FAQs: Credentialing

Are our providers board certified?

Yes, all our physicians have taken and passed the examination given by the American Board of Family Practice. The test is retaken every seven to ten years and must be passed to maintain this status. Recertification is mandatory for Board Certified Family Practice Physicians.

What's the difference between an MD and a DO?

When you see a family medicine physician at Family Medical Center, you may notice that they have either an "MD" or a "DO" listed after their name. These initials refer to the doctor's credentials – they indicate the type of medical school the doctor attended and the licensing exam they took to become a doctor.

  • MD stands for "Medical Doctor," and is the most common type of degree earned by doctors who practice medicine in the United States.
  • DO stands for "Doctor of Osteopathy," and refers to a doctor who practices medicine whose medical school training included a focus on the muscular and skeletal systems to treat problems throughout the body.

Both MDs and DOs attend medical school and take exams to become licensed, practicing physicians. In general, DOs tend to focus on the whole body when treating medical problems, and focus on your muscles and bones to confirm a diagnosis they make.

Either type of doctor can go on to specialize in a certain area of medicine, but DOs tend to choose areas such as general internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine that allow them to focus on holistic wellness. Both MDs and DOs can prescribe medications and treat diseases with equal competency.

What is a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant (PA) or Physician Associate is a type of healthcare professional who has completed advanced education (a minimum of a master's degree) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses. Physician Assistants provide a broad range of health care services. They provide some of the same care provided by physicians and maintain close working relationships with physicians. A PA can serve as a patient's regular health care provider.