Definitions of Medical Specialties
A-C D E F-H I-M N O P-Q R S-T U-Z
Allergy
and Immunology
An allergist/immunologist is a certified
internist or pediatrician expert in the evaluation, and management
of disorders involving immune system. Selected examples of such
conditions include asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis eczema, urticaria,
and adverse reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings.
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Anesthesiology
The anesthesiologist's principal task is providing pain relief
and maintenance of a stable condition during an operation. The
anesthesiologist assesses the risk of the patient undergoing
surgery and optimize the patient's condition prior to, during,
and after surgery. Anesthesiologists also diagnose and treat
acute and long-standing pain problems. They also direct resuscitation
in the care of patients with cardiac and respiratory emergencies,
including the provision of artificial ventilation. They also
supervise and teach others involved in anesthesia, respiratory,
and intensive care.
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Dermatology
A dermatologist is a physician concerned with the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of benign and malignant disorders of
the skin, mouth, hair, and nails. The dermatologist has had
training and experience in the management of skin cancers, moles,
and other tumors of the skin and in the use of the various techniques
for the correction of cosmetic defects of the skin. The dermatologist
is qualified in the care of normal skin and to administer treatment
for all skin diseases.
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Emergency
Medicine
Emergency Medicine is primarily a hospital-based specialty
which involves the treatment of patients who come to an emergency
room. The emergency physician provides immediate evaluation,
care, and disposition of patients with acute illness and injury.
If the emergency physician feels the patient should be admitted,
then they are referred to the appropriate specialty of medicine
or surgery for admission to the hospital. Emergency room physicians
care for people who have suffered trauma as in automobile accidents,
acute myocardial infarcts and life-threatening conditions then
refer to specialists continuing care . Emergency room physicians
are also able to handle smaller minor injuries that require
outpatient diagnosis and treatment such as acute infectious
diseases and lacerations. Many non-life-threatening emergencies
can be handled by the emergency room physician without hospitalization.
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Family Practice
Family Practice is the medical specialty concerned with the
total health care of the individual and the family. The family
practitioner can, in a sense, be considered the general practitioner
of medicine. Family practitioners mainly take care of adults,
but also are qualified to take care of children and some may
even elect to perform deliveries. The scope of family practice
is not limited by age, sex, or disease. Family practitioners
refer to other specialists when they deem it necessary. They
are also specially trained to recognize and treat problems of
family dynamics and how this impacts on the health of the individual
members.
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Internal
Medicine
A general internist provides medical care for adolescents and
adults. The general internist provides comprehensive care of
common and complex illnesses in the office, as well as in the
hospital. If they deem it necessary, they may refer to a specialist
in an outpatient setting. While in the hospital, they may ask
a specialist to come for additional consultation. Generally,
they are the one in charge of orchestrating, in complicated
cases, the different specialists who may be asked for consultations.
Internists May Sub-Specialize In:
Cardiovascular Medicine: Cardiologists sub-specialize
in diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels and manage
conditions such as heart attacks. They often perform complicated
diagnostic procedures such as cardiac catheterization.
Critical Care Medicine: This internist has sub-specialized
in managing life-threatening acute disorders in intensive care
units.
Endocrinology: The
endocrinologist concentrates on disorders of the internal (endocrine)
glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. They evaluate
and treat diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and glandular
disorders.
Gastroenterology: This subspecialty treats the digestive
organs which includes the stomach, bowels, liver, and gallbladder.
The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain,
ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice, and consults with surgeons
when abdominal operations indicated. Gastroenterologist examine
the hollow organs through lighted endoscopes and, through these
flexible tubes, can biopsy lining tissues and remove small polyps.
Geriatric Medicine: Geriatric Medicine is not regarded
as a subspecialty, but rather as an added competence in trained
internists. The elderly have special needs since they often
have an altered presentation of illness and special drug interactions.
Hematology: Hematologists sub-specialize in diseases
of the blood, spleen, and lymph glands. They treat conditions
such as anemia, clotting disorders, sickle cell disease, hemophilia
leukemia and lymphoma. They may perform special types of transfusions
and biopsy the bone marrow for analysis as is required for diagnosing
and treatment.
Infectious Disease: These sub-specialists deal with infectious
diseases of all types and in all organs. Conditions requiring
selective use of antibiotics call for this special skill. Patients
with fevers which have not been explained are often diagnosed
and treated by these sub-specialists, as well as rare and exotic
infections with bacteria, viral, and fungi. They are especially
suited to help in the treatment of patients who may present
multiple and unique infections.
