PAS2054 (FALL2025) Medical Terms and Abbreviations

AAPA

American Academy of Physician Associates.

Recognized as the national voice for PAs in medical and surgical specialties.

AAPA HOD

The American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates (AAPA HOD).

The AAPA HOD establishes the policies that are implemented by Board of Directors (BOD) of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). The HOD meets annually during the annual AAPA Conference. The HOD consists of representatives from the chartered chapters, the officially recognized specialty organizations, Caucuses, and the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Associates (SAAAPA).

ARC-PA

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant approves and revises Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education, reviews applications for accreditation, appoints site visitors, awards accreditation, imposes sanctions and advises programs and institutions on accreditation issues.

ADA

American with Disabilities Act

AMA

American Medical Association

CME

Continuing Medical Education

DO

Doctor of Osteopathy.

A D.O. is a professional doctoral degree for physicians and surgeons offered by medical schools in the United States. One notable difference between D.O. and M.D. training is that D.O. training adds 300 – 500 hours studying techniques for hands-on manipulation of the human musculoskeletal system.

Generalist

a physician trained in general practice who has not has specialty training

MD

Medical Doctor.

Latin- Medicinae Doctor , meaning "teacher of medicine," abbreviated M.D. MD is the terminal medical degree for practitioners of medicine.

MEDEX

Medicine Extension.

MEDEX is a term coined by Richard Smith, MD.

Medic

a technician trained to provide basic medical care in combat conditions

Medicaid

a program operated by the state that provides medical care to low-income persons; the state Medicaid programs receive federal funding and they must comply with federal guidelines

Medicare

This is a program that is part of the Social Security Administration. It provides the funds for the elderly and some other population to receive medical care.

Nurse

a person who has been trained in the field of nursing, and who meets nursing standards in education and medical competencies. Different designations of nurses exist. A licensed practical nurse may practice under the direction of a registered nurse or physician.

NCCPA

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

NCCPA is the only credentialing organization for physician assistants in the United States, and is dedicated to assuring the public that certified physician assistants meet established standards of knowledge and clinical skills upon entry into practice and throughout their careers.

PAEA

Physician Assistant Education Association.

PAEA’s mission is to pursue excellence, foster faculty development, advance the body of knowledge that defines quality education and patient-centered care, and promote diversity in all aspects of physician assistant education.

PA

Physician Assistant/Associate

PA-C

Physician Assistant-Certified.

PA-C is a title that can be used by PAs who have obtained and maintained national certification requirements established by the NCCPA. It is a mark of professional accomplishment, indicating the achievement and maintenance of established levels of knowledge and clinical skills. The PA-C credential is widely recognized within the medical professions and is required in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the American territories for licensure or registration as a physician assistant.

PANCE

Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam.

To attain their initial certification and the PA-C designation, graduates of ARC-PA accredited programs must pass the PANCE. Administered almost year-round by the NCCPA, PANCE is a computer-based, multiple-choice test comprised of 300 questions that assess general medical and surgical knowledge.

PANRE

Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination.

To maintain NCCPA certification, PA certificate holders must pass the PANRE before their certificate expires at the end of the sixth year of their certification maintenance cycle. The examination is comprised of 240 multiple-choice questions designed to assess general medical and surgical knowledge.

Profession

An occupation that requires prolonged training and qualification

SAAAPA

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Associates.

SAAAPA has its own structure within the AAPA and includes representation from each PA Program's student society.

Specialist

a physician who has undergone generalist training, and has continued on to specialty training which usually involves a 3-5 year residency. Examples of specialties include family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology.

Addiction medicine

Specialists in addiction medicine treat substance abuse and addiction.

Allergy / Immunology

"Specialists in allergy and immunology treat conditions that involve the immune system. Examples include allergies, immune deficiency diseases, and autoimmune diseases."

Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologists provide anesthesia for patients who are having surgery or other procedures. They also treat pain and care for patients with critical illnesses or severe injuries.

