HealthJuly 17, 2026

diplomate

/ˈdɪpləˌmeɪt/

Definition

A physician who has been certified by a specialty board as having met the requirements to practice in a specific medical or surgical field.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'diploma,' meaning a document conferring a privilege or honor, which itself comes from the Greek 'diplōma,' meaning a folded paper. It entered English to describe someone who holds such a certificate or credential.

In the news

In this article, the term is used as part of a professional title for Megan Kawasaki, MD, indicating her specialized certification and expertise in the field of anesthesiology.

Shaping the Future of Health Care Through Teaching and Mentorship

Read the full article ↗

UC San Diego Today

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