When searching for a skin specialist, patients often encounter acronyms like MD FAAD after a doctor’s name. These titles are verifiable markers of a physician’s education, specialized training, and continued commitment to their field. Understanding what “MD” and “FAAD” stand for clarifies the qualifications and expertise of the person diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
The Meaning of MD
The initials MD stand for Doctor of Medicine, the foundational professional degree required for a physician to practice allopathic medicine in the United States. Earning this degree signifies the successful completion of four years of rigorous medical school training. This academic period focuses on human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The MD degree grants a graduate the right to pursue a license to practice medicine after completing postgraduate training. The MD degree is equivalent in licensing and practice rights to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. While MD physicians focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disease (allopathic approach), DO physicians emphasize a more holistic view of the patient.
Decoding the FAAD Designation
The FAAD designation stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. This professional title is granted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the largest professional dermatology organization in the United States. It signifies that the physician is a board-certified specialist in dermatology and maintains active membership in the Academy.
To become a Fellow, a dermatologist must first achieve Board Certification in Dermatology from the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) or an equivalent certifying body. The FAAD designation confirms the doctor has met the highest standards of education and training in the specialty. The AAD requires its Fellows to stay current with medical advancements and engage in continuing medical education programs.
The Rigorous Training Required
The path to achieving the FAAD designation requires extensive training. The journey begins with four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of medical school to earn the MD degree. After medical school, the physician must complete a mandatory year of general clinical training, often called an internship, in a broad specialty like internal medicine or pediatrics.
This is followed by a three-year specialized residency program focused exclusively on dermatology. During residency, the doctor receives intensive, supervised training in the diagnosis and management of more than 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions, including skin cancers and complex inflammatory disorders. Only after successfully completing this twelve-year minimum training period is the physician eligible to sit for the comprehensive Board Certification examination administered by the American Board of Dermatology.
What the Combined Credentials Signify
When the credentials MD and FAAD are combined, they represent a physician who has completed foundational medical training and achieved the highest level of specialization in dermatology. The MD confirms the fundamental knowledge required to practice medicine. The FAAD confirms the physician has undergone demanding postgraduate training and successfully passed the rigorous board certification examination.
For the patient, these combined credentials offer assurance that the specialist has demonstrated standardized expertise and is committed to lifelong learning in the field. To maintain their Fellow status and board certification, these doctors must regularly participate in continuing education and testing, ensuring their knowledge remains current. Choosing a physician with the MD FAAD designation means selecting a recognized expert in the medical and surgical care of the skin.