheticians or Medical Esthetic Specialist™ certification may be necessary for the following reasons:

·        Clinics or physicians may require certification for employment.

·        To demonstrate a level of competency equal to or greater than others in your field.

·        To demonstrate that Medical Esthetic professionals are interested in setting and maintaining high standards of care.

·        To effectively limit the liability of employers.

 

In essence, certification is a method to elevate your status and legitimacy amongst your peers, other medical personnel (physicians, etc.), and demonstrate competency with potential and existing government regulatory agencies.

 

 

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