Ask an Expert FAQ's Reference Library Locate a Doctor PDA PDA Download Click here to subscribe to The Body1 Beat. Find a doctor You can look by name, or specialty and location. The exams are designed to ensure that the doctor has the knowledge, experience and skills required to provide quality care in that specialty.
Some boards require both a written and an oral exam.
In these boards, Board Eligible means the doctor has passed the written exam but has not taken the oral exam. In most cases being Board Eligible reflects knowledge and experience in the field. Many doctors who are not board certified still bring a wealth of experience to their practice. Many surgeons who train outside the United States do not become board eligible once practicing in the U.S. Factors like caring and compassion cannot be measured by an exam. Ultimately, ask yourself what you need to be comfortable with your doctor.