Patient Care – Choosing a surgeon – UT Cardiothoracic Surgery

The more a patient knows, the better they
are able to face the challenges and changes of any surgical procedure.

Good communication is the cornerstone of the physician-patient
relationship. Open, honest communication builds trust and promotes
healing. It favorably impacts patient behavior, health outcomes and
patient satisfaction. Patients are more satisfied when they are well
informed about treatment options, the course of care, expected outcomes
and possible complications.

Choosing a surgeon for yourself or a loved one is a very important decision. To ensure that you are able to receive the highest quality health care, here are some guidelines that you should consider when selecting a physician:

What hospital(s) is the doctor affiliated with?
Is the physician board certified?
What is the reputation of the medical school and residency programs he/she completed?
How many years of experience does he/she have?
Has he/she been recognized by peers?

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners –
This system allows you to view information about physicians licensed by the State of Texas. Within the information posted, the
TSBME obtains verification of the following information: identity and age, medical school education,
examination scores, professional training and ability, and professional character. Verification
procedures used by the TSBME meet or exceed procedures used by JCAHO, URAC, and NCQA.

In addition to the physician information, the TSBME also offers an FAQ of general consumer questions: TSBME Consumer General FAQ

Board Certifications

You should seek out a physician who has the experience and training to provide the care you need. One
measure of training and experience is board certification.
By being board certified, you can be assured that the physician has graduated from an
accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a
resident surgeon. This includes a minimum three-year residency in an accredited general surgery
program. To become certified, the doctor then must successfully complete
comprehensive written and oral exams.