Board Certification

Why Choose A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon In Columbus, Ohio
Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery signals rigorous training, ongoing education and tested competence. Our Columbus surgeons operate in accredited facilities, tailor each plan to the patient, and prioritize safety, transparency and follow-up — so results look natural and recovery is well supported.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Columbus
- Confirm ABPS board certification (not just “board certified”).
- Don’t rely on public “before and after” galleries, as they can create unrealistic expectations.
- Verify an accredited operating room or active hospital privileges.
- Ask about case volume and outcomes for your procedure.
- Read recent patient reviews and testimonials.
- Schedule a consultation to align goals, risks, costs and recovery.
- In the consult, review before & after photos matched to your anatomy with your surgeon.
When it comes to selecting a plastic surgeon, the importance of choosing a board-certified professional cannot be overstated. Board certification serves as a mark of excellence, ensuring that your chosen surgeon has undergone rigorous training, adheres to the highest standards of patient care, and possesses the necessary skills and expertise to deliver safe and outcomes.
Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson & Dr. Michelle Sieffert Are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
Both surgeons are Diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. After medical school and general surgery, they completed accredited plastic-surgery residency and fellowship training — then passed ABPS written and oral examinations administered by leading plastic-surgery educators.
This pathway verifies knowledge, judgment, and ethical practice across cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.


What Sets The ABPS Certification Apart
There’s understandable confusion around “board certification.” Not all “boards” are equivalent. ABPS is the only plastic-surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) for this specialty.
- Accredited training: completion of approved residencies in plastic surgery.
- Two rigorous exams: a comprehensive written exam followed by a multi-session oral exam using real and hypothetical cases.
- Ongoing certification: continuing education and practice assessment to maintain status.
- Patient safety focus: emphasis on accredited facilities, anesthesia oversight, and complication management.
The written exam completed by Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert is a culmination of their many years of education, consisting of 400 questions over seven hours. The oral exam, taken at least one year later, consists of two days of 2-examiners-on-1-examinee interrogation about actual and hypothetical plastic surgery cases and scenarios. Fewer than 200 surgeons in the nation satisfactorily complete this process each year.
The Benefits & Assurances Of Working With
A Board-Certified Surgeon
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01
A Great Specialization In This Specific Field
To become board-certified, plastic surgeons have completed extensive education, training and residency programs specific to plastic surgery. They have to have acquired in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in various procedures, techniques and innovations within the field.
Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert’s specialized training enables them to understand the intricacies of the human anatomy, aesthetic principles and the latest advancements in surgical and non-surgical interventions. They are equipped to provide comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans and aesthetic solutions tailored to meet your individual needs.
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02
An Unwavering Commitment To Patient Safety
Our surgeons are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety. They adhere to strict ethical guidelines and follow stringent protocols to ensure your well-being before, during and well after your procedure.
Their expertise allows them to identify potential risks, develop optimal surgical strategies and provide appropriate preoperative assessments and postoperative care — a component we consider “critical” when patients are researching plastic surgeons. Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert prioritize patient safety and satisfaction as they aim to achieve natural-looking results while minimizing complications.
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03
Continued Professional Growth & Development
Because board certification is not a one-time achievement, our surgeons engage in continuous education, attending conferences, workshops and seminars to stay abreast of the latest advancements and refine their skills.
By actively participating in professional societies and organizations, board-certified plastic surgeons demonstrate their steadfast dedication to maintaining the highest level of competence and staying in tune with emerging trends, techniques and safety protocols.
Additional FAQs About Board Certification
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We often suggest that patients search the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s public verification tool using the surgeon’s name. Our surgeons’ credentials are listed on this page and can be confirmed at your consultation.
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Board-certified plastic surgeons have completed accredited plastic-surgery training and passed written and oral exams from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They maintain certification through ongoing education and practice assessment.
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No. Society membership is valuable and offers its own unique benefits, but the two are different. ABPS certification, recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, confirms training and examination in plastic surgery.
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You Deserve To Work With The Best
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon provides peace of mind and instills confidence in the quality of care you will receive. This certification is a form of tangible accountability that cannot be falsified, representing surgical skill and technical knowledge that cannot be improvised.
We invite you to get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation and continue on your confidence journey — in the best hands.
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