Many types of practitioners use the title “doctor,” and the abbreviations that follow a provider’s name are not always easy to understand.
Most people know that an M.D. is a medical doctor. A D.O. is also a licensed physician who completes rigorous medical education and may train alongside M.D. graduates. At the same time, there are other healthcare professionals and doctorate-level practitioners who also use the title “doctor.”
A Physician Title Overview
What Does M.D. Stand For? Medical Doctor
A physician with an M.D. degree is a traditional, or allopathic, medical doctor. This is the most common credential held by clinical physicians and surgeons. An M.D. completes medical school after college and must meet demanding academic standards before and during training. In the United States, applicants are typically expected to have strong academic records and competitive MCAT scores to be considered for admission to medical school.
What Does D.O. Stand For? Doctor of Osteopathy
A D.O. is also a licensed physician who attends medical school and can practice medicine similarly to an M.D.
Osteopathic medicine began as an alternative medical approach in the late nineteenth century, with an early emphasis on the relationship between the body’s structure and function. Osteopathic medical schools still teach manipulative treatment techniques, although modern D.O. and M.D. practice often overlap significantly. Historically, osteopathic medicine has been associated with a more holistic and preventive approach to patient care, though today both M.D.s and D.O.s generally emphasize prevention as well as treatment.
Other letters after a physician’s name may reflect board certification, fellowship, or membership in a specialty organization. Examples include FACP for Fellow of the American College of Physicians and FACS for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
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What Does N.D. Stand For? Naturopathic Doctor
In some states, naturopathic doctors are licensed; in others, they are not. Because regulation varies, patients need to verify a provider’s training, credentialing, and licensure in their state.
Naturopathic clinicians may receive education in both conventional and natural approaches to care, often with an emphasis on prevention and lifestyle. Some also complete residency training. If you are unsure about the background or qualifications of someone claiming to practice naturopathic medicine, checking with the state licensing board can help clarify their status. Because standards and regulations vary, patients should use caution and confirm credentials before seeking care. Visit AAFP.org.
For a detailed overview of Naturopathic Physicans, read our latest article,'What is a Naturopathic Doctor'.
Other Doctors and Professional Titles
Many accredited, non-physician professionals use the title “doctor.” For example, chiropractors may hold a D.C. degree, dentists may hold D.D.S. or D.M.D. degrees, and pharmacists may hold a Pharm.D. degree. Other doctorate-level professionals include optometrists (O.D.), veterinarians (D.V.M.), psychologists (Psy.D.), nurse practitioners with doctoral training (D.N.P.), audiologists (Au.D.), podiatrists (D.P.M.), and physical therapists (D.P.T.).
Each of these professionals completes advanced education and training beyond college in their respective fields. Earning a doctoral degree, passing required exams, and obtaining licensure all require significant effort and professional commitment.
If you are considering care from a naturopathic physician, you may also want to read our related article: Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Naturopathic Doctor.