Cardiac electrophysiology

Cardiac electrophysiologists use technical procedures to evaluate heart rhythms.

Cardiac surgery

See thoracic surgery.

Cardiovascular disease (Cardiology)

Cardiologists treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors adjust specific parts of the body (often the spine) to prevent and treat diseases.

Colorectal surgery (Proctology)

Colorectal surgeons treat diseases of the lower digestive tract.

Critical care (Intensivists)

Intensivists treat critically ill or injured patients.

Dermatology

Dermatologists treat skin conditions.

Diagnostic radiology

Diagnostic radiologists use imaging, such as x-rays or ultrasound, to diagnose diseases.

Emergency medicine

Emergency medicine specialists take care of patients with critical illnesses or injuries.

Endocrinology

Endocrinologists treat diseases that involve the internal (endocrine) glands. Examples include diabetes and diseases of the thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal glands.

Family practice

Family practitioners provide primary care for people of all ages. They treat illnesses, provide preventive care, and coordinate the care provided by other health professionals.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists treat diseases of the digestive organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver, and gallbladder.

General practice

General practitioners provide primary care. They treat illnesses, provide preventive care, and coordinate the care provided by other health professionals.

General surgery

General surgeons take care of patients who may need surgery.

Geriatric medicine

Geriatricians provide primary care for elderly patients.

Gynecological oncology

Gynecological oncologists treat cancers of the female reproductive organs.

Hand surgery

"Hand surgeons perform surgery for patients with problems that affect the hand, wrist, or forearm."

Hematology

"Hematologists treat diseases of the blood, spleen, and lymph. Examples include anemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and leukemia."

Hospice and palliative care

Hospice and palliative care physicians manage pain and other distressing symptoms of serious illnesses. “Hospice care” is palliative care for patients who are expected to have 6 months or less to live.

Infectious disease

Infectious disease physicians treat patients with all types of infectious diseases.

Internal medicine

"Internists treat diseases of the internal organs that don’t require surgery. They also provide primary care for teenagers, adults, and elderly people."

Interventional cardiology

"Interventional cardiologists are heart and circulatory system specialists who use minimally invasive catheterization techniques to diagnose and treat coronary arteries, the peripheral vascular system, heart valves, and congenital heart defects."

Interventional pain management

"Interventional pain management specialists use special procedures to treat and manage pain. For example, they may use cryoablation (a procedure involving extreme cold) to stop a nerve from working for a long period of time."

Interventional radiology

"Interventional radiologists perform procedures guided by various types of imaging. For example, they may use imaging to find a clogged spot in an artery and to guide a procedure to unclog it."

Maxillofacial surgery

"Maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues."

Medical oncology

"Medical oncologists treat cancer with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. They may also coordinate cancer care given by other specialists."

Nephrology

Nephrologists treat disorders of the kidneys.

Neurology

"Neurologists treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves."

Neuropsychiatry

Neuropsychiatrists treat patients with behavioral disturbances related to nervous system problems.

Neurosurgery

"Neurosurgeons perform surgery to treat problems in the brain, spine, and nerves."

Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine specialists use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases.

Obstetrics / Gynecology

Obstetricians and gynecologists take care of women during pregnancy and childbirth (called obstetrics). They also treat disorders of the female reproductive system (called gynecology).

Ophthalmology

"Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in the care of the eyes. They prescribe glasses and contact lenses, diagnose and treat eye conditions, and perform eye surgery."

Optometry

"Optometrists are eye care professionals who perform eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, and treat some eye diseases that don’t require surgery."

Oral surgery (Dentist only)

Oral surgeons are dentists who use surgery to treat problems in the mouth and nearby areas.

Orthopedic surgery

"Orthopedic surgeons treat diseases, injuries, and deformities of the bones and muscles."

Osteopathic manipulative medicine

Osteopathic physicians often use a treatment method called osteopathic manipulative treatment. This is a hands-on approach to make sure that the body is moving freely.

Otolaryngology

"Otolaryngologists treat conditions of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT) and related areas of the head and neck."

