doctor

hi everyone! im so confused, i found out my doctor isnt board certified but is only board eligible...should i call her and just ask her why? she has been out of school for 11 years! she only does surgerys on mondays, and that seems strange to me, i have also heard that she has had some sort of a "problem" and had to switch groups to work with. because of my hmo, i have to stick with this group, is it ok to switch among the doc's at the same place? i keep thinking this is my well being and i really dont want to put it in the hands of someone not capable of doing the very best they can.. please give me some ideas, i would appreciate it so much,
mileemaerose

Sure, I would just ask her what the difference is. Since it worries you it would make you feel better to get an answer. Her doing surgeries one day a week is not unusual though. I worked in GYN for 12 years with the doctor who performed my TAH/BSO and she only does surgery on Thursdays. That part is normal. Hope everything goes well for you. What type of surgery are you having?? When??
Lori

my surgery is scheduled for dec 20, i go see her (if i keep her) on tues the 7th...the non board certified is what is stopping me, the red flag went up in a hurry, i talked to another sugeons nurse and mentioned not board certified and she said....ohhh hummm....so there again...not happy...i really appreciate your help on this, thank you, i have fibroids and polyps, i want a total hysto, not sure about hrt tho. thanks again, ill write when i get some answers..
mileemaerose

That's hard to say - do you have any Dr. friends or neighbors that you trust, or a different doctor you visit for other purposes, that you could ask for their opinion of the importance of board certification?

I had a similar experience, I was worried because the GYN surgeon my HMO referred me to is not an AMA member (looked on their website). Went to meet her, sceptical as heck, and was totally impressed by her professional attitude and the feeling of competence that she inspired. My husband went to the meeing with me and we both immediately had the same impression - this is an experienced, skilled, compassionate doctor I could trust with my insides -- Oh, and I have to add, I am NOT the basically trusting type!!!

What does your gut feeling tell you? If you feel any doubt, get a different doctor if you can. This stuff big deal and you want to feel confident with your choice.

Best of luck to you!