ABC News Investigates Top Doctor Awards: Are They Always Well Deserved?

ABC News;  By DR. MARK ABDELMALEK (@DrMarkABC) , CHRIS CUOMO (@ChrisCuomo) , GERRY WAGSCHAL, JOSEPH RHEE and KRISTINA DOYTCHINOVA |  July 14, 2012 |   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.” Read more