Professional Standards & Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real ABCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards & Ethics flashcards as text
A cosmetic surgeon learns that a patient is using photos of another person to represent their desired outcome. How should the surgeon respond ethically?
Answer: Clarify realistic expectations and redirect toward discussing the patient's own anatomy and achievable outcomes
Using another person's photos as a goal may reflect unrealistic expectations; the surgeon must realign the consultation toward achievable, individualized outcomes.
In the context of ABCS certification standards, how should a surgeon handle a situation where a patient explicitly waives their right to know about a significant risk?
Answer: Document the waiver, but still disclose risks that are necessary for legal protection
Even when a patient attempts to waive disclosure, surgeons must document significant risks in the record to uphold the standard of care and protect the patient.
Which of the following is an example of ethically appropriate use of social media by a cosmetic surgeon?
Answer: Sharing de-identified educational content about cosmetic procedures
Sharing de-identified, educational content is ethically appropriate and compliant with HIPAA, as it does not disclose patient information.
A cosmetic surgeon discovers that a prior treating surgeon omitted a serious complication from the patient's records. The ethical obligation is to:
Answer: Document findings accurately in your own notes and advise the patient of the discrepancy
The surgeon should accurately document current findings and disclose relevant discrepancies to the patient without altering another physician's records.
Which of the following best describes 'veracity' as an ethical principle in cosmetic surgery?
Answer: The obligation to be truthful with patients about prognosis, risks, and outcomes
Veracity obligates physicians to be honest with patients even when the truth is uncomfortable, including realistic discussions of expected outcomes.
A cosmetic surgeon is asked to perform a procedure on a minor. What ethical and legal considerations take precedence?
Answer: Parental consent plus, where appropriate, the minor's assent and consideration of the minor's best interests are required
Procedures on minors require parental or guardian consent, the minor's assent when developmentally appropriate, and clinical judgment that the procedure serves the minor's best interests.
When a cosmetic surgery practice faces a complaint filed with the ABCS, what is the certified surgeon's ethical obligation?
Answer: Cooperate fully and honestly with the investigation process
ABCS-certified surgeons are ethically obligated to cooperate fully with board investigations, as obstruction or dishonesty constitutes an additional ethics violation.