When considering an orthopedic doctor in NJ, conducting research on an individual and his/her practice before scheduling an appointment is a sensible way to find the right fit for you. Knowing what to look for in a physician, what his/her credentials stand for and how his/her practice operates is key in choosing the ideal practitioner. Below is a breakdown of how physician training works to help you know what to look for in a physician and practice.

1. Residency

Formerly known as an internship, a residency is additional training in a specialty (i.e. family practice, pediatrics or orthopedics) that a physician receives after completing a medical degree. A residency program can run anywhere from three to five years following medical school and may last longer if a physician seeks to become a subspecialist.

2. Fellowship

A fellowship is additional training of a year or more after residency has been completed and in which a physician is known as a ‘fellow’. During this time, physicians are able to act as an attending physician or consultant physician in their subspecialty in a hospital setting. When the fellowship has been completed,  physicians are allowed to practice without supervision in that subspecialty. It is important to note that while all physicians have completed a residency program, not all have fellowship training. This additional training is a distinction that sets physicians apart.

3. Board Certification vs. Board Eligibility

When all training has been completed, physicians take a test demonstrating their knowledge and skills. If they pass, they receive the distinction “board certified” in the tested specialty or subspecialty. In addition, they may be board certified in more than one specialty or subspecialty. When a physician is board eligible, it means that the physician has not yet passed the test. If they do not pass the board examination several years after completing their training, physicians forfeit the right to call themselves “board eligible”. Failure to give up the title may result in sanctions, or penalties, from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). You can check with the ABMS to see whether a physician is board certified/eligible.

4. Reputation of Physician

One of the most important aspects of a physician is a good reputation,  and thanks to the Internet, researching  opinions of physicians has never been easier. Finding out how physicians rank against one another may indicate what you may experience with a particular physician ahead of time.

5. Reputation of Practice

Much like the reputation of individual physicians, practices with poor reviews can let you know that they aren’t an ideal fit for your needs based on the criteria of others with similar needs.

What The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey Has to Offer

With over 15 board certified physicians in a variety of specialties, The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey offers a multidisciplinary approach as part of our comprehensive patient care. Our practice provides a complete diagnosis, customized treatment plan as well as preventative and rehabilitative care for adult, child and adolescent patients with orthopedic conditions. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today or fill out our contact form.