Privacy Policy.

1. Who we are

Verified Surgeons (the "Organization", "we", "us") is a not-for-profit surgeon verification authority. We operate this website, verifiedsurgeons.org, from our headquarters in Yuma, Arizona. This policy explains what information we handle and the choices you have. If you have questions, contact us at [email protected].

2. Information we collect

Information you give us

When you complete a form on this website, we collect the information you choose to provide:

• Surgeon enrollment — your name, profession, hospital or clinic, location, email address, and medical specialty.
• Complaint submission — your legal name, the medical treatment type, the surgeon or clinic concerned, their location, email address, and the details of your case.

Information collected automatically

Like most websites, our servers record standard technical information — IP address, browser type, pages visited, and the date and time of access — for security and to understand how the site is used. We use a small number of functional cookies; we do not use advertising trackers.

3. Verification information

As part of our surgeon verification program, we research and document information about surgeons — including publicly available records, academic and licensing credentials, patient reviews, and evidence corroborated during on-site investigations. This activity is described throughout this site and is carried out in connection with a surgeon's enrollment in the program. A verified surgeon's published profile is built from fact-checked findings, source context, and stated limits.

4. How we use information

• To respond to enrollment requests and begin the verification process.
• To review, investigate, and mediate complaints submitted by patients.
• To operate, secure, and improve this website.
• To communicate with you about a request you have made.
• To comply with legal obligations.

We do not use your personal information for purposes unrelated to the request you submitted, and we do not send unsolicited marketing.

5. How we share information

We do not sell personal information. We may share information only in limited circumstances:

• With service providers who help us operate the website, bound by confidentiality obligations.
• With governmental agencies, medical accreditation and certification bodies, consumer-protection agencies, and law enforcement — for example, where an investigation uncovers illegal practice and a surgeon refuses to cooperate.
• Where required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of patients and the public.

6. Data retention

We keep personal information only for as long as needed to fulfil the purpose it was collected for, to maintain verification records, and to meet legal requirements. When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted.

7. International transfers

Because we operate from the United States, information you provide is processed there. It is protected in line with this policy wherever it is handled.

8. Your rights

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you, ask us to correct it, or ask us to delete it. To make a request, email [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable period. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under local data-protection law.

9. Children

This website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Where verification concerns a patient who is a minor, information is handled only with the involvement of a parent or legal guardian.

10. Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect the information we hold. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to safeguard your information and to limit access to those who need it.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The current version, with its effective date, will always be published on this page.

12. Contact

Questions about this policy or your information may be sent to [email protected].