Doctors

Although there have been many designs for the Medical Corp staff insignia, the current Oak Leaf and Acorn design are a reflection of those within the field desiring to enforce the idea that they are US Naval Officers, first, and Medical Professionals second.

As noted in the fine report, entered by the previous contributor in the first URL, below, the Oak Leaf symbolizes strength and the Acorn symbolizes development. Both have been used extensively, intoning those meanings throughout naval history.

The Oak Leaf and Acorn design was introduced in a General Order, 01 November 1883, and went into effect 01 July 1884. It beat out a competitor, the maroon Geneva cross, set in a silver Maltese cross.

The Naval Flight Surgeon corps, adds a wing to the Medical Corps device, which obviously indicates the staff corps' aerial ties. The first insignia was designed by Dr. H.J. "Tex" Rickard, who had been designated a Naval Flight Surgeon in July 1940. There have been a few changes since, including the change of the wing to be identical to that of Naval Aviators, as initially recommended by Captain Rickard.

The report, in the first URL, below, "The History of theNavy Medical Corps Insignia: A Case for Diagnosis", contains the full history, including some alternative theories that have been used to explain the device, such as the thought that they were used throughout the years to indicate a connection with Druidic healers, even though no information exists, militarily or otherwise, that such symbolism has ever been used to express such a link.

The report linked in the second URL, below, "Insignias", contains a cornucopia of information about current and past US Naval Uniforms and Insignia, including that of the Naval Flight Surgeons, as of 2005.

1. A Bachelor's degree with certain required courses, including introductory biology, chemistry and physics; organic chemistry; and often biochemistry and literature classes.

2. An M.D. degree, with two years of medical classes, one year of residency and one year of internship

3. Specialized training in the subfield of medicine one chooses to enter The common path to practicing as a physician requires 8 years of education beyond high school and 3 to 8 additional years of internship and residency. All States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories license physicians. Education and training. Formal education and training requirements for physicians are among the most demanding of any occupation-4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 years rather than the customary 8 years. Premedical students must complete undergraduate work in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Students also take courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience in the health professions. The minimum educational requirement for entry into medical school is 3 years of college; most applicants, however, have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. There are 146 medical schools in the United States-126 teach allopathic medicine and award a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree; 20 teach osteopathic medicine and award the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Acceptance to medical school is highly competitive. Applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test, and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant's character, personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require an interview with members of the admissions committee. Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, microbiology, pathology, medical ethics, and laws governing medicine. They also learn to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses. During their last 2 years, students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics, learning acute, chronic, preventive, and rehabilitative care. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in the diagnosis and treatment of illness. Following medical school, almost all M.D.s enter a residency-graduate medical education in a specialty that takes the form of paid on-the-job training, usually in a hospital. Most D.O.s serve a 12-month rotating internship after graduation and before entering a residency, which may last 2 to 6 years. A physician's training is costly. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in 2004 more than 80 percent of medical school graduates were in debt for educational expenses. Licensure and certification. All States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories license physicians. To be licensed, physicians must graduate from an accredited medical school, pass a licensing examination, and complete 1 to 7 years of graduate medical education. Although physicians licensed in one State usually can get a license to practice in another without further examination, some States limit reciprocity. Graduates of foreign medical schools generally can qualify for licensure after passing an examination and completing a U.S. residency. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 7 years in residency training, depending on the specialty. A final examination immediately after residency or after 1 or 2 years of practice also is necessary for certification by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The ABMS represents 24 boards related to medical specialties ranging from allergy and immunology to urology. The AOA has approved 18 specialty boards, ranging from anesthesiology to surgery. For certification in a subspecialty, physicians usually need another 1 to 2 years of residency. Other qualifications. People who wish to become physicians must have a desire to serve patients, be self-motivated, and be able to survive the pressures and long hours of medical education and practice. Physicians also must have a good bedside manner, emotional stability, and the ability to make decisions in emergencies. Prospective physicians must be willing to study throughout their career to keep up with medical advances. Advancement. Some physicians and surgeons advance by gaining expertise in specialties and subspecialties and by developing a reputation for excellence among their peers and patients. Many physicians and surgeons start their own practice or join a group practice. Others teach residents and other new doctors, and some advance to supervisory and managerial roles in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section indicated below.

You should contact whichever board does this certification so as to insure a good answer.

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