P.A. or P.C.

[girlscallmepogi]

Well I shadowed an O.D. who had P.A/P.C after his name but am still confused on what it means exactly. He said something about it meaning he gets all the shares and not his associate doctors or something.

Can someone please explain?

Thanks.

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[RLK]

The OD that I shadowed had an F.A.A.O. I don't know what that means either though.

 

[3eb4me]

The OD that I shadowed had an F.A.A.O. I don't know what that means either though.

I believe FAAO stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. It's granted to only a handful of the best optometrists. I'm not sure about the process of becoming one. Does anyone know?

 

[drbizzaro]

I believe FAAO stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. It's granted to only a handful of the best optometrists. I'm not sure about the process of becoming one. Does anyone know?

no.. it's not just granted to a "handful of the best".... it's given to anyone who wishes to apply, and fulfills the criterion for becoming a member...

you need to do a few things: for instance- write 5 papers, and then undergo an interview... which i think is the best route... but depending on your background, the criteria will be different (ie. private practice optometrist vs. a scientist in visual science) (both can get FAAO certified)

anyone can get the FAAO after their name... you just need to put in a little time...(plus a little money given to them too)... not too bad at all...

 

[Ben Chudner]

Well I shadowed an O.D. who had P.A/P.C after his name but am still confused on what it means exactly. He said something about it meaning he gets all the shares and not his associate doctors or something.

Can someone please explain?

Thanks.

In my state, P.C. means Professional Corporation and that is probably what the OD meant. In some states, I believe, medical business do not incorporate like other businesses and have to become PC's instead of Inc's. I have no idea what PA means other than Physician's Assistant but that would not have anything to do with shares in a business.

 

[Ben Chudner]

no.. it's not just granted to a "handful of the best".... it's given to anyone who wishes to apply, and fulfills the criterion for becoming a member...

you need to do a few things: for instance- write 5 papers, and then undergo an interview... which i think is the best route... but depending on your background, the criteria will be different (ie. private practice optometrist vs. a scientist in visual science) (both can get FAAO certified)

anyone can get the FAAO after their name... you just need to put in a little time...(plus a little money given to them too)... not too bad at all...

When I became a fellow, you had to be a member of the academy and apply for fellowship. You then had 2 years to acquire 50 points before you could go through the interview. You got 10 points for each case report submitted and that is where the 5 papers comes from. You could also get points for presenting a paper at the Academy (10 points) as well as completing a residency (20 points). I don't know if things have changed, but I am sure the Academy website has all the info.

Hope that helps,

Ben Chudner, OD, FAAO

 

[drbizzaro]

When I became a fellow, you had to be a member of the academy and apply for fellowship. You then had 2 years to acquire 50 points before you could go through the interview. You got 10 points for each case report submitted and that is where the 5 papers comes from. You could also get points for presenting a paper at the Academy (10 points) as well as completing a residency (20 points). I don't know if things have changed, but I am sure the Academy website has all the info.

Hope that helps,

Ben Chudner, OD, FAAO

which route did you take? i'm thinking of just doing the 5 papers... as it seems much more suitable for where i'm planning on heading (ie. no residency)

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

In my state, P.C. means Professional Corporation and that is probably what the OD meant. In some states, I believe, medical business do not incorporate like other businesses and have to become PC's instead of Inc's. I have no idea what PA means other than Physician's Assistant but that would not have anything to do with shares in a business.

PA stands for Professional Association, much like a PC judging by what you said. From what I've noticed, it seems to be one of the more popular medical business types here in SC.

 

[Ben Chudner]

which route did you take? i'm thinking of just doing the 5 papers... as it seems much more suitable for where i'm planning on heading (ie. no residency)

I completed a residency and submitted 3 case reports.

 

[Ben Chudner]

PA stands for Professional Association, much like a PC judging by what you said. From what I've noticed, it seems to be one of the more popular medical business types here in SC.

Now that you mention it, I remember seeing a lot of PA's in Florida so your explanation makes sense. It sounds like PA and PC are very similar.

 

[stompy]

I completed a residency and submitted 3 case reports.

Would you have to do a residency and submit 3 case reports within 2 years?

 

[Ben Chudner]

Would you have to do a residency and submit 3 case reports within 2 years?

Unless things have changed, you do not have to submit the cases within 2 years of completing a residency. You have 2 years to get 50 points once you have applied for fellowship. If you completed a residency (no matter how long ago), you start with 20 points when you apply.

 

[3eb4me]

Unless things have changed, you do not have to submit the cases within 2 years of completing a residency. You have 2 years to get 50 points once you have applied for fellowship. If you completed a residency (no matter how long ago), you start with 20 points when you apply.

Why did you choose to become a FAAO?

 

[Ben Chudner]

Why did you choose to become a FAAO?

I wanted to get on the lecture circuit and I felt being a fellow would lend some credibility. I also really enjoy the AAO meetings and I think they are less expensive for fellows.