09 Physicians, Surgeons & Podiatrists

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)

• A licensing examination for Doctors of Medicine (MDs) to obtain a medical license in the United States.

• A licensing examination for Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) to obtain a medical license in the United States.

• A certification exam for medical students to assess their knowledge in basic sciences.

• An assessment for healthcare professionals to evaluate their clinical skills.

American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABFAS)

• The certifying board for podiatrists specializing in foot and ankle surgery.

• An organization that provides training for podiatrists.

• A regulatory body for all medical practitioners.

• A research institute focused on podiatric medicine.

Primary Care Provider (Practitioner) (PCP)

• A healthcare provider serving as the first point of contact for patients, providing general medical care, preventive services, and referrals to specialists.

• A specialist who focuses on a specific area of medicine and does not provide general care.

• A healthcare provider who only treats patients in emergency situations.

• A nurse who assists doctors in surgeries and medical procedures.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

• A specialist diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg through medical and surgical means.

• A medical doctor specializing in internal medicine and general health.

• A healthcare professional focused on the treatment of skin conditions.

• A surgeon specializing in orthopedic procedures for the upper body.

What is the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM)?

• The certifying board for podiatrists specializing in orthopedics and primary care podiatry.

• An organization that provides training for podiatric surgeons.

• A regulatory body for podiatric medical schools.

• A certification program for physical therapists.

American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

• A national organization representing all physicians in the United States.

• The national organization representing osteopathic physicians (DOs) and accrediting osteopathic medical education and specialty certification.

• A regulatory body for all medical schools in the U.S.

• An organization focused solely on research in osteopathic medicine.

Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)

• The accrediting body for educational programs leading to an MD degree in the United States and Canada.

• A committee that oversees medical research funding in North America.

• An organization that provides medical licenses to practitioners in the US.

• A regulatory body for pharmaceutical companies in Canada.

Medical Doctor (MD)

• A physician practicing allopathic medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating illnesses using medications, surgery, and other interventions.

• A healthcare professional who primarily focuses on alternative medicine and holistic approaches.

• A specialist who only performs surgeries and does not engage in patient diagnosis.

• A nurse practitioner who has completed additional training in patient care.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM)

• A medical specialty focusing on comfort care for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

• A surgical specialty aimed at curing chronic diseases.

• A field of medicine that primarily deals with preventive care and health promotion.

• A specialty that focuses on rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgery.

Medical Home

• A model of care that focuses solely on emergency services.

• A primary care model where a team of healthcare professionals provides continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated patient-centered care.

• A system that only allows patients to see specialists without primary care involvement.

• A healthcare model that emphasizes the use of technology over personal interaction.