Providers without MDs

The Gist: You don’t need an MD to be a doctor.


 

Really!?

Two main points here.

First: DOs (Doctor of Osteopathy) are doctors. In the US, their training is essentially the same as MDs, and they have the same rights and regulations as MDs.

Second: While PAs (Physician Assistant) and NPs (Nurse Practitioner) aren’t doctors, they have specialized, advanced training and can treat you in the same way a doctor would.

Visual: Pie chart showing advanced practice providers with or without MDs.

Visual: Pie chart showing advanced practice providers with or without MDs.

 

What Now?

Consider seeing a provider with an alternative credential. For NPs and PAs, they often cost less and spend more time with you. With a growing population and a limited number of slots in medical schools, these alternative degrees let us provide better care to more people.

 

Resources

DO vs MD Degrees

Physician Assistant - Scope of Practice

Nurse Practitioner - Scope of Practice

 
 

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