Medical Oncology: The medical oncologist specializes
in the diagnosis and treatment on all types of cancer and other
benign and malignant tumors. These sub-specialists also decide
on and administer chemotherapy for malignancy, as well as consult
with surgeons and radiotherapists on treatment for cancer.
Nephrology: The nephrologist is concerned with disorders
of the kidney which may produce hypertension and fluid and mineral
imbalance. They are the ones chiefly involved in running dialysis
units. Dialysis is the mechanical removal of body wastes by
a machine when the kidneys do not function.
Pulmonary Disease: Pulmonary Disease is the subspecialty
concerned with diseases of the lungs and other chest tissues.
The pulmonologist diagnoses and treats diseases such as pneumonia,
cancer of the lung, asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Pulmonologists
test lung functions in many ways, including visually with the
bronchoscope and other pulmonary functions studies. Many pulmonary
disease experts supervise critical care units.
Rheumatology: Rheumatologists are concerned with diseases
of joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. The rheumatologist diagnoses
and treats arthritis, various types of back pain, muscle strains,
and common athletic injuries. They are especially trained to
treat and recognize diseases of the connective tissue and arteries
in many body systems called "collagen" diseases, for
example, scleroderma and lupus.
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Neonatal-Perinatal
Medicine
A specialist in neonatal-perinatal medicine is the principal
care provider for sick newborn infants. He/she brings extensive
experience derived from an intensively focused clinical interest
in the problems of newborns. This clinical expertise is used
for direct patient care and for consulting with obstetrical
colleagues to plan the care of mothers who have high-risk pregnancies.
The extensive and focused clinical experience with sick newborns
prepares the specialist as a consultant to general pediatricians
as they routinely care for most newborns.
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Neurological Surgery
The neurologic surgeon is involved
in the operative and non-operative management of patients with
disorders of the nervous system. They evaluate and treat the
disease processes which modify function for activity of the
nervous system. They are the ones who perform brain surgery
and also surgery on other nerves of the body such as carpal
tunnel syndrome of the wrist. In addition, they do surgery of
the spine when discs push on the nerves of the spine.
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Neurology
A neurologist is a physician concerned with diagnosis
and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central
and peripheral nervous system. They treat medical conditions
such as stroke, epilepsy, headaches, neck and back pain, and
Parkinson's Disease. They work closely with neurologic surgeons
and refer to them when they think a neurologic problem may respond
to surgery.
Neurologists use a variety of techniques and technology to assist
them in evaluating and diagnosing neurologic disorders. Disorders
may fall into the central nervous system- brain and spinal column,
peripheral nervous system-the nerves that cause the body to
function and have sensation, or the musculoskeletal system-when
the nerve muscle interactions may be responsible for symptoms.
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Nuclear Medicine
The nuclear medicine physician uses radionuclides and
nuclear imaging instrumentation systems. He serves as a consultant
to other physicians, obtaining by carrying out appropriate diagnostic
or therapeutic uses of radionuclides.
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Obstetrics
and Gynecology
The obstetrician and gynecologist often serve as consultants
to other physicians and may act sometimes as primary physicians
for women. They may elect to practice both obstetrics and gynecology
or specialize in one or the other.
Gynecologists provide complete routine care and treat problems
such as abnormal bleeding and tumors of the female organs, ovaries,
uterus, and cervix, and in doing so, use a variety of techniques,
such as Pap smears, biopsies, culdoscopy, and may treat lesions
with general surgery. The may provide counseling, treatment
and care to women with fertility problems.
Obstetricians provide comprehensive
care to the expecting mother during pregnancy for females before
and after pregnancy. Obstetricians are specially trained to
diagnose and treat complications that may develop in the course
of pregnancy and delivery.
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Obstetrician-gynecologists
may sub-specialize in:
Maternal Fetal Medicine: Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians
are obstetrician-gynecologists this sub-specialty focuses on
diagnosing, treating and caring for women and unborn babies
who are at risk of complications or illness during pregnancy
or who have been diagnosed with a disease or other medical problem.
Doctors who practice this specialty must complete an additional
two to three years of fellowship study and training on top of
their obstetrics degree.
Reproductive Endocrinology: Reproductive endocrinologists
are Obstetrician-Gynecologists with advanced fellowship training,
research and professional skills in Reproductive Endocrinology
& Infertility. These highly trained and qualified physicians
treat Reproductive Disorders that affect children, women, men,
the mature woman, and infertility in both men and women. Treatments
may include medical therapy, surgery and procedures that maximize
fertility potential such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye and vision
care. They are the only practitioners medically trained to diagnose,
monitor and medically or surgically treat all eyelid and orbital
problems affecting the eye and visual pathways and to diagnose,
monitor and treat all eye disorders. They diagnose, monitor,
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Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons are involved with care of patients with
muscle, bone, and joint problems. They treat trauma to the bones
and muscles, as well as infections and tumors of the muscoloskeletal
system. They treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, both
medically and surgically. Arthroscopy and joint replacement
surgery are done by orthopedists.
