Orthopedic surgeon Michael Parentis, MD, offers clinical and surgical care to patients at the WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery Group near Buffalo, New York. Michael Parentis, MD, is a published author and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).
The ABOS establishes and maintains standards for the safe and ethical practice of orthopedic medicine. It certifies the physicians who meet its rigorous standards and oversees the ongoing maintenance of certification for those professionals.
To qualify for certification, candidates must be graduates of an accredited medical school and a five-year orthopedic residency program in the United States or Canada. Eligible candidates must then pass a two-part examination to become diplomates.
The first exam is an eight-hour written test. This computer-based exam includes roughly 320 multiple choice questions on orthopedic topics. Each question is evaluated thoroughly, and each year, a task force carefully establishes the passing score.
Candidates who pass the first section must then take the oral examination within five years. Prospective diplomates must submit a list of surgical cases performed within a specific window, then answer questions about those cases. This examination takes two hours and is conducted by board-certified surgeons. Passing surgeons become diplomates of the ABOS and must re-certify after 10 years to remain current.
