Understanding Medical Degrees, Certifications, and Medical Terminology

Do you want to understand those initials that follow your doctor's name? 

M.D., or Medical Doctor is the most common degree of graduates of American medical schools.  D.O. or Doctor of Osteopathy is another medical degree. Physicians with either an M.D. or D.O. degree are equally eligible for medical licensure and practice from the state in which they practice.

The Ph.D. degree is a common doctorate degree that is generally associated more with research than patient care.  A common exception is that of the Clinical Psychologist, who often have a Ph.D. following their name.  A psychologist with a Ph.D. is not typically licensed to prescribe pharmaceuticals.

Common Medical Degrees

• D.C. - Doctor of Chiropractic
• D.D.S. - Doctor of Dental Surgery
• M.D. - Medicinæ Doctor or Doctor of Medicine
• D.P.T. - Doctor of Physical Therapy
• D.O. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
• D.P.M. - Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
• D.M.D. - Doctor of Dental Medicine
• D.N.P. - Doctor of Nursing Practice
• M.P.H - Masters of Public Health
• Psy.D.  -Doctor of Psychology
• Pharm.D. - Doctor of Pharmacy
• O.D. - Optometry Doctor or Doctor of Optometry
• Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy, research doctorate

These degrees are called first degrees or professional doctorate degrees.  Students seeking to enter degree programs must have already completed a Bachelors degree (in a related field).  With the exception of the Ph.D., the degrees listed above are not research doctorates.  Actual practice in the field requires that the degree holder becomes licensed by an organization that is not affiliated with the school granting the degree.

Certifications

• FACC - Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the foremost professional society representing heart specialists in the US.
• FCCP - Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians, a title given to a doctor who specializes in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and critical care medicine.
• FAAFP - Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, recognizing service to family medicine.
• FACS - Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a professional certification for a doctors who have met the requirements to join the American College of Surgeons.
• FACOG - Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• AAPMR - American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• FACR - Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology 

Visit this website to see a thorough Glossary of Medical Degree & Credential Acronyms.

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