World Congress
The society holds an annual World Congress, the largest scientific meeting for hair transplant surgeons, in a different country each year.
Patient guide · Hyderabad
What is ABHRS certification, and why does ISHRS matter?
Experienced. Expert. Ethical.
A hair transplant is surgery, and the surgeon's training decides the result. Two international bodies help you check that training: the ABHRS, which certifies hair restoration surgeons by examination, and the ISHRS, the global medical society for hair restoration.
- 2 ABHRS Diplomates
- ISHRS members
- Speaker at the ISHRS World Congress
Photo: ABHRS certificates of Dr. Madhu and Dr. Ram Sushruth1200 × 900 px, WebP, real photoimages/abhrs-ishrs.webp
Board certification
What is ABHRS certification?
ABHRS certification is awarded by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery to physicians who have significant experience in hair restoration surgery and pass its peer-reviewed examination. A certified surgeon is called a Diplomate of the ABHRS. The board was set up in 1996, and the hair restoration societies recognise it as the only board certification focused strictly on hair restoration surgery. Doctors from any country can apply.
1996board founded; first exam held in 1997
150 caseslogged over three years, for the experience route
2 examswritten and oral, both must be passed
10 yearsthen the surgeon must recertify
What certification shows. The ABHRS sets standards for certification in education, training and experience in hair restoration surgery. Doctors who can apply have built up significant experience and shown a commitment to high standards of training; those certified have shown advanced knowledge of the art and science of hair restoration in a peer-reviewed examination.
What a doctor needs to become an ABHRS Diplomate
- Medical licence. A current, valid medical licence in good standing, with no restrictions in any jurisdiction.
- Life support. Current Basic Life Support certification, from the American Heart Association or an equivalent body.
- References. Two reference letters from physicians who are members of the ISHRS or ABHRS.
- Documented experience. For the experience route: three years of hair restoration practice and logs of 150 cases from the preceding three years.
- Operative reports and photos. 50 operative reports, and five cases with before and after photos, the after photos taken at least nine months after surgery.
- Written and oral examinations. A multiple-choice written exam on the whole specialty, and an oral exam of simulated clinical problems. Both must be passed.
There is also a fellowship route (a one-year approved fellowship) and a life-achievement route (400 cases as primary surgeon over eight years). A lesser Certificate of Added Qualification, for doctors new to the field, is not Diplomate status.
The global society
What is the ISHRS?
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is a global non-profit medical society, founded in 1993 by a group of pioneering hair transplant surgeons. It has more than 1,100 members in about 70 countries, and works for excellence in medical and surgical results through education, research, ethics and public awareness.
Education and standards
Accredited continuing medical education, a fellowship training programme, a core curriculum and core competencies, and clinical practice guidelines for FUE.
Patient safety
Position statements to reduce risk to patients, and public campaigns against unlicensed practitioners and risky medical tourism.
Research and charity
Annual research grants, and Operation Restore, which since 2004 has given free surgery to patients whose hair loss comes from trauma or disease.
Side by side
ABHRS and ISHRS: what each tells you
| Point | ABHRS | ISHRS |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A certifying board for hair restoration surgery | A global non-profit medical society for hair restoration |
| Founded | 1996 | 1993 |
| How a doctor gets it | Documented cases, operative reports and photos, then written and oral exams | Membership in categories such as fellow, member and associate member |
| What it tells you | The surgeon has passed an independent examination in hair restoration surgery | The doctor takes part in the field's education, research and ethics |
| Renewal | Certificate valid for ten years, then recertification | Ongoing membership |
| How to check | ABHRS online directory | ISHRS "Find a doctor" directory |
Neither is a guarantee of a result, but together they show that a surgeon has been tested independently and keeps up with the field. Read more on how to choose a hair transplant centre.
At Dr. Madhu's
Both our surgeons are ABHRS Diplomates
Dr. Pathuri Madhu
Founder and chief hair transplant surgeon
- First hair transplant surgeon in India certified by the ABHRS, 2009
- Re-certified by the ABHRS, 2019
- Associate Member of the ISHRS
Dr. P. Ram Sushruth
Hair transplant surgeon
- ABHRS Diplomate, 2025
- Member of the ISHRS since 2020
- Speaker, ISHRS World Congress, Denver, 2024
Sources
Where this information comes from
Facts on this page are taken from the ABHRS and ISHRS websites, checked on 27 October 2026.
- ABHRS: History of the board
- ABHRS: Certification and requirements
- ABHRS: Candidate application brochure (PDF)
- ISHRS: About the society
- ISHRS: History of the ISHRS
Related reading
Questions
ABHRS and ISHRS: frequently asked questions
What is ABHRS certification?
ABHRS certification is awarded by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery to physicians who have significant experience in hair restoration surgery and pass its peer-reviewed written and oral examinations. A certified surgeon is called a Diplomate of the ABHRS.
What is the difference between ABHRS and ISHRS?
The ABHRS is a certifying board: a doctor becomes a Diplomate only after documenting their cases and passing its examinations. The ISHRS is a global medical society for hair restoration that runs education, research and patient-safety work. One is a certification, the other a membership.
How can I check whether my surgeon is ABHRS certified?
Search the surgeon's name in the ABHRS online directory on abhrs.org. The certificate is valid for ten years, after which the surgeon must recertify. ISHRS members can be found with the ISHRS "Find a doctor" search on ishrs.org.
Are the surgeons at Dr. Madhu's ABHRS certified?
Yes. Dr. Pathuri Madhu was the first hair transplant surgeon in India certified by the ABHRS, in 2009, and was re-certified in 2019. Dr. P. Ram Sushruth has been an ABHRS Diplomate since 2025. Both are listed in the ABHRS directory.
Next step
Talk to the doctors' team
Meet an ABHRS-certified surgeon in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, or use the online consultation if you live outside Hyderabad.
Call+91 90004 11511 / +91 90004 11522
Emailhairhospihyd@gmail.com
VisitFlat No. 301, Aditya Jayrag, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033
HoursConsultations: all days, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, by appointment
Information on this website is general and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. ABHRS and ISHRS are independent organisations; this page is not endorsed by them.
Consultation
Consult Dr. Madhu's team
Send your hair loss details and scalp photos for an online evaluation, or speak directly with our doctors on WhatsApp or in-person in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.