What’s the difference between board certified and licensed?

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This maybe obvious, but the question comes after seeing Dr Shannon Curry testify in the AH VS JD trial.

AH lawyer states she’s only practiced for 8 years and not board certified (or something to that effect).

Dr Curry stated she’s practiced for 15 years and been licensed for 10 years.

What’s the difference between board certified and licensed?

In: 6

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Licensing is a government action, but it’s not very specific. Board certifications can be specific, like plastic surgery or gender reassignment. So a medical license just says you’re a doctor. If you’re ok with a foot doctor doing brain surgery on you, then allyou need is a licensed doctor. If you’d prefer a brain surgeon, look for someone who’s board certified by the other brain surgeons.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Licensing is the government saying “They’re smart enough to practice medicine on their own.” Residents start out with a training certificate that lets them practice under supervision, and the license is the next step. Sort of like having a learner’s permit vs. a driver’s license.

Board certified is something that’s run by a board of doctors of a particular specialty, and is a higher certification. Like “Yeah, sure, you do heart surgery, but can you prove to all of these other heart surgeons that you’re *really* good at it?” It’s a voluntary process, but it’s one that comes with a higher degree of prestige and recognition, since it’s being recognized by your peers as being good at your particular specialty.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Answer: Dr. Shannon Curry is a licensed but not board certified clinical psychologist.

To practice, psychologists need to meet state education and license requirements.

A small percentage spends the extra time and money to get certified in a specialty. Some employers and insurance companies require it. (The Veterans Administration and Department of Defense pay certified psychologists more.) Board certification can make a doctor more marketable and/or earn them respect—for example, while testifying in court or when a prospective patient is choosing a provider.