Chapter 9: Physicians, Surgeons, and Podiatrist

Question 1

Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)

Answer 1

Registered nurse with master’s degree training who can serve as a primary care provider; includes nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists.

Question 2

Allopathic physician

Answer 2

A physician offering medical care using pharmacologically active agents or surgical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms of diseases or injuries.

Question 3

American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS)

Answer 3

Agency that administers qualifying exams to practice in medical specialties–for example, surgery.

Question 4

American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM)

Answer 4

Agency that certifies podiatrists in the field of medicine.

Question 5

American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABFAS)

Answer 5

Agency that certifies podiatrists in the field of surgery.

Question 6

American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

Answer 6

Accrediting agency for graduates of osteopathic physicians; also administers certifying exams for speciality physicians.

Question 7

American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE)

Answer 7

Exam required for graduates of podiatric medicine to practice podiatric medicine.

Question 8

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)

Answer 8

Exam required of graduates of osteopathic medicine to obtain a license to practice medicine.

Question 9

Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME)

Answer 9

Accrediting agency for schools of podiatric medicine.

Question 10

Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)

Answer 10

A degree conferred by an osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic physicians have the same privileges and use similar techniques as allopathic physicians (MDs) but tend to emphasize a more hands-on approach, particularly with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.

Question 11

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

Answer 11

Profession similar to MDs and DOs but trained in the medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

Question 12

Group practice

Answer 12

Physicians who often work as part of a team, coordinating care for a population of patients, providing backup coverage, and allowing for more time off.

Question 13

Hospice and Palliative medicine (HPM)

Answer 13

Medical care to control pain and other symptoms in those with life-limiting or serious illness. Palliative medicine is a relatively new field.

Question 14

Hospitalist

Answer 14

Physician (or other primary care provider) who manages patients during the time of hospitalization, including admitting the patient, coordinating care during hospitalization, and following up after discharge.

Question 15

Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)

Answer 15

National accrediting agency for medical education programs in the United States and Canada.

Question 16

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

Answer 16

Exam required of students applying for schools of medicine, osteopathy, and veterinary medicine.

Question 17

Medical doctor (MD)

Answer 17

A physician who has obtained a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at an accredited allopathic medical school.

Question 18

Medical home

Answer 18

The primary source of ongoing preventative care or disease management for an individual or family.

Question 19

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM)

Answer 19

Use of hands to manipulate muscles and joints to diagnose and treat common symptoms such as headache, backache, or muscle strain.

Question 20

Osteopathic physician

Answer 20

Physician with a Doctor of Osteopathy who places special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventative medicine, and holistic patient care.

Question 21

Palliative care

Answer 21

Treatment of symptoms associated with a life-limiting or serious illness, including pain and inability to swallow.

Question 22

Physician assistant (PA)

Answer 22

A medical professional who may practice preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic medicine under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Responsibilities may include taking a medical history, conducting a physical exam, and ordering and interpreting lab tests and interpreting lab tests and X-rays required for making a diagnosis.

Question 23

Primary care provider (PCP)

Answer 23

Health care that focuses on prevention, early detection, and treatment and that takes general responsibility for individual patients.

Question 24

Solo practitioner

Answer 24

Physician who works in an independent setting instead of a group practice.

Question 25

U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Answer 25

Exam required of medical school graduates to become licensed to practice medicine.

Question 26

Duties and education for a podiatrist

Answer 26

Four years of undergraduate school, four years of podiatry school, and one year of residency. They are needed to treat wounds associated with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs and to treat bone deformities of the foot and ankle.