Pain management

Pain management specialists take care of patients with pain.

Pathology

Pathologists examine body tissues and interpret laboratory test results.

Pediatric medicine

"Pediatricians provide primary care for infants, children, and teenagers."

Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease physicians treat diseases of the circulatory system other than those of the brain and heart.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists are physicians who treat patients with short-term or long-term disabilities.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Plastic and reconstructive surgeons perform procedures to improve the appearance or function of parts of the body.

Podiatry

Podiatrists specialize in caring for the foot and treating foot diseases.

Preventive medicine

Preventive medicine specialists work to promote the health and well-being of individuals or groups of people.

Primary care

"Primary care physicians treat illnesses, provide preventive care, and coordinate the care provided by other health professionals. Physicians in family practice, general practice, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine provide primary care."

Psychiatry

"Psychiatrists treat mental, addictive, and emotional disorders."

Psychiatry (Geriatric)

Geriatric psychiatrists treat mental and emotional disorders in elderly people.

Pulmonary disease

Pulmonologists treat diseases of the lungs and airways.

Radiation oncology

Radiation oncologists use radiation to treat cancer.

Rheumatology

"Rheumatologists treat problems involving the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons."

Sleep medicine

Sleep medicine physicians treat problems related to sleep or the sleep-wake cycle.

Sports medicine

Sports medicine specialists treat problems related to participation in sports or exercise.

Surgical oncology

Surgical oncologists specialize in the surgical diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Thoracic surgery

"Thoracic surgeons treat problems in the chest, including problems affecting the heart, lungs, or windpipe."

Urology

Urologists treat problems in the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive system.

Vascular surgery

"Vascular surgeons treat diseases of the circulatory system, other than the brain and heart."

Anesthesiologist assistant

Anesthesiologist assistants work under the direction of an anesthesiologist as a part of the anesthesia care team.

Audiology

Audiologists have advanced training and evaluate hearing or balance problems. They provide hearing aids and counsel people about how to cope with hearing loss.

Certified nurse midwife

Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are registered nurses who have earned a master's degree in nursing and met other requirements. They practice in hospitals and medical clinics. They may also deliver babies in birthing centers and attend home births.

Certified registered nurse anesthetist

"Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) are registered nurses who have earned a master's degree in nursing and met other requirements. They provide anesthesia, working with other health care professionals."

Clinical nurse specialist

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are registered nurses who have earned a master's degree in nursing and met other requirements. They handle a range of physical and mental health problems.

Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists have a doctorate in psychology and have advanced training in promoting mental health and helping people cope with problems.

Clinical social worker

"Clinical social workers (CSW) have earned a master’s degree, and help people deal with life changes and challenges, including mental disorders."

Nurse practitioner

"Nurse practitioners (NP) are registered nurses who have earned an advanced degree in nursing and met other requirements. They provide primary and preventive care, prescribe medicines, and treat common minor illnesses and injuries."

Occupational therapy

"Occupational therapists (OT) help people who are recovering from injuries to regain skills. They also support people who are going through changes related to aging. They provide home assessments, teach people to use adaptive equipment (such as devices to help with bathing, dressing, or eating), and work with family members and caregivers. OTs are state-licensed and nationally certified to practice"

Physical therapy

"Physical therapists (PT) provide rehabilitation to help people move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. PTs are state-licensed and nationally certified to practice."

Physician assistant

"Physician assistants (PA) are graduates of accredited PA educational programs. They’re licensed to practice medicine with a physician’s supervision. They examine patients, diagnose and treat illnesses, order lab tests, prescribe medicines, perform procedures, assist in surgery, and counsel patients."

Registered dietitian / Nutrition professional

Registered dietitians (RD) and other nutrition professionals are food and nutrition experts. They teach patients about nutrition. They also provide medical nutrition therapy.

Speech-language pathology

"Speech-language pathologists (SLP), sometimes called speech therapists, treat communication and swallowing disorders. They're state-licensed and nationally certified in speech-language pathology."