An “attending” physician is the one in charge of your care.  A “resident” is a physician who has completed medical school and is now caring for patients under the guidance of an attending physician; a first-year resident is known as an “intern.” A “fellow” is a physician who has completed residency training and is undertaking additional training in a particular specialty.

A physician with “DO” after his or her name is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Just like a medical doctor, they prescribe drugs, perform surgery and use technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury, but their approach is more holistic and appreciative of the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Physicians with “MBBS,” "MBBA" or "MBChB" attended a medical school that follows a style of education more prevalent in the United Kingdom, India and other Commonwealth countries.

A physician who is “board certified” has demonstrated his or her knowledge and skills in a particular specialty and has been recognized by a certifying board. Some physicians have extra letters after their names that recognize additional professional qualifications, expertise or ethical conduct within their specialty. Examples: FACAOG (fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) or FACEP (fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.)

Learn more about the initials after your health care provider's name