Like physician assistants, nurse practitioners have received a master’s degree in a field of medicine. Nurse practitioners must also have an active RN (Registered Nurse) license. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners have different requirements for the number of hours of clinical experience required to complete the program. As their name suggests, physician assistants often work […]
What is a certified hand therapist?A certified hand therapist is a licensed occupational or physical therapist who has been registered or licensed to practice for a minimum of five years and has at least two years of full-time hand therapy experience. In addition to this experience, they have successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills in the upper […]
What is a physical therapist?A physical therapist is licensed by the state, specializing in therapy programs for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and massage therapy.
What is an occupational therapist?An occupational therapist is licensed by the state and specialized in the treatment of the upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder) and work injuries. The services provided by occupational therapists include patient education, joint range of motion, adaptive techniques, splinting, and workplace evaluations.
What is a physiatrist (physical medicine & rehabilitation physician)?A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in nonsurgical pain management, physician medicine and rehabilitation, and neurological studies.
What is a primary care sports medicine doctor?A primary care sports medicine doctor is an expert in the field of sports medicine. Either through advanced fellowship training or through years of clinical experience, a primary care sports medicine doctor has learned the skills to take care of athletes of all ages, sports, and levels of competition. Primary care sports medicine doctors often […]
What is a physician assistant?A physician assistant, commonly referred to as a PA, is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine with doctor supervision. Physician assistants can treat patients and write prescriptions. PAs are trained to recognize when patients need the attention of a supervising doctor or specialist. Physician assistants see patients in the office, as well as assist […]
What is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon?Once a doctor has completed an orthopedic residency at a major medical institution, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a written test to become board-eligible. If the written test is passed, the doctor becomes “eligible” to take the oral test, after two years in practice. When the doctor passes the oral exam, the doctor […]
What is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon?A fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who has completed advanced specialty training in a specific field of orthopedics in an accredited fellowship program. Fellowship programs are selective and require many successful surgeries/procedures to receive credentialing. Additionally, orthopedic surgeons may focus on a specific field of orthopedics, like pediatrics, sports medicine, and trauma.
What is the educational training of an orthopedic surgeon?Orthopedic surgeons have successfully completed a minimum of 13 years of formal education: Undergraduate: Four years of study in a college or university Medical School: Four years of study in a school of medicine Orthopedic Residency: Five years of study at a major medical institution Additionally, orthopedic surgeons can complete advanced training and certification: Fellowship […]
