A national distinction grounded in peer respect, clinical excellence, and patient trust
For more than two decades, Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery has remained intentionally focused on one area of medicine: the face. That singular commitment to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, combined with in-depth academic training, rigorous ethical standards, and long-term patient relationships, has been nationally acknowledged once again.
We are proud to announce that Dr. Edward Buckingham and Dr. Erin Smith have been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for 2026. This prestigious honor is awarded to only about 7% of practicing physicians nationwide through one of the most respected, physician-led selection processes in American medicine.
What Does It Mean to Be a Castle Connolly Top Doctor?
Castle Connolly is the original, physician-founded standard set 30 years ago for identifying top doctors in the United States. Patients have used Castle Connolly to find physicians recognized for true medical excellence, not popularity, paid placements, or advertising influence.
What makes the designation different is the integrity behind it:
- No pay-to-play: Doctors cannot pay to be named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
- Peer nomination: Licensed physicians nominate other physicians they would trust for their own care.
- Rigorous vetting: Every nomination is screened by Castle Connolly’s research team and guided by its Advisory Board.
- High standards: The review considers factors such as:
- Clinical expertise and specialty depth
- Education and training
- Professional leadership and reputation
- Disciplinary history and, where available, outcomes data
The result is a merit-based recognition that patients can use as a credible signal of quality when choosing care. You can learn more about this process directly from Castle Connolly’s official overview of their research and selection methodology.
Why Dr. Buckingham and Dr. Smith Were Recognized
Dr. Edward Buckingham, MD
Dr. Buckingham is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a nationally recognized educator, and Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). His career spans decades of clinical leadership, peer-reviewed research, and the training of future facial plastic surgeons.
His selection as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor reflects not only surgical mastery but also his longstanding reputation among peers for integrity, discretion, and thoughtful patient care. Castle Connolly’s selection criteria explicitly emphasize both technical excellence and interpersonal qualities such as communication, empathy, and trust—values that have defined Dr. Buckingham’s practice from the beginning.
Dr. Erin Smith, MD
Dr. Smith is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training and a national reputation for precision, balance, and natural-looking results. Her recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor follows multiple years of peer acknowledgment, including prior Castle Connolly distinctions, and reflects her growing leadership within the specialty.
Castle Connolly specifically identifies physicians who combine advanced training with strong patient outcomes and professional respect. Dr. Smith’s work in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, and facial nerve disorders exemplifies this blend of science, artistry, and compassionate care.
The Difference Between Being Well-Reviewed and Well-Qualified
When you are choosing a facial plastic surgeon, online reviews and star ratings can only tell part of the story. Castle Connolly exists precisely because patients deserve an unbiased, research-driven resource to complement testimonials and referrals.
According to Castle Connolly, their peer-reviewed directory has been shown to be more reliable than platforms relying solely on patient reviews when it comes to identifying high-quality care. The reason is simple: peers understand training, outcomes, and complexity in ways algorithms cannot.
This recognition enables patients to make informed, confident decisions, particularly when the stakes involve both appearance and function.
Schedule a Consultation With a Castle Connolly Top Doctor
At the Buckingham Center, we believe:
- The face deserves a specialist, not a generalist
- Natural, discreet results are the highest form of success
- Trust is built through honesty, not overselling
- Long-term relationships matter more than quick transformations
Dr. Edward Buckingham and Dr. Erin Smith are honored to be named Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2026. More importantly, they remain committed to delivering thoughtful, individualized care to every patient they serve. Schedule your consultation with the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery today.
