Glossary

Credentials

The initials after a practitioner's name are the degrees and certifications they have earned.

DBA Doctor of Business Administration

A doctoral degree that applies advanced business research to real-world leadership and organizational practice.

DHL Doctor of Humane Letters

An honorary doctoral degree conferred in recognition of distinguished achievement and service, rather than earned through a course of study.

DipACLM Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine

A clinician certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. It recognizes training in using everyday habits — nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management — to help prevent and treat disease alongside conventional care.

FAAD Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology

A title used by board-certified dermatologists who are fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology, the specialty's largest professional body. It signals that a physician has completed dermatology residency and met the standards for board certification.

MAM Master of Arts in Management

A graduate degree in management and organizational leadership.

MCMSc Master of Clinical Medical Science

A graduate degree in clinical medical science — commonly the master’s degree earned in the course of training to become a physician assistant.

MD Doctor of Medicine

The degree held by physicians. A doctor with an MD has completed medical school and is licensed to diagnose conditions and prescribe treatment; after further residency training they practice in a specialty such as dermatology.

PA-C Physician Assistant–Certified

A physician assistant who has passed the national certifying examination. PA-Cs are licensed medical providers who examine patients, diagnose and treat conditions, and prescribe medication, working together with physicians.

PsyD Doctor of Psychology

A doctoral degree in psychology focused on applied and clinical practice rather than research alone.