In today’s society, it’s a blessing to have many different types of health care professionals who offer specialized care. However, we know it can be confusing to understand the various types of medical providers and what they do, especially when determining which one is right for you based on your health care needs.
Read on to learn about the different types of medical professionals, including their education, training and what they do.
Types of Medical Professionals and Their Attributes
Throughout your health care journey, you’ve likely been cared for by several types of medical professionals. At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, all our providers are experts, but it’s important to know that every type focuses on a unique aspect of care. Each medical provider is a professional in their field and has specialized education and training. Let’s focus on each type of provider to give you confidence in your decision-making so you can own your health.
Medical Doctor (MD)
A medical doctor (MD) practices a classical form of medicine called allopathic or conventional medicine. These providers must undergo rigorous education and training before independently seeing patients. MDs can either practice general or specialized medicine.
Their education and training include:
- Four-year college degree
- Four years in medical school
- Three to seven years of residency
- Fellowship training for at least one year
The range of care they provide includes:
- Diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic illnesses
- Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Referring patients to other specialists
- Performing surgeries
- Prescribing medications
Our MDs are dedicated to providing you with the expert care you deserve to feel whole in body, mind and spirit.
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
A doctor of osteopathy (DO) is similar to an MD, except they have a more holistic approach to medicine. Their patient approach considers the whole person, including their physical health and lifestyle choices. These providers must complete extensive education and training before seeing patients independently.
Their education and training include:
- Four-year college degree
- Four years of medical school
- Internship, residency and fellowship between three and eight years
- Special training in the musculoskeletal system
The range of care they provide includes:
- Conducting manipulative treatments of muscles and joints
- Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses
- Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Performing surgeries
- Referring patients to specialists
DOs focus on healing more than just your symptoms — they aim to improve your overall well-being by helping you incorporate healthy lifestyle changes.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A registered nurse (RN) is a medical professional who undergoes extensive education and training and passes a national licensing exam. Their scope of care has evolved, and they now provide direct patient care in some instances, along with monitoring their patients' health before a doctor sees them.
Their education and training include:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
- Obtaining a license in their state of care
The range of care they provide includes:
- Administering treatments
- Assessing patients’ vital signs
- Creating care plans
- Documenting patient information
- Helping doctors provide care
- Performing physical exams
RNs play a vital role in the health care industry. They serve as the backbone of our health care system, always ready to provide expert, compassionate care when you need it.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals with many years of experience. They work under a licensed physician in primary and specialty care units. Their scope of care is like that of RNs, but their training is more specific.
Their education and training include:
- Bachelor’s degree founded in science
- Master’s degree from an accredited PA program
- Passing a physician assistant certification exam
- 2,000 hours of clinical rotations
- Experience as an EMT, paramedic or medical assistant
The range of care they provide includes:
- Assisting surgeons
- Diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Performing certain minor surgeries and procedures
- Prescribing limited medications
- Tracking patients’ medical history and symptoms
Our PAs are dedicated to providing the expert whole-person care you need. You can rest knowing you’re safe in the hands of a PA.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are also known as advanced practice registered nurses. They operate similarly to RNs and PAs but undergo advanced training that allows them to practice primary care.
Their education and training include:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Master’s degree in nursing
- Five or more years of experience in the medical field
- Passing a national certification exam in their chosen specialty
The range of care they provide includes:
- Assessing and diagnosing illnesses and injuries
- Assisting doctors in major surgeries
- Educating patients on their health
- Focusing on preventive care
- Managing patient care
- Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications
NPs focus on the whole patient, healing them in body, mind and spirit. It’s important to note that NPs work independently, unlike RNs.
Expert Care Dedicated to You
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Your health is our priority, and because of that, you deserve access to expert care that’s unique to your needs.
Visit us here to learn more about our care services, or schedule an appointment today.
