The UNH Premedical/Predental Advising Office advises students interested in the health-related professions listed (with brief description) below. For more detailed information, the Premedical/Predental Advising Office publishes a series of two-page guides that explain educational and career paths in a number of these professions. The guides are available outside the office in Hood House. Also check the Resources & Links page for the Health Professions DataBase.
- Medicine
- The MD, or Medical Doctor, practices allopathic medicine which can be defined as the treatment of disease through drugs and surgery accompanied by a special concern for preventive and public health measures. The DO, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, are complete physicians like MDs, meaning that they are fully trained and licensed to prescribe medication and to perform surgery. Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical care founded on the philosophy that all body systems are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health. Download Medicine Info Sheet (PDF)
- Dentistry
- Doctors of dental surgery (DDS), and Doctors of Dental Medicine (DDM) focus on the problems and treatment of teeth and the oral cavity. Dentists may also prescribe drugs and perform surgery. Download Dentistry Info Sheet (PDF).
- Optometrist
- The OD, or Doctor of Optometry, is awarded after 4 years of optometry school and leads to the specialization of treatment of vision and eye problems, prescription of lenses and referral to physicians for surgery. Download Optometry Info Sheet (PDF).
- Physician Assistant
- Physician Assistants are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs work in doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, HMOs, and numerous other health professional settings. Most work in primary care, but PAs can work in all specialties, including surgery, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. Download Physician Assistant Info Sheet (PDF).
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapists evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. PTs assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities required in daily living. Download Physical Therapy Info Sheet (PDF).
- Chiropractor
- Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine (DCs) have an anatomical focus on the skeletal frame. The International Chiropractors Association defines chiropractic science as follows: The science of chiropractic deals with the relationship between the articulations of the skeleton and the nervous system and the role of this relationship in the restoration and maintenance of health. D.C.s make referrals to physicians for surgery. Download Chiropractic Info Sheet (PDF).
- Naturopathic Physician
- Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine (NDs) are licensed primary care providers in eleven states, including New Hampshire and Maine. They emphasize holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. Download Naturopathic Info Sheet (PDF).
- Podiatrist
- The DPM, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, practices a specialty medicine that focuses on the care and treatment of the feet and lower leg. DPMs may prescribe drugs and perform surgery on the feet. Download Podiatry Info Sheet (PDF).
To view the Info Sheets, you must have Adobe Reader.
- Pharmacist
- A Pharmacist (Pharm.D.) is a licensed "medication expert" who provides information regarding medication to consumers and health care professionals. Pharmacists are concerned with disease state management and safeguarding the public's health in matters relating to medication disstribution and use. Download Pharm. D. Info Sheet (PDF).
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