Professional Credential Definitions
We have compiled a list of professional credentials and their meanings to use when looking for menopause help or menopause treatment options.
![Group of healthcare professionals in discussion](https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hero-professional-resources-mobile1-1.png)
Professional Credentials and Their Meanings
When you are looking for menopause help or menopause treatment, the credentials you find may be a bit confusing. The clinicians included in the Find-a-Menopause-Clinician database include several types of healthcare professionals. For example:
MD and MBBS: Physician
DO: Osteopathic Physician
ND and NMD: Naturopathic Physician
PA and PA-C: Physician Assistant
PT and DPT: Physical Therapist
DNP, NP, ANP, ARNP, CRNP, WHNP, and FNP: Nurse Practitioners
DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice
CNM: Certified Nurse Midwives
RPh and PharmD: Pharmacists
APRN, RN, RNC, BSN, and MSN: Nurses
LCSW and MSW: Social Workers
PhD: Doctorate degree, such as in psychology, among others
DPhil: Doctor of Philosophy
MSCP: Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
MPH: Master of Public Health
IF: Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
FACOG: Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist
FACP: Fellow of the American College of Physicians
FRCPC: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada
FAHA: Fellow of the American Heart Association
![Patient using a tablet to look for a healthcare professional](https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/find-practitioner-cta-mobile@2x.png)
Where should I begin my search?
To help you find a menopause clinician who is right for you, The Menopause Society has assembled a search feature of healthcare professionals who provide healthcare for women from perimenopause and beyond. This list includes contact information for those who are members of The Menopause Society and indicates those who have earned the MSCP credential.