Choose a Great Orthopaedic Surgeon
Use these tips to take the stress out of finding the perfect surgeon for your orthopaedic procedure.
At Medbelle, we are determined to transform the patient experience for the better, from initial research all the way to the last aftercare appointment. We believe we can do this by supporting a healthcare system that allows every patient to take their care into their own hands. This includes giving patients the tools and knowledge to find an experienced orthopaedic surgeon to perform their procedure. Here are a few tips and resources to help you feel reassured you’re choosing the right surgeon for you.
Research their medical credentials and look at their experience
In order to qualify to be an orthopaedic surgeon, a person must be incredibly talented and trained for years. However, it is always good to make sure they have had a few years practising the procedure you are planning to have. To check this, you can research the institutions they studied at and ask how many years they have been practising orthopaedic surgery, specifically the procedure you want to have. Medbelle makes this easy to do with our surgeon profiles. Talk to a Patient Care Adviser via email or telephone to learn about our orthopaedic surgeons and view their profiles.
Read patient testimonials and reviews
It is important to know what other patients have said about a surgeon. Reviews reflect a surgeon’s skill and give you a glimpse into what they are like on a personal level. It’s important that your surgeon is a good communicator that does not pressure patients or make them feel uncomfortable. Ultimately, you will have a better experience if you feel at ease when speaking or communicating with the surgeon because it will be much easier for you to express your thoughts, feelings and needs with them.
Take note if the reviews are mostly positive or negative or if specific things are mentioned in multiple reviews. You shouldn’t judge them by the reviews alone. However, keep in mind reviews are more valuable when providing an overall idea about the surgeon and their personality.
Check if they’re a member of the right medical boards
Medical boards aren’t make-or-break criteria, but they are a good guide to ensure your continuing education. They expect their members to deliver high-quality and effective care to every patient.
Memberships in any medical association reflect the surgeon’s dedication to keeping up with the newest developments and scientific breakthroughs in the field. To keep their membership, they must attend seminars, have access to medical journals and attend specialised courses in their field. Associations also have necessary standards regarding qualifications, experience and records of safety in order to join. These support the prestige of these associations. Furthermore, membership demonstrates their commitment to ethical practices and training in the safest, most up-to-date techniques and treatments.
The two major boards in the UK are the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the British Medical Association (BMA).
The British Orthopaedic Association
Also called BOA, this is the Surgical Specialty Association for Trauma and Orthopaedics in the UK. The BOA aims to provide clear national leadership for the trauma and orthopaedic surgical community.
The BOA was founded in 1918 with twelve founding members. They now have over 5,000 members worldwide, with the majority based in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a pivotal organisation within the British surgical scene, representing some 40% of the total surgical workforce. Ensuring your orthopaedic surgeon is a part of this association means that you can rest assured that they are getting up-to-date and informative advice regarding orthopaedic care. As a BOA member, your surgeon must also follow rigorous safety guidelines across every step.
British Medical Association
The BMA is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. You may not think that this would impact orthopaedic patients at first; however, it is actually a very important association.
The BMA’s goal is to ensure medical professionals deliver the highest quality in health services so all doctors have strong representation and expert guidance whenever they need it. They are a source of credible medical information, guidance and support throughout a doctor’s professional life. The BMA is committed to all doctors, and they place them at the heart of every decision they make. They are recognised as an influential leader in supporting professional medicine and improving the health of the UK.
Your surgeon’s membership in the BMA ensures they have the right support and guidance to deliver the best care to you.
Other Specific Medical Boards
Depending on the type of orthopaedic surgery you need, there may be a specific medical board dedicated to surgery on that part of the body. It can be beneficial to see if your surgeon is a member of the specific board related to your surgery.
Popular specific medical boards include:
- The British Association of Knee Surgery (BASK)
- The British Hip Society (BHS)
- The British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS)
With these simple checks, you can put your mind at ease when selecting a surgeon for your orthopaedic procedure. If you have any questions or need help deciding on a surgeon, please contact a Medbelle Patient Care Adviser at care@medbelle.com.
