Your doctor has two or more letters behind his/her name. Did you ever stop to think what those mean?

Let’s start with the common ones relating to medical school:
M.D.- this is the usual American Doctor of Medicine (from the latin Medicinae Doctor). Each of these physicians has graduated from an accredited (or equivalent) medical school. Virtually every jurisdiction in the US requires that licensee complete a bachelors degree (or substantial undergraduate education). This is the degree conferred by essentially every American medical school. In contrast, the M.D. is actually a higher degree in some foreign contries indicating substantial post-medical school education.

D.O.- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic medical schools are largely indistinguishable from allopathic (MD) medical schools with one exception. Osteopathic medical schools continue to teach manipulation similar to that used by chiropractors. Most “osteopaths” do not use manipulation routinely after graduation. Many osteopaths have post-graduate training in allopathic residencies. No states in the US distinguish between MD and DO degrees. Both are referred to as doctor.

Now the titles get more colorful:
M.B. B.S.- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. This is the combination of two degrees conferred primarily by English and (formerly)commonwealth countries. It is an undergraduate degree in that students generally go straight from high school to a professional school. The school encompasses five or more years of study. Graduates are generally recognized as “doctor.”

There are many forms of MBBS. The most interesting comes from McGill University in Canada. M.D. C.M.- Medicinae Doctorem et Chirurgiae Magistrum (Doctor of Medicine, Master of Surgery). A fancy name meaning “doctor.” Other Variations also include: MB ChB, BM BCh, BMed, MB BChir, BM BS. Again, all are referred to as doctor.

My favorite medical degree however comes from Ireland. M.B. B.S. B.A.O. The BAO stands for
Baccalaureus in Arte Obstetricia (Bachelor of the Obstetric Art or Bachelor in the Art of Obstetrics). Now thats a cool name.

Many states allow doctors to use “MD” regardless of what their actual degree says. Osteopaths will always distinguish themselves and generally will refuse to use MD.

Be informed. It’s your health.