Doctors can practice medicine with a variety of credential types.
There are a variety of credentials that a doctor, surgeon or medical practitioner may hold in the United States. Doctors may hold degrees, specialty credentials or certifications to practice medicine in a variety of fields and ways. It is helpful to understand these credentials when finding and selecting a doctor, surgeon or medical practitioner.
Medical Doctor
Most practicing physicians and surgeons hold a Medical Doctor (MD) degree and practice allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is a term used to describe the Western style of medicine which takes a corrective approach to solving medical problems and diseases rather than focusing on preventative measures. A corrective approach, for example, would include treating a disease with a medication or surgical procedure rather than trying to prevent it from occurring. To obtain a Medical Doctor degree and practice as an MD, students must complete about four years of undergraduate work to obtain a bachelor's degree and four years at an accredited medical school to obtain an MD degree. In addition, a medical doctor must complete another three to seven years in a residency program in the specialty. After successful completion of a residency program and a series of exams, individuals must apply for a license to practice medicine in the state.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Some doctors, physicians, and surgeons may hold a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. These doctors make up a larger percentage of family doctors and general practitioners, taking a preventative approach to medical problems. Eating healthy to avoid Diabetes or heart disease would be an example of preventative medicine. Undergraduate schooling is the same for MD and DO students. Doctors that choose the DO route attend four years in an accredited Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program and go on to residency programs along with MD students. Other than the type of medical degree obtained, MD and DO doctors complete the same residency programs and examination process and must apply for a license with the state.
Specialty Credentials
Some physicians choose to obtain additional credentials after obtaining a medical degree and license. Many physicians choose to become Board Certified in a specialty, which is a voluntary process and is not required to practice medicine. Being Board Certified is an indication that a physician not only meets the minimum requirements for practicing medicine, but shows an exceptional expertise in specialty or medical practice. To become and maintain Board Certification, doctors must undergo intense testing and peer evaluations and complete re-certification every six to 10 years. The doctors must also complete continuing education and experience on an ongoing basis. Some areas in which doctors can become Board Certified are Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Urology, Neurology and Obstetrics.
Mid-Level Practitioners
In addition to Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, there are other medical practitioners, such as Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Physician Assistants (PA), that perform some of the same tasks and provide medical care to patients. These mid-level practitioners practice medicine but may be limited by state laws and regulations of practice. Nurse Practitioners typically begin careers as Registered Nurses (RN) and then have additional schooling to become a Nurse Practitioner. Physician Assistants are required to obtain a bachelor's degree and then attend an accredited PA program which typically lasts two years. In addition, both NP and PA students must complete internships and examinations before applying for a license to practice.
Tags: practice medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Board Certified, Doctor Osteopathic, Doctor Osteopathic Medicine
