Marialyn J. 
Sardo, MD, FACS is a native San Diegan. She was educated at  San Diego State University and graduated with Academic 
Distinction and Highest Honors in Chemistry, as well as attaining the honor of Phi Beta Kappa.
 
A 1982 
graduate of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Sardo trained in general surgery at the University of 
California, Los Angeles and the
prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She received her training in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery 
at Boston University Medical Center.
 
After returning to San Diego and establishing her private practice 
in 1987, she obtained Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons 
(FACS).   Dr. Sardo maintains hospital staff privileges at  Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Sharp Memorial Hospital 
(former Chief of Plastic Surgery), Mary Birch Women's Hospital, and Children's Hospital.
 
Professional 
Society Memberships include the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS), the California Medical Association, the San 
Diego County Medical Society, the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the American College of Women Health Physician, the North County 
Coastal Women Physicians and the  American Association of Physician Artists.
 
This Symbol of 
Excellence
 
designates plastic surgeons who are Active
Members of the American Society of 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Plastic Surgeons who display this  symbol are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery 
and are  dedicated to the highest standards of patient care and continuing  development of professional skills and 
competence.
 
Member
� AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
� PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE
� 
SURGEONS, INC.
 
Understanding Board Certification 
The American Board of 
Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the agency which governs   sub-specialty boards. They assure that   surgeons certified 
in   Plastic   Surgery have received the appropriate training, passed rigorous exams  and have demonstrated 
experience and  competence in both cosmetic and reconstructive 
surgery.                      
;             
 
Many "cosmetic 
surgeons"  list board certification but only   the American Board  of  Plastic Surgery   has  
traditionally overseen   the  training  of  Plastic Surgeons. While  many    "boards"  
have   been  submitted  to   ABMS  for  approval,     only  25  
have   met  their  strict  criteria.  These recognized, official   boards 
are:                      &nb;
sp;                      &nbs;
p;                       
� Allergy and Immunology
� Anesthesiology
� Colon and Rectal Surgery
� Dermatology 
� Emergency Medicine
� 
Family Practice 
� Internal Medicine
� Medical Genetics
� Neurology
� Neurological Surgery 
� Nuclear Medicine 
� 
Obstetrics and Gynecology
� Ophthalmology
� Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
� Pathology 
� Pediatrics
� Physical 
Medicine and Rehabilitation
� Plastic Surgery 
� Preventive Medicine
� Psychiatry 
� Radiology 
To see if a 
surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you
may call the ABMS at 
1-800-776-2378.
 
FACS
FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of 
Surgeons.   It is an organization comprised of surgeons who are Board Certified and have been  in practice for at least two 
years.  The member must demonstrate excellence in his or her field, ethical standards, and a commitment to continuing education.