Why choose a Board Certified neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons spend many between 14 and 20 years learning how to care surgically for the brain and spine. But how do you, or your primary care physician, make a distinction between neurosurgeons?

Board Certification is one important point of distinction. And not all practicing neurosurgeons are Board Certified. In the same way that you would prefer having an ASE certified mechanic work on your car or a licensed contractor build your home, Board Certification ensures an exemplary level of expertise and skill. In the case of neurosurgery, certification is issued through the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).

Following residency training, neurosurgeons may seek certification through the ABNS. Being a Board Certified Neurosurgeon, also called a Diplomate American Board of Neurolgical Surgery, is the highest level of neurosurgical qualification in the United States.

Board Certification signals a special level of commitment to, and expertise in, the neurosurgical specialty. Certification by the ABNS is based upon approval of an applicant's educational and training qualifications, a review of the physician's professional practice – including opinions of his or her colleagues – and the passage of written and oral examinations. The certification process includes a thorough assessment of the neurosurgeon's skill, judgment and depth of knowledge.

Certification by the ABNS – the only board authorized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify surgeons in neurosurgery – is considered the "gold standard" in the neurosurgery field.