Doctor Credentials and Abbreviations: What Do They Mean?
Full List of Common Doctor Credentials and Abbreviations
MD (Doctor of Medicine) – Allopathic physician trained in conventional medicine.
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) – Physician trained in holistic care and musculoskeletal system.
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – Common international equivalent of MD.
DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) – Specialist in foot and ankle care.
DDS / DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine) – Credentials for dentists (training is identical).
OD (Doctor of Optometry) – Specialist in vision care and eye health.
PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) – Licensed pharmacist with expertise in medications.
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) – Specialist in rehabilitation and physical therapy.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Advanced practice degree for nurses in leadership and clinical care.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) – Research doctorate, sometimes held by medical researchers or academic professionals.
PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) – Licensed physician assistant practicing under supervision.
APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) – Advanced-level nurse, including roles such as:
NP (Nurse Practitioner)
CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife)
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
Doctor Credentials and Abbreviations: What Do They Mean?
What Does MD Stand For?
MD (Doctor of Medicine) – An allopathic doctor trained in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases using conventional medicine.
What Is a DO in Medicine?
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) – A physician trained in holistic care and musculoskeletal health, with the same practice rights as MDs in most countries.
What Is an MBBS Degree?
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – An undergraduate medical degree, awarded in the UK, India, and other countries. Equivalent to MD in the U.S. system.
What Does DPM Mean?
DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) – A specialist in foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions.
What Are DDS and DMD?
DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
Both credentials represent dentists with identical training and qualifications.
What Does OD Stand For in Healthcare?
OD (Doctor of Optometry) – An eye care professional who diagnoses and treats vision problems and prescribes corrective lenses.
What Is a PharmD Degree?
PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) – A licensed pharmacist specializing in medication management and patient care.
What Does DPT Mean?
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) – A professional degree for physical therapists who help patients recover mobility and function.
What Is a DNP?
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – The highest practice-based degree for nurses, focusing on leadership, clinical expertise, and advanced patient care.
What Is a PhD in Healthcare?
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) – A research doctorate. While not always clinical, many healthcare professionals hold a PhD in specialized fields.
What Does PA-C Stand For?
PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) – A mid-level provider licensed to practice medicine under physician supervision.
What Is an APRN?
APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) – A nurse with advanced training. Subtypes include:
NP (Nurse Practitioner)
CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife)
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
Common Doctor Credentials by Category
Physician Credentials
MD – Allopathic physician trained in conventional medicine.
DO – Osteopathic physician with holistic training.
MBBS – International equivalent to MD.
Dental Credentials
DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery.
DMD – Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Vision Credentials
OD – Doctor of Optometry.
Pharmacy Credentials
PharmD – Doctor of Pharmacy.
Physical Therapy Credentials
DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Nursing Credentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice.
APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (NP, CNM, CRNA).
Allied Health Credentials
DPM – Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
PA-C – Certified Physician Assistant.
Academic & Research Credentials
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy (research doctorate).
Doctor Credentials Comparison Table
| Credential | Full Form | Specialty / Role |
|---|---|---|
| MD | Doctor of Medicine | Allopathic physician practicing conventional medicine |
| DO | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | Physician with holistic training and musculoskeletal focus |
| MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery | International equivalent to MD (UK, India, etc.) |
| DDS / DMD | Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine | Dental professionals with identical training |
| OD | Doctor of Optometry | Specialist in eye care and vision correction |
| PharmD | Doctor of Pharmacy | Licensed pharmacist with expertise in medications |
| DPT | Doctor of Physical Therapy | Specialist in rehabilitation and recovery |
| DNP | Doctor of Nursing Practice | Advanced nursing degree for leadership and patient care |
| APRN | Advanced Practice Registered Nurse | Includes NP, CNM, CRNA; advanced nursing practitioners |
| DPM | Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | Specialist in foot, ankle, and lower limb care |
| PA-C | Certified Physician Assistant | Licensed provider practicing under physician supervision |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy | Research doctorate (often in medical sciences or academia) |
