Friday, June 06, 2008

Something else that belongs on bull#%@*.com


I was pleased (snark!) to find out via the mail today that I am now officially one of "America's Top Surgeons" as recognized by the "Consumers' Research Council of America" (CRCA). Ever heard of it? Me neither.

What do you have to do to be recognized? Have a medical licence and a credit card to buy their over-priced cheezy swag plaques and knick-knacks to impress patients with as far as I can tell.

The sad thing is that some meaningless promotional thing like this is just as likely to get someone's attention for my skill as any of my academic awards, real diplomas, or multiple board-certification certificates.

Rob

2 comments:

son said...

interesting

James R. Bruno, DMD, MD said...

Dr. Oliver,
I agree with you to a degree, but isn't this type of listing better than a city or local magazine postings on the "top docs". The Consumers' Research Council of America (CRCA) has at least some requirements of board certification and training. We all know that many of the magazines have non-board certified MD's in their listings.
I found it intersting that a Robert Irwin Oliver in Alabama was listed in the CRCA list of Top Plastic Surgeons. Is this person your dad?, the founder of your practice?
It appears that the CRCA gives the prosective patients a reasonable starting point and tips on how to find a qualified plastic surgeon. I don't see much wrong with that...