Gen X Embraces Cosmetic Surgery
February 14th, 2012
2011 saw an increase in cosmetic surgery in spite of a sagging economy. It’s the Gen X’ers leading the pack in finding solutions for sagging problems of a different sort! According to a study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), adults between the ages of 31 and 45 accounted for almost half of all cosmetic procedures in 2011. This is really nothing new, because while on the surface it looks surprising, this age group regularly accounts for the majority of cosmetic surgery. This is true in my own practice. Baby boomers (now ages 51-64) have already chosen to have surgery in their late 30’s and mid 40’s, as Gen X is doing currently. Baby boomers accounted for just 28% of the procedures last year, perhaps simply relying on less extensive procedures to serve as tune-ups for previous surgery.
Limiting Medical Practice Based on Training and Certification
February 6th, 2012
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports yesterday that The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice exhibits a serious failure to act on patient complaints against physicians. According to a Star Tribune investigation, “The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, responsible for protecting the public from physician errors or misconduct, often shies away from punishing doctors whose mistakes harm patients or who demonstrate a pattern of substandard care.â€
Some of the reported problems are related to cosmetic surgery procedures being done by a dermatologist. Medical regulation does not limit the scope of surgical practice today. In fact, physicians are allowed by law to practice all aspects of medicine and surgery independent of training or experience. This antiquated policy, driven by a 19th century shortage of doctors, is no longer prudent.
Today’s specialty training provides an education that is generally limited to the scope within each specialty. Cardiac surgeons are not trained to do breast enlargement and plastic surgeons are not trained to do bypass surgery. This makes sense to me!
Is it time for The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice to begin limiting medical practice based on training and certification?
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