Bariatric Surgeon Credentials

When undergoing weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery, it is important to work with a surgeon who holds the right credentials and accolades. The following is a look at some of the credentials that bariatric surgeons near you can hold when offering this type of procedure. These are distinctions and accolades that paint a picture of how involved the surgeon or surgical center is in the world of bariatric surgery as well as how dedicated they are to excellence in patient care.

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

sages qualityThe mission of this society is to provide leadership in endoscopic and gastrointestinal surgical procedures while optimizing patient care through research, education, and innovation.

Membership is available to surgeons who are Board Certified and practicing in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. International membership is also available provided the candidate has the right credentials.

American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)

American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric SurgeryAlthough there are many societies that focus on surgical procedures, the ASMBS is the only one that focuses wholly and solely on bariatric surgical procedures. The ASMBS has put together extensive guidelines for credentialing hospitals that offer bariatric surgical procedures as well as the bariatric surgeons themselves.

In addition to proposing guidelines, the ASMBS also offers seminars and educational courses for members and parties who are interested in becoming members. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest society in existence worldwide for bariatric surgeons and bariatric surgery centers.

Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

Center of ExcellenceThis is an accolade that is delivered to bariatric surgeons and surgery centers by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS.) The ASMBS has set forth specific requirements for bariatric surgery centers and surgeons to earn this distinction.

Many insurances require bariatric surgery to be performed in the centers with this certification. Center Of Excellence (COE) designation helps patients identify bariatric providers for a safer and more effective operation.

Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center

This is an accolade delivered to bariatric surgeons as well as surgery centers by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS has set forth specific requirements for bariatric surgery centers and surgeons to earn this distinction.

American College of Surgeons

American College of SurgeonsThe American College of Surgeons is an educational and scientific association founded in 1913 in order to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The American College of Surgeons strives to improve upon the patient experience for all types of surgery, not just bariatric surgery.

The American College of Surgeons sponsors continuing medical education programs and offers a variety of other programs and educational activities throughout the year.

Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)

MBSAQIPWith help from the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, these organizations release documents on meeting standards for the highest quality of bariatric surgery care. These organizations offer an application process not only for first-time applicants but also for surgeons and surgery centers that are already existing ACS BSCN and ASMBS BSCOE Centers.

These types of credentials are not mandatory when choosing a surgery center or a surgeon for bariatric surgery. What you do need to understand about them is that they can speak to the effectiveness of the surgeon and surgery center as well as the willingness for the surgeon to continue learning and growing in the field.

Credentials Demonstrate Accomplishments

Because surgeons actively seek out these credentials and accolades in order to demonstrate their accomplishments, they should not be taken lightly. When you find a surgeon or surgical center that bears these distinctions from the American College of Surgeons, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, you are considering an option that is well worth your exploration and consideration.