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Andalusia’s Dr. Sadik Yasil has recently completed the Diplomate of the American Board of Neurology certification program.

The certification is presented by the American Board of Neurology and involved months of preparation, which included passing an oral exam prior to taking the 10-hour written certification exam.

“It involved a lot of studying. I was reading about three hours each day, from 5 to 8 p.m., memorizing and extending my knowledge in order to be a better physician. It makes you feel good to know you are providing the best possible knowledge-based care,” Yesil said.

As a private practice physician, Yesil did not have to take the exam. In fact, he said he decided not to take it as a younger physician due the costs involved.

“I did not feel that I needed it because I had my own clinic. I’m always reading and learning, but I wanted to ensure that I’m acquiring the knowledge to provide the best possible patient care,” he said.

Yesil admitted that it was not easy preparing and then sitting through the 10-hour exam, especially considering he is no longer a young medical student. But, in the end, he is proud to have scored two standard deviations above the passing score. By passing the exam, he would be a candidate to work at most hospitals.

“Basically, this qualifies me to practice anywhere I want to now, but I choose to live here. Andalusia is a nice town and I love taking care of the people here. Acquiring this certification was more about providing an extra layer of knowledge and knowing that I am providing the best care to patients,” he said.

Dr. Yesil has been a practicing neurologist in Andalusia for about 10 years, having performed a residency as a neurologist with the University of South Alabama from 2001-2004. Prior to that, he was a practicing physician in Tennessee for about seven years and conducted a residency at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1994-97.