Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Portland: Credentials That Matter (MD, FACS, Board Certification)

Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important healthcare decisions you'll make. Your surgeon's skill, experience, and credentials directly determine whether your results are beautiful or disappointing. But with countless options in Portland, how do you distinguish between a well-qualified surgeon and someone without proper training? Understanding key credentials—MD, board certification, and FACS status—will help you make an informed choice.

The Foundation: Medical Degree (MD or DO)

All legitimate plastic surgeons hold either an MD (Medical Doctor) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree from an accredited medical school. This 4-year education covers:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Medical sciences and disease processes
• Clinical patient care and diagnosis
• Ethics and medical decision-making
• Basic surgical principles

While a medical degree is fundamental, it is only the beginning. Many physicians with an MD practice in fields entirely different from surgery (dermatology, pediatrics, internal medicine), so an MD alone doesn't indicate surgical expertise.

Residency Training: The Real Surgical Education

After medical school, aspiring plastic surgeons complete a residency—typically 3-6 years of intensive, supervised training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During residency, surgeons:

• Perform hundreds or thousands of surgeries under expert supervision
• Learn complex reconstruction techniques
• Develop the judgment needed for safe surgical planning
• Gain experience managing complications
• Understand cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction

Quality matters: Surgical residencies vary significantly in reputation and rigor. Prestigious programs affiliated with major medical centers and universities provide superior training and exposure to complex cases. Dr. Bartholomew completed his surgical residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)—one of the most competitive and highly regarded plastic surgery training programs in the nation.

Board Certification: Proof of Competence

The American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) certifies plastic surgeons who meet rigorous standards:

Written Examination

Candidates must pass a comprehensive written exam covering:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Wound healing and scar biology
• Reconstructive surgery principles
• Cosmetic surgery techniques
• Complications and their management
• Current literature and best practices
• Ethical and legal issues in surgery

The exam is notoriously difficult—not all surgeons pass on their first attempt. Passage rates hover around 70-75%, meaning 25-30% of candidates must retake it.

Oral Examination

After passing the written exam, surgeons undergo a rigorous oral examination where ABPS-certified examiners grill them on cases, decision-making, and problem-solving. This ensures they can think critically and justify their surgical choices.

Case Review

The ABPS reviews each candidate's surgical cases to verify they've performed procedures at the appropriate level of complexity and safety.

Recertification

Board certification is not lifetime—surgeons must recertify every 10 years by maintaining continuing medical education, staying current with literature, and sometimes retaking examinations. This ensures they remain knowledgeable about new techniques and research.

FACS: Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons

FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) is an additional credential that indicates:

• Rigorous credentialing: The American College of Surgeons verifies education, training, and experience
• Commitment to ethics: Fellows agree to uphold the ACS Code of Professional Conduct
• Continuing education: Fellows must engage in ongoing learning and maintain professional standards
• Peer review: Fellows are accountable to their peers and the ACS
• Emergency preparedness: FACS surgeons commit to providing care even during disasters

Achieving FACS status requires:

• Valid, unrestricted medical license
• Appropriate surgical training and experience
• Personal commitment to ethical standards
• Nomination by current ACS members (often requires peer recommendation)
• Ongoing participation in continuing education

Not every trained plastic surgeon pursues FACS certification—some find it unnecessary, others may not meet timing or other requirements. However, surgeons who achieve it demonstrate a commitment to the highest professional standards.

Double Board Certification: The Gold Standard

Some plastic surgeons pursue certification in multiple surgical specialties—for example, both Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery (or Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology/ENT surgery). This dual certification means:

• Two rigorous examinations passed successfully
• Extensive training in both specialties
• Complex case expertise spanning multiple areas
• Comprehensive surgical skill set that benefits patients

Dr. Bartholomew is double board-certified in both Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, a credential held by only a small percentage of surgeons. This dual expertise means he brings elite-level training in cosmetic procedures, reconstructive surgery, and hand/wrist conditions to every patient.

Beyond Credentials: Experience and Results

While credentials establish a foundation, they don't capture everything:

Volume of Cases

A surgeon who performs 500 breast augmentations annually develops different expertise than one who does 50. High-volume surgeons refine their techniques, develop better judgment about patient selection, and can anticipate and prevent complications more effectively.

Before-and-After Portfolio

Reviewing a surgeon's actual results is crucial. Ask to see photos of patients similar to you—same age, body type, and procedure. Do the results look natural? Are patients satisfied?

