Q: How can I verify a surgeon's credentials from another country?
A: (1) Check the national medical council's online registry for the surgeon's license status and disciplinary history. (2) Verify board certification with the relevant specialty board. (3) Confirm the medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (wdoms.org). (4) Search PubMed or Google Scholar for published research. (5) Ask the surgeon directly for their registration number — a legitimate surgeon will provide it without hesitation.
Q: What questions should I ask during a video consultation?
A: Key questions: How many times have you performed this specific procedure? What is your complication rate? What is your revision rate? Who will handle my post-operative care? What happens if there's a complication after I return home? May I speak with a previous international patient? What is your policy on revision surgery if the outcome is unsatisfactory? The surgeon's willingness to answer these questions transparently is as important as the answers themselves.
Q: How important is the surgeon's experience with international patients?
A: Very important. Surgeons experienced with international patients understand: (1) the need for comprehensive discharge documentation in English, (2) communication nuances across cultures, (3) the importance of detailed, written post-operative instructions, (4) how to coordinate with your home-country doctor for follow-up care. A surgeon who primarily treats local patients may not provide the level of documentation and communication you need.
Q: Should I choose a surgeon who also operates in my home country?
A: It's a plus but not necessary. A surgeon practicing exclusively in a medical tourism destination may have more experience with international patients and may offer lower costs. What matters most is their specific experience with your procedure, their complication rates, and their credentials — not where else they practice.
Q: What if the surgeon doesn't speak English fluently?
A: Clear communication is non-negotiable for safe medical care. The surgeon must speak your language fluently enough to: explain the procedure, discuss risks, answer questions, and obtain informed consent. If the surgeon's English is limited, the hospital should provide a qualified medical interpreter — but this adds complexity. Always have a video consultation before committing, and assess communication comfort directly.
Q: Can SurgeryPlanet help me verify a surgeon?
A: Yes. Every surgeon in the SurgeryPlanet network has been pre-verified for: valid medical license, board certification, procedure-specific experience, and a clean disciplinary record. We provide you with their credentials, experience summary, and arrange a video consultation. We also encourage you to independently verify the information we provide. Get connected with verified surgeons →