About The Provider Directory
The Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (SMSC) Provider directory provides information about our local, Sutter Santa Cruz, medical staff. We make every effort to provide accurate information. It is possible, however, that recent changes are not yet reflected in the directory. If you cannot find a particular individual please write to the Webmaster.
Dictionary of medical titles
There are many medical titles listed in the directory. Some are common, while others are not seen often and may relate to individual sub-specialties. Here is a list of titles you might see in our directory:
B.C.-ADM -- Board Certified, American Diabetic Association: Advanced Management of Diabetes Care and Education as a part of disease clinical management
CCC-A -- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology
CDE -- Certified Diabetes Educator
CFNP -- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
CNM -- Certified Nurse-Midwife
CPM -- Certified Professional Midwife.
DPM -- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. A podiatrist is a physician who specializes in the medical care and treatment of the foot.
Ed.D. -- Doctorate of Education
FAAP -- Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics
ACC -- Fellow, American College of Cardiology
ACOG -- Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
FCCP -- Fellow, American College of Chest Physicians
IBCLC -- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
M.A. -- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants perform basic clinical and administrative functions such as height and weight measurements and blood pressure checks. They are distinct from physician assistants, who examine, diagnose and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.
M.D. -- Medical Doctor
M.S. -- Master of Science
MSW -- Master of Social Work
N.P. -- Nurse Practitioner. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has obtained a master's degree in a nursing field and has obtained additional clinical training.
O.D. -- Doctor of Optometry. An optometrist can examine, diagnose and treat the eyes and correct vision problems using lenses and other optical aids.
P.A. and P.A.-C. -- Physician Assistant and Physician Assistant-Certified. A physician assistant is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician.
A P.A. provides a broad range of health care services including diagnosis and treatment of illness.
A P.A.-C. has met the defined course of study for physician assistants and has passed a certification exam of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
R.D. -- Registered Dietitian. An R.D. is a health care professional educated in nutrition and foods who is able to translate scientific information into appropriate food choices. Specific education and training prepare registered dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy when prescribed by a physician; they are also trained to provide nutrition counseling to promote optimal health.
R.N. -- Registered Nurse. To become a registered nurse (R.N.), an individual can complete a diploma program offered by a hospital nursing school, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) at a community college, or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) at a college or university. Graduates of any of the programs must pass a state licensing exam before they are qualified for a staff position as a registered nurse.
RNC -- Registered Nurse – Certified
Terms used in the clinician directory
Board Certified
A board-certified physician has completed an approved educational training program and an evaluation process including an examination designed to assess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to provide quality patient care in a particular area of medicine.
Training
Usually refers to a period of postgraduate medical education during which a physician gains the experience necessary to assume responsibility for the care of patients.
Internship
The first year of training after medical school is sometimes called an internship. It is also referred to as the first year of residency or PGY-1 (Post-Graduate Year-1). There are many different residency programs, but generally the first year of residency (internship or PGY-1) is spent either rotating through different specialties or rotating to different areas within one specialty.
Residency
A period of advanced medical training and education that normally follows graduation from medical school and licensing to practice medicine. It consists of supervised practice of a specialty in hospital and outpatient settings and instruction from specialists on the hospital and clinic staff.
Fellowship
A period of training that occurs after completion of a residency program. Its goal is to provide advanced training in a sub-specialty field of medicine. Not all physicians will complete a fellowship.
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