Lisa Davis, M.D., F.A.C.P. is a Doctor of Internal Medicine.
Doctors of Internal Medicine focus on adult medicine and have had special study and training focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. At least three of their seven (or more) years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults. Internists are sometimes referred to as the "Doctor's Doctor," because they are often called upon to act as consultants to other physicians to help solve puzzling diagnostic problems.

What's an "Internist"?
Simply put, Internists are Doctors of Internal Medicine -- Doctors for Adults. But you may see also them referred to by several terms, including "internists," "general internists" and "doctors of internal medicine." But don't mistake them with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of residency training.

Internists care for the whole patient.
Internists are equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient brings -- no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. They also bring to patients an understanding of wellness (disease prevention and the promotion of health), women's health, substance abuse, mental health, as well as effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.

What is FACP?

What do the letters FACP after Dr. Davis' name mean?
When you see the letters FACP after a physician's name they mean that he or she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP).

What is ACP?
The American College of Physicians is the largest society of internists in the world.

What is an ACP Fellow?
Fellows in ACP are a special group of doctors who are dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, or research. Fellowship is an honorary designation given to recognize ongoing individual service and contributions to the practice of medicine.

Fellowship in ACP is a mark of distinction. It says that your doctor has made -- and continues to make -- special efforts to be a better doctor. Ultimately, it says your doctor cares about delivering good health care.

What does ACP Fellowship mean to YOU and what can it mean for YOU?
Fellowship in the ACP means that as a patient you can have confidence in your doctor. Through continual self-improvement and study, he or she adds to the knowledge and skills needed to deliver appropriate care for your medical needs, whether directly to you or with other specialists.

What does Fellowship tell you about YOUR DOCTOR?
Your doctor is:

• Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, or another board acceptable to ACP. Certification requires having satisfactorily completed a minimum of 3 years of approved postgraduate training in internal medicine and passage of a rigorous 2-day examination. (This certification is sometimes waived because of other outstanding qualifications.)
• Recognized by other internists for excellence and skill in medical practice, teaching, or research.
• Pledged to keeping current with the latest advances in internal medicine.
• Committed to professional activities and patient care.

How does a doctor become a Fellow in ACP?
Doctors must show that they are always growing and learning in order for the honor of Fellowship to be conferred. They may show this through activities such as teaching, hospital appointments, public service, community health planning, continuing medical education, publishing scientific articles, and advanced training.

They must also be recommended by other ACP Fellows who must attest to their character, ethics, and excellence in professional medical activities.

What is a PA?

What is a Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, Physician Assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training.

What does "PA-C" stand for? What does the "C" mean?
PA-C Stands for Physician Assistant-Certified. It means that the person who holds the title has met the defined course of study and has undergone testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

What education and training does a PA have?
Physician Assistants receive a broad education in medicine. Their education is ongoing after graduation through continuing medical education requirements and continual interaction with physicians and other health care providers.

Physician Assistant educational programs usually take a minimum of 2 years to complete for full-time students. Most programs are at schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges. Many accredited PA programs have clinical teaching affiliations with medical schools. Most applicants to PA educational programs already have a college degree and some health-related work experience as registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics.

PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years and sit for a recertification every 6 years. Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure.

Dr. Davis' clinic sign says "Lisa Davis MD, PA". Is she a PA also?
No. Dr. Davis a "Medical Doctor" (MD) specifically trained in Internal Medicine. The "PA" on her sign is simply a required legal designation that her clinic is a "Professional Association" (PA) form of Business Corporation, formed under the laws of the State of Texas

"Professionals Dedicated to the Art and Science of Healing -- While Delivering the Highest Degree of Personal Service"