A practice website may describe a physician as board certified. We encourage patients to check that credential independently before a consultation, including when they are considering our Nashville practice. Plastic surgery board certification identifies a specific training and examination pathway, and the current record matters more than a certificate date in an old biography. You can make the check yourself in a few straightforward steps.
Use the American Board of Plastic Surgery search
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) maintains a public certification verification search. It draws from the board's own records, so start there rather than treating a directory badge or advertisement as proof of present status.
Follow this short process before you meet a surgeon. Keep the name and location from the practice website nearby so you can compare the search result carefully.
- Open the ABPS verification page and find the surgeon search fields.
- Enter the physician's last name and first name, or use the location fields if you need to narrow the results.
- Check that the displayed name and identifying details match the physician you intend to see.
- Read the certification status shown in the record rather than relying on a past certification date.
- Save the details or note any question to clarify with the board or surgeon's office.
A common name may produce more than one match. A name change, spelling variation, or incomplete entry also deserves clarification. If you cannot locate a record, verify the spelling and ask the ABPS directly before drawing conclusions about a physician.
Understand what the credential confirms
ABPS certification is a voluntary professional credential. It confirms that a physician met the board's specified plastic surgery training and examination requirements. The board also describes ongoing certification requirements. We believe patients should know what a credential establishes and what it leaves to individual judgment.
A state medical license authorizes medical practice under state law. Board certification evaluates additional specialty qualifications. Membership in a professional association is another distinct credential; an association logo by itself cannot replace a check of the ABPS record.
The ABPS answers common certification questions and explains that a licensed physician may legally practice plastic surgery without its certification. Certification does not guarantee a complication-free operation or tell you how much experience a physician has with your specific procedure.
If something does not match
Suppose a website lists a doctor's middle initial but the board search shows a longer name, or you find a record with a different location. These differences merit a question. Ask the office for the physician's full legal name and relevant certification details, then use the official record or ABPS contact information to resolve the discrepancy.
You can independently verify licensure through the relevant state medical board as well. Check for restrictions or disciplinary notices in the official state record rather than assuming that a search result on a commercial site provides the complete picture. If an answer remains unclear, take time to clarify it before you schedule an elective procedure.
Bring five questions to your appointment
Once you have checked the public credentials, focus on whether the consultation gives you enough information to make an informed decision. We welcome direct questions about training, judgment, and safety.
- Are you currently certified by the ABPS in plastic surgery?
- How often do you perform the particular procedure I am considering?
- Where would my procedure take place, and what accreditation applies to that facility?
- How do you assess my individual risks and decide whether surgery is appropriate?
- Who would manage a complication or unexpected concern after the procedure?
Those questions complement our questions to consider when choosing a surgeon. You should leave knowing what the surgeon proposes, what alternatives exist, and how follow-up would work. A good consultation leaves space for disagreement and more questions.
If you are checking Dr. Nein's credentials, use the same ABPS search steps rather than relying solely on statements on our website. We welcome questions about our qualifications and approach. Your decision should rest on current, verifiable information and a conversation you feel comfortable having.
