Take time to check if a physician is board-certified. That's an indication that a doctor has taken the time to pass rigorous national standards in his or her speciality. These certifications show that a doctor has three to seven years, or more, of full-time training beyond a medical degree in a particular speciality.
Some doctors have more than one board certification.
If you need an operation, ask how many the doctor performs annually and how many are done yearly at the hospital where you would have surgery. Other referral sources include patient support groups and doctor referral services now provided at most hospitals. You can find a support group by searching the Internet or by calling local hospitals and nonprofit health organizations. All rights reserved.