Choosing a personal doctor should be approached as an interview process, where the foundation of the relationship is built on trust and a shared goal. It’s crucial to find a doctor with the proper qualifications and expertise to provide the best care possible, particularly in the field of pain management, where a full range of long-term treatment options and condition-specific knowledge is essential. To start the search for the right doctor, one must research their credentials, understand their area of specialization, and confirm their licensing and board certification status.
Every doctor practicing in the United States is required to be licensed. The licensing process involves meeting the following criteria:
- Graduating from medical school
- Completing the mandatory residency hours
- Obtaining approval from a state medical board
The aforementioned requirements are not easy to fulfill, which is why licensed doctors can be trusted to provide primary medical care to their patients.
Board Certified Doctor
A doctor who is certified by the board must first become licensed and then select a particular field of specialization, such as orthopedics, pediatrics, or pain management. Each specialty has its own specific set of qualifications that must be met, including:
- Completing a certain number of training hours under the guidance of a board-certified doctor in that field
- Passing exams that demonstrate their expertise
These additional requirements are designed to ensure that the doctor has a comprehensive understanding of their chosen specialty and is equipped to provide the highest quality advice and treatment to their patients.
Why is it important?
Numerous licensed doctors lack the necessary expertise to effectively treat chronic pain, often relying on temporary remedies that only alleviate symptoms. This has contributed to the opioid epidemic in the United States, with many doctors prescribing pills without exploring long-term options. Non-board certified pain doctors are particularly prone to providing short-term solutions, leading to the dangerous and addictive nature of opiates being overlooked. It is critical, therefore, to conduct thorough research and seek out a physician who can provide long-term solutions for pain. At Ramos Center, we are dedicated to helping our patients overcome their pain and regain their lives through a variety of treatments and therapies tailored to their individual needs. Our compassionate board certified pain doctors are available for consultation to explore how we can improve your life today. Don’t hesitate to contact us!