Background & Specialties

Board Certification

Board Certification American Board of Plastic Surgery 1994

Did you know that any licensed doctor could call himself or herself a plastic surgeon? Unfortunately, many people do not know this. There is a way, however, for you to distinguish between a “true” plastic surgeon and one who falsely claims this title. This is by asking the surgeon for his or her Board certification status. Make sure that your surgeon is fully certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This Board has established rigorous standards for its specialists. To obtain board certification in plastic surgery, the doctor has to complete at least six to seven years of postgraduate medical training, this usually includes training in general surgery follows by at least two years of specialized training in plastic surgery.

The residency program must be accredited by the Residency Review Committee in Plastic Surgery. These doctors must then pass written and oral examinations in plastic surgery before they are fully certified by the Board.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify the qualifications of a doctor with respect to plastic surgery. The purpose of the Board is to ensure that its members adhere to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in their profession.

Ask your plastic surgeon to give you adequate evidence of his or her background and training. A qualified plastic surgeon is proud of his or her accomplishments.

Do not get confused by boards trying to mimic the name of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Although other specialties may claim expertise in cosmetic surgery, their training is generally of a narrower scope and is never as thorough as the training of a plastic surgeon.

You should also ask your surgeon about his or her clinical privilege to practice in major hospitals in your community. Most hospitals will not allow physicians to enter their medical staff unless they are respected members of the medical community and have superior medical and ethical attributes.

Professional Background

Medical School Education Georgetown University, Washington D.C., 1981-1985
General Surgery Residency Georgetown University, Washington D.C., 1985-1989
Plastic Surgery Residency Georgetown University, Washington D.C., 1989-1991
Microsurgery Fellowship New York University, New York, 1991-1992

Teaching Appointments

Dr. Marefat is a member of the Clinical Volunteer Faculty of Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Hobbies and Interests

Dr. Marefat’s interests outside of medicine include painting, sculpture, photography, and glassworks (i.e., stained glass).