What is an RPA-D?

[kl323]

Out of curiosity... I went to a dermatologist this week and was not seen by the MD.

Instead, I saw a person w/ an RPA-D degree. He came in and introduced himself as "Dr." X. He was able to write me a prescription and all. Is an RPA any different from a PA?

Just wondering...

Thanks!

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[Paseo Del Norte]

Out of curiosity... I went to a dermatologist this week and was not seen by the MD.

Instead, I saw a person w/ an RPA-D degree. He came in and introduced himself as "Dr." X. He was able to write me a prescription and all. Is an RPA any different from a PA?

Just wondering...

Thanks!

I assume we are talking about a PA with a "doctoral" degree. I know a common way to write credentials is RPA-C, identifying a registered PA- Certified. It is...interesting to say the least that he identified himself as a "doctor" in the clinical setting.

Just a guess in any event.

 

[deleted6669]

I assume we are talking about a PA with a "doctoral" degree. I know a common way to write credentials is RPA-C, identifying a registered PA- Certified. It is...interesting to say the least that he identified himself as a "doctor" in the clinical setting.

Just a guess in any event.

doubt it. a pa with a doctorate would be pa-c, dhsc or pa-c, phd.
in ny state pa-c are rpa-c as they are considered "registered" with the state.
I have never seen rpa-d.

 

[Paseo Del Norte]

doubt it. a pa with a doctorate would be pa-c, dhsc or pa-c, phd.
in ny state pa-c are rpa-c as they are considered "registered" with the state.
I have never seen rpa-d.

That is my best guess, unless it's a physician that is associated with a certain group using said letters to designate his association?

 

[deleted6669]

MORE LIKELY the op is a troll trying to stir the pot by making up an imaginary situation...

 

[kl323]

Nope. Sorry for the confusion. Maybe it was a typo or something on the receipt, but on the script it said RPA-C.

The main reason why I asked was because I never knew that PAs can be a doctorate degree. I don't think the guy that I saw had a PhD. But like it was mentioned early, I was surprised he stated that he was Dr. X.

 

[deleted6669]

Nope. Sorry for the confusion. Maybe it was a typo or something on the receipt, but on the script it said RPA-C.

The main reason why I asked was because I never knew that PAs can be a doctorate degree. I don't think the guy that I saw had a PhD. But like it was mentioned early, I was surprised he stated that he was Dr. X.

Even pa's with a doctorate should not call themselves doctor in a clinical setting as it is confusing. the only pa specific clinical doctorate program right now is through the military and these guys are trained not to call themselves dr in a clinical setting.
when lecturing or writing an article "dr sam smith, pa-c" is fine(assuming an earned doctorate).

 

[kl323]

I see. Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Dwindlin]

According to this link RPA is the offical title used by PA's in NY. So if I had to take a guess I would guess it means Registered Physician Assistant - Derm.

Edit: In the 30 seconds after posting this I suddenly learned how to read and saw that the OP corrected himself and said it was RPA - C which isn't a mystery at all...go me.