Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Specialize vs Specialty vs Interest vs Board-Certified

Hi everyone,

I have a question I figured some or all could answer here. How can you convey that you have special competence in an area without going too far and indicating or inferring that you are certified in that area.

For instance, a board-certified or board-eligible physician in neurology would indicate that the doctor is a neurology specialist. He or she has completed medical school, residency and a fellowship in neurology. They generally don't do primary care.

But say a primary care physician for whatever reason, i.e. a very strong interest, sees a lot of patients with neurological problems, did a sabbatical at a training hospital in neurology.

My question is if you have 300 patients in your practice with either depression, anxiety or ADHD or other psychiatric disorders and you are very good at it but never did a fellowship or were eligible to sit for the boards, can you say that you are a so and so doctor, pediatrics and adolescent medicine.....

.....somewhere there or in your profile state that your "specialize" in mental health disorders in children or have a special interest...or dr so and so sees...

In other words, there would be a spectrum from "kinda likes" to "specializes." I would want to come across as strongly as possible that I am accepting patients in those areas and am particularly proficient without being unethical or worse, fraudulent.

I can try to be more specific in necessary.

Dr Joe is a board certified general 'X' treating a wide range of medical needs including wellness care and acute medical problems and has a special interest in 'Y'.

Some tweaking of the flow but I think stating a 'special interest in 'Y' ' after the statement of being a general 'X' works.

Hi Koby,

Thanks. Yes, that works for the specialist. I guess I should be more specific. I am going to be making a website. A site is used for multiple reasons, but one is for advertising your business and yourself.

I suppose the best way to put it is we are open to new patients, but specifically the type of patient I would like to treat are those with ADHD, anxiety or depression. ESPECIALLY ADHD.

I am just trying to figure out the best way to indicate that without writing something that is not true, i.e. I 'specialize' etc.

think the board certified in general pediatrics is the overall broad classifier of training/competence could then just take the 'special' out and say some conditions I am interested in include ADD etc.
Another way would to put tabs on your main page for each of those conditions so that when clicked on the viewer would be taken to a page where you give a brief blurb on the topic ending with a we would be happy to discuss further by making an appointment.

Thanks. But, I would rather say I specialize in it.

Maybe say it in Russian then
Я специализируюсь, но я не специалист
YA spetsializiruyus', no ya ne spetsialist

We have an issue here with NP's that get hired by an older specialist, who later retires. They tend to continue "the practice" or head out on their own after working with the specialist. I have NPs calling themselves Dr. Kim, Dr. Jane, etc. and their sign and website says: General Cardiology or Neurology. I don't think MDs who went to medical school, did a grueling residency, and then fellowship training to be a Specialist appreciate an NP calling herself a neurologist, etc. I think it's almost criminal, and certainly unethical, as patients don't know Dr. Kim isn't a "doctor" and certainly don't know she isn't a specialist. She's a midlevel provider.

Bert, what you are trying to do here is a good thing that could provide benefit to all. You get the patients you want, the patients who need the service in the community gain access to it, and other docs in the area may like it, too (I would guess that even among your competition, there are some who do not like seeing ADHD patients or who aren't good at it, and might like to send you patients). Certainly it would be a relief to some parents to know that you are both interested and skilled in managing their kids.

The key is to advertise it honestly and without pissing people off. I suppose the key is to avoid certain buzz words. As you say, you would never claim a board certification you do not have. I guess a tricky phrase is "specializing in". There was a time this was commonly done, but now I think the connotation is something more official than just clinical experience and interest, or even skill. One alternative would be to say "a concentration" rather than a specialization.

Beyond that though, say what you want... the truth is always nice!

"My thirty years in practice includes a concentration in dealing with children with psychological issues. I have an especially large experience in treating ADHD. Though this condition is particularly challenging, I have found it very rewarding and have had much success in treating it over the years".
"I have a special interest in seeing children with ....."
"I have several decades of experience diagnosing and successfully treating children with..."
"Referrals are encouraged. If you are concerned, but not certain that a child is experiencing one of these conditions, a physician with my experience can help clarify the diagnosis and treat the problem."

Final word of advice... don't be shy!

Hi Jon,

Thanks so much. Perfect as always. I am also proficient in adult gastroenterology. Do you think some of the patients from Baltimore would travel?

Ok, now you have crossed a line!

On the other hand, if you can manage their ADHD while you are at it....