U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul says he is a "board-certified" ophthalmologist -- even though the national clearinghouse for such certifications says he hasn't been for the past five years.
Rand Paul, who practices in Bowling Green, says he is certified by the National Board of Ophthalmology, a group that he incorporated in 1999 and that he heads.
But that entity is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which works with the American Medical Association to approve such specialty boards.
Lori Boukas, a spokeswoman for the American Board of Medical Specialties, said her organization considers certifications to be valid only if they are done by the 24 groups that have its approval and that of the AMA.
"He is not board-certified," she said of Paul.
The specialties board recognizes the American Board of Ophthalmology, the nation's main ophthalmological certification group. Paul had certification from that organization before he let it lapse after he started his National Board of Ophthalmology.
The American Board of Medical Specialties said board certification is important because it enables "patients to determine whether their physicians were appropriately trained and knowledgeable in their specialties."
The Courier-Journal began seeking comment from Paul Tuesday. When the newspaper tried to interview him at two Louisville events Saturday, he wouldn't comment.
"I'm not going to go through all that right now," Paul said while at the Great Eastern National Gun Day Show and JAG Military Show, in Louisville.
Asked when he would talk, Paul said: "Uh, you know, never. ... What does this have to do with our election?"
Jesse Benton, his campaign manager, said later Saturday that Paul would only answer questions submitted in writing.
Posted By: Richard Kigel
Tuesday, June 15th 2010 at 10:07PM
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