Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Advertising Credentials --But Not Results!

Here's an advertisement appearing in todays N.Y. Times Science Section (Aug 28, p. D2):

        Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery at NSPC
Featuring Renowned Experts

Dr. X

Dr. X is a Massachusetts General Hospital trained neurosurgeon who specializes in Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery.  He is one of about 100 neurosurgeons nationally trained in both endovascular and microneurosurgical techniques and the first endovascular neurosurgeon on Long Island. Dr. X treats aneurysms, AVMs, carotid stenosis, and strokes.  He has authored recent leading articles on cerebral aneurysms and stroke in The New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet Neurology.

Very impressive credentials indeed!

But what have we learned about Dr. X's results?  Nothing.   Before scheduling procedures with Dr. X, who, on paper, seems very accomplished, be sure to ask about his surgical volume and his results.  It's one thing to learn a technique, to research a technique, to author articles about a new technique - but quite another to actually be a truly proficient practitioner of the technique.






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