Complication Rates

Ask specifically about infection rates, revision surgery rates, and how the surgeon manages complications. Lower rates often indicate meticulous technique and careful patient selection.

Patient Reviews and Satisfaction

While no surgeon is perfect, consistently positive feedback suggests strong patient communication, good results, and professional demeanor.

Continuing Education

Does the surgeon attend national conferences, take advanced courses, and learn new techniques? Or do they do the same procedures the same way they were taught 20 years ago? Commitment to ongoing learning indicates dedication to improvement.

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Avoid

Not Board-Certified Any surgeon claiming to do plastic surgery without board certification (or clearly stating they're "board-eligible" but not yet certified) should raise concern. Board certification shouldn't be optional.

Misleading Credentials Some doctors claim to be plastic surgeons based on limited training. Look specifically for "American Board of Plastic Surgeons" certification, not vague claims of plastic surgery training.

High Complication Rates Ask about complication rates. Complications happen, but unusually high infection, hematoma, or revision rates indicate a problem.

Pressure to Decide Quickly A good surgeon gives you time to think and discuss options. Pressure tactics suggest they care more about booking procedures than your well-being.

Cookie-Cutter Approach Every patient is different. If a surgeon recommends identical procedures for all patients regardless of individual goals or anatomy, reconsider.

Unwillingness to Discuss Alternatives A surgeon who only performs one procedure and recommends it to everyone isn't thinking critically about your needs.

Specific Credentials to Look for in Portland

When selecting a plastic surgeon in Portland or the surrounding area, verify:

1. Board Certification: Check the American Board of Plastic Surgeons website (abplsurg.org) to confirm certification
2. License Status: Verify Oregon medical license through the Oregon Medical Board
3. Hospital Privileges: Confirm they have privileges at reputable hospitals (indicates hospital credentialing committees have vetted them)
4. Complication History: Check if they've had malpractice settlements or license actions (available through state board)
5. Training Background: Ask where they completed residency—prestigious programs indicate rigorous training

Dr. Bartholomew's Credentials: What Sets Him Apart

Dr. Samuel V. Bartholomew, MD, FACS brings exceptional credentials to Portland:

• Medical Degree: MD from a four-year accredited medical school
• Surgical Residency: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)—one of the nation's most competitive programs
• Plastic Surgery Training: Full residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Hand Surgery Fellowship: Additional fellowship training in hand surgery
• Board Certification: Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons
• Hand Surgery Specialization: Double board-certified in Hand Surgery
• FACS Status: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Professional Memberships: American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other national organizations
• Continuing Education: Regular participation in advanced training and conferences
• Recognition: Named a "Top Doctor" by Portland Monthly Magazine for 12 consecutive years
• Peer Recognition: Voted a Top Plastic Surgeon in the US by Castle Connolly for 10 years

This combination of elite training, dual board certification, national recognition, and commitment to ongoing excellence reflects years of rigorous education and dedication to his patients.

Evaluating Your Consultation

During your consultation, observe:

1. Listening: Does the surgeon listen to your goals or do they do most of the talking?
2. Education: Do they explain procedures, risks, and benefits clearly?
3. Honesty: Do they acknowledge limitations and set realistic expectations?
4. Confidence: Do they seem comfortable with your questions, or defensive?
5. Time: Do they rush you out after 10 minutes, or take time for thorough discussion?
6. Staff: Are office staff courteous and efficient?

A great surgeon combines credentials with excellent communication and genuine care for patient outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a plastic surgeon isn't about finding the cheapest option or whoever has the slickest website. It's about selecting someone with:

• Rigorous education and training (MD, residency, fellowship if relevant)
• Verified board certification confirming surgical competence
• Proven track record with excellent results and patient satisfaction
• Ethical commitment reflected in FACS or similar credentials
• Ongoing excellence through continued learning and professional involvement
• Strong communication and realistic expectations
• Experience with your specific procedure and goals

When you choose a surgeon with these qualities, you're not just investing in a procedure—you're investing in your appearance, confidence, and well-being for years to come. The difference between a great result and a mediocre one often comes down to choosing the right surgeon.

Next Steps

If you're considering plastic surgery in Portland or the surrounding areas, schedule a consultation with a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon. Ask about their credentials, training, experience, and results. Your surgeon's qualifications matter more than you might realize—and they determine whether you'll love your outcome or regret your decision.