FAQs
Get answers to the most common questions about STLSurgeons
1. What information can I find using STLSurgeons?
You can find a surgical specialist in the St. Louis region by specialty, name, and/or zip code.
2. How often is STLSurgeons updated?
STLSurgeons is updated on a frequent basis but is subject to change without notice.
3. Why should I narrow my search by geographic criteria?
Since STLSurgeons contains data on providers across the region, it is necessary for you to apply some geographic criteria to narrow the area for your search, otherwise STLSurgeons could return results on physicians who are not in a decent driving range. By narrowing your search first by geography, and then by any other criteria you choose, you will get only providers who meet your search criteria within the geographic area that you specify.
4. What does “Board Certified” mean?
When a physician is board certified, it means that he or she has applied for and been awarded certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association. To become board certified, a physician must:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete a specific type and length of training in a medical specialty
- Practice for a specified amount of time in that specialty
- Pass an examination given by the medical specialty board
Board certification is a voluntary process. Most certifying boards now require physicians to be re-certified at specified intervals.
5. Please explain the difference between M.D., D.O., and D.P.M.
M.D.s are physicians who have earned a degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) by completing an approved course of study at an approved allopathic medical school.
D.O.s are physicians who have earned a degree of Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) by satisfactorily completing a course of education in an approved college of osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic physicians and Medical (M.D.) physicians follow nearly identical courses of training and modes of practice, except that osteopathic medicine places an additional emphasis on the study of mechanical derangement of tissues as a cause of illness, and on treatment that involves manipulation of body structures.
Both MDs and DOs typically earn a four-year undergraduate degree prior to medical training. Both spend approximately four years in medical education which requires that they take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and complete a rigorous application process. They both choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine and complete a residency program ranging from 3-7 years. Both must pass a state licensing exam to practice medicine.
D.P.M denotes a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who is a specialist qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. The first year of podiatric medical school is similar to training that either medical doctors or osteopathic doctors receive, but with an emphasized scope of foot, ankle, and lower extremity. The DPM degree takes a minimum of four years to complete. The four-year podiatric medical school is followed by a residency, which is hands-on post-doctoral training. Upon completion of their residency, podiatrists can become board certified by either the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine and/or the American Board Of Podiatric Surgery.