John D. Burrow, DO Awarded Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery

Congratulations to Dr. John D. Burrow on being awarded Board Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS), the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).  Dr. Burrow\’s Board Certification will be in effect through 12/31/2026.  We are proud of Dr. Burrow for this accomplishment in what is sure to be a long and successful career as an Orthopaedic Surgeon!
We are often asked about the differences between having a medical license and having Board Certification. Getting a medical license is much different than being Board Certified.  Obtaining a medical license shows that a physician has met the minimum competency required for diagnosing and treating patients and it is not specific to any area of medical specialty.  Contrary to what many people think, physicians are not automatically able to become Board Certified in their area of specialty upon graduation from Residency or Fellowship.
A physician must first be Board Eligible, which requires completion of medical studies from an accredited program.   Then in a limited period, from 2-7 years (depending on specialty), the physician must be actively in practice in his/her area of specialty for a period of time (usually at least 2 years) and meet all of the requirements to “sit” for Board Certification.  These requirements may include case studies and/or documentation on a number of patients treated in medical practice or surgical setting, as well as being able to pass an exhausting exam on specialty medical knowledge.  Board Certification is voluntary and demonstrates exceptional expertise in a specialty/sub specialty of medical practice.  To remain in good standing, physicians must complete continuing education credits each year which pertain to their area of specialty and practice.  In Orthopaedics, Board Certification is good for 10 years, at the end of which, the physician must pass another certification exam.
We thought you would like to know why this certification is so important!