Camarillo: 805.482.8989 | Thousand Oaks: 805.493.1537

MD, DO, PA-c what’s the difference?

Have you ever wondered about the different providers you see at Coastal Allergy Care? We would like to explain the difference or better yet similarities between these degrees.

MD vs. DO. In reality there are more similarities than differences between MD and DO. Both go to a four year medical school after college and both are licensed to practice medicine in the United States. A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a fully trained and licensed doctor who has attended and graduated from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A doctor of medicine (M.D.) has attended and graduated from a conventional (allopathic) medical school. After medical school, both MD’s and DO’s must complete residency training in their chosen specialties. They must also pass the same licensing examination before they can treat people and prescribe medications. The major difference between osteopathic and allopathic doctors is that some osteopathic doctors provide manual medicine therapies, such as spinal manipulation or massage therapy, as part of their treatment. DO’s receive special training in the musculoskeletal system, your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones.

All the doctors at Coastal Allergy Care have a 4 year college degree, a 4 year medical degree, a 3 year residency and finally 2 year allergy/immunology fellowship specialty training. Dr. Kanter, Dr. Porch-Curren, and Dr. Lee-Kim are all board certified in Allergy and Immunology.

A physician assistant receives a Master’s level education which requires a bachelor’s degree prior to PA school. PA’s are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, and prescribe medications. With thousands of hours of medical training, PA’s are versatile and collaborative. PA’s practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality. Melissa the PA at Coastal Allergy Care has been practicing at CAC for 16 years!

The providers at CAC all strive to identify the root cause of the patient’s complaints.  Detailed information is obtained from each patient so that we can best diagnose and treat our patients. Between Dr. Kanter, Dr. Porch-Curren, Dr. Lee-Kim, and Melissa Howie PA-c we have combined allergy/immunology experience of over 63 years. Give us a call so we can give you evidence based recommendations for your allergy/immunology concerns.

We take care of more than just nasal allergy issues. We are here to help with asthma, sinus problems, rashes, skin issues, frequent infections, medication allergy, swelling problems, chronic itch, food allergy, bee sting allergy and much more. Call us at 805-482-8989.

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Coastal Allergy Care

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