MEDICAL DESIGNATIONS – So Tell Me What All Those Fancy Initials Mean

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There are hundreds of medical certifications, degrees, licenses, academies, and (unfortunately) all too many initial combos that combine to spell “I-G-O-T M-Y I-N-I-T-1-A-L-S-F-R-O-M-A-C-R-A-C-K-E-R-J-A-C-K-S-B-O-X.” Most medical practitioners, no matter what the specific discipline, will “publicize” (on letterhead, business cards, whatever) only the most advanced of their own personal collection of initials. Investigators who rely on opinions or information provided by those so credentialed, should routinely run a cursory check to confirm that Dr. Soandso is indeed a member in good standing. One of the primary reasons that this is a very good idea is because (just in case) Dr. Soandso is either dead or too old to remember his name, let alone practice medicine, his license may have been paid by whomever is borrowing it, but his various organizational affiliations will have lapsed. Finding one of these cases is not proof positive that Dr. Soandso is a fraud, but it should be considered a Red Flag and thus a subject of closer scrutiny.

Please check the johncooke.com website for this list of designations accompanied by the websites or contact information for the various governing groups that grant them. Print space does not allow us to publish it here. Additionally, such information is constantly subject to changes and or updates.

General Rule of Thumb:

1. True Diplomate titles are granted based on a valid diploma and meeting the additional requirements of a governing body (e.g. The American Medical Association.)

2. Certifications are earned after a program is completed — but the word “Certification” is not copyrighted and it is possible that an individual need only to complete a 10-minute online true/false course and pay the requisite $1,575 fee to the granting organization to be “certified.”

3. A title may be given from a state-approved school after successful completion of a program offered through that school. If there is any doubt as to validity, confirmation can usually be achieved via a web-site, an email or a telephone call.

4. Degree are a form of award given by a college, university, or some other educational institution as official recognition for the successful completion of a program.

5. A License or Permit is generally granted by a government agency and permits the holder to do business in a particular location. Licenses are not certifications.

The point is that a very impressive sounding initials might amount to little more than paper. Do the homework.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Credentials can (and should) be checked.