When a medical professional’s name is followed by credentials such as MD FAAD, these letters represent extensive education, specialized training, and commitment to high professional standards. For a dermatologist, these designations signify expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. This combination reflects both the academic degree earned and the voluntary professional recognition achieved within the specialty of dermatology.
The Literal Meaning of MD and FAAD
The first set of letters, MD, stands for Doctor of Medicine. This universally recognized credential confirms the physician has graduated from an accredited allopathic medical school and is a licensed medical practitioner. The MD denotes the academic degree and the license to practice medicine generally. The second credential, FAAD, is an acronym for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. This designation signifies membership and professional standing within the AAD, indicating the individual has met the organization’s rigorous criteria for expertise within the specialty.
The Extensive Training Required for a Dermatologist
Achieving the MD degree is the initial step in a demanding academic path that spans a decade or more of post-secondary education. This journey begins with four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of intensive medical school training. During medical school, the student earns the Doctor of Medicine degree and gains a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and disease.
After medical school, the aspiring dermatologist must complete a minimum of one year of general clinical experience, often called an internship. This is followed by a competitive three-year residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), focusing entirely on dermatology. This four-year postgraduate training period includes extensive hands-on experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
The Professional Standards Represented by FAAD
The FAAD designation is earned after a dermatologist has successfully achieved board certification. To become a Fellow of the AAD, a dermatologist must first pass the challenging certifying examination administered by the American Board of Dermatology or an equivalent certifying body. This board certification process independently verifies a physician’s knowledge, experience, and skill in the field of dermatology.
Fellowship status requires the physician to be a dues-paying member of the American Academy of Dermatology, committing them to uphold the organization’s ethical guidelines. The FAAD credential signals a dermatologist’s dedication to maintaining a high level of competency through continuing medical education and professional self-assessment. To maintain board certification and FAAD status, dermatologists are often required to pass a recertification examination or complete a monitored process approximately every 10 years.