Dr. Mark Silverberg has been given top dentist honors by the Consumers' Research Council of America even though he is an anesthesiologist. (ABC News) |
One of
2012's America's "Top Dentists" hasn't practiced a single day of
dentistry since his training days were over in 1986.
Dr. Mark
Silverberg did graduate from dental school, but instead of becoming a dentist
he followed his life's calling to medical school.
And despite
working as a board-certified anesthesiologist, not a dentist, in Chicago for
more than twenty years, the Consumers' Research Council of America-- an
organization that provides the public with "information guides for
professional services"-- chose Silverberg to receive top honors in its
Guide to America's Top Dentists.
As part of
an ABC News investigation into how "Top Doctor" awards are handed
out, Dr. Mark Silverberg sent away $183 and received a "museum grade"
wall plaque to showcase his undeserved award. According to the Consumers'
Research Council of America, the plaque was a way to commemorate Dr. Silverberg
as "among the nation's most excellent" dentists.
Dr.
Silverberg said, "It's a sham. I've practiced zero days of dentistry in my
life- and I still received this award for being one of America's Top
Dentists."
About
Consumers' Research Council of America
Consumers'
Research Council of America offers "Top Doctor" awards across nearly
two-dozen specialties including Top Cardiologists, Plastic Surgeons,
Obstetricians, Surgeons and Pediatricians.
The
organization says doctors are selected based on a point system that considers
experience, training, membership in professional associations, and board certification.
Any doctor
who earns enough points qualifies to be included on the list. The company first
sends doctors a flattering letter congratulating them on their "impressive
achievements," and invites them to be included as one of America's Top
Physicians. Doctors are then encouraged by a second company, "State
License Documentation"- or SLD- to buy plaques and trophies that cost
anywhere from $99 to $530.
The
companies claim "no fees, donations, sponsorships, or advertising are
accepted," but the small print reveals otherwise.
Mailings
obtained by ABC News show that Consumers' Research Council of America receives
money for the award plaques SLD sells to doctors.
And some
doctors make a big deal about these awards to attract patients—hanging plaques
in waiting rooms, touting awards on their websites and even issuing formal
press releases announcing their selection.
Just Who is
on Top Doctor Lists?
ABC News
uncovered sobering details about the Consumers' Research Council of America
selection and review process.
Their
database of "Top Physicians" includes doctors with serious criminal
and disciplinary records.
Dr. Conrad
Murray, convicted of manslaughter for administering a lethal overdose of the
anesthetic propofol to Michael Jackson in 2009, is still listed as a "Top
Cardiologist," according to the Consumers' Research Council of America.
A "Top
Pediatrician" according to the Consumers' Research Council of America is
also a convicted serial child rapist charged with the molestation of 103
children. Dr. Earl Bradley is currently serving 14 life sentences in addition
to a 160-year prison term, yet he remains on the Consumers' Research Council of
America "Top Pediatrician" list.
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