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Otolaryngology
An otolaryngologist is a head and neck surgeon who has been
prepared by accredited residency programs to provide comprehensive
medical and surgical care of patients with diseases and disorders
that affect the ear, the upper respiratory tract, and head and
neck in general. The otolaryngologist has an understanding of
communications sciences, including audiology, speech, and language
pathology. They also may perform allergy testing and treatment
of allergies which involve the head and neck. Head and neck
oncology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery are areas
of expertise
Otolaryngologists perform tonsillectomies, do surgery on the
parotid glad and structures of the neck and nose, as well as
the oral pharynx (mouth and throat), and tongue.
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Pathology
Pathologists are physicians who study the nature and causes
of disease and provide diagnostic testing and reports on specimens
sent to the lab by other doctors. Pathologists are prepared
to use their skills and knowledge for the diagnosis and monitoring
of disease by means of information gathered from the microscopic
examination of tissue specimens, cells, and body fluids, and
from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids. Pathologists
have the clinical training, as well as the laboratory expertise,
to function as consultants to physicians practicing clinical
medicine and to patients. Hundreds of tests are available. Examples
include biopsy and cytology (pap smear) interpretation for cancer,
blood counts and chemistries, cultures and therapeutic drug
monitoring. They work closely with technologists, administrators
and physicians to assure quality, accuracy and appropriate lab
testing.
Pathologists completing approved 4-5 year training programs
after medical school may take certification exams. A certified
specialist in pathology may subspecialize in the following areas:
Blood Banking, Chemical Pathology, Dermatopathology, Forensic
Pathology, Hematology, Immunopathology, Medical Microbiology,
or Neuropathology.
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Pediatrics
Pediatrics is the specialty of medical concerned with
the physical, emotional, and social health of children from
birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad
spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care
to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.
Pediatrics is a discipline that deals with biological, social,
and environmental influences on developing child and with the
impact of disease and dysfunction on development. Children differ
from adults anatomically, physiologically, immunologically,
psychologically, developmentally, and metabolically. A pediatrician
is able to define accurately the child's health status, as well
as being able to serve as a consultant and to make use of other
specialists as consultants. Because children's welfare if heavily
dependent on the home and family, the pediatrician supports
efforts to create a nurturing environment. Such support includes
education about healthful living anticipatory guidance for both
patients and parents.
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Pediatricians may sub-specialize
in:
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: A specialist in neonatal-perinatal
medicine is the principal care provider for sick newborn infants.
He/she brings extensive experience derived from an intensively
focused clinical interest in the problems of newborns. This
clinical expertise is used for direct patient care and for consulting
with obstetrical colleagues to plan the care of mothers who
have high-risk pregnancies. The extensive and focused clinical
experience with sick newborns prepares the specialist as a consultant
to general pediatricians as they routinely care for most newborns.
Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation
This is also referred to as Rehabilitation Medicine,
is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing and treating
patients with impairments and/or disabilities which involve
musculoskeletal, neurologic, or cardiovascular systems. The
primary focus is on maximal restoration of physical, psychological,
and vocational function and alleviation of pain. For diagnosis
and evaluation, a physiatrist may include the techniques of
electromyography and electrodiagnosis as supplements to the
standard history, physical, x-ray, and laboratory examinations.
In addition to traditional treatment modes, the specialist in
physical medicine and rehabilitation may use therapeutic exercises,
prosthetics, orthotics, and mechanical and electrical devices.
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Plastic
Surgery
This is a subspecialty of surgery which deals with the
repair, replacement, and reconstruction of defects which are
externally visible. They perform both reconstructive surgery
which may be needed after an accident and they perform aesthetic
(cosmetic) surgery on the face, breast, and body.
They have special advanced skills in cosmetic skin surgery and
perform such procedures as breast augmentation, changing facial
aesthetic deformities and suction lipectomy of unwanted fat.
Plastic surgeons may be trained in special microsurgery techniques
for reconstruction after trauma or injury, such as to the hand
or other parts of the body. Plastic surgeons often treat burn
patients and do skin grafts.
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Preventive
Medicine
Preventive Medicine focuses on defined populations in
order to maintain health. The distinctive components of Preventive
Medicine include:
1.Biostatistics
2. Epidemiology
3. Health Services Administration
4. Environmental and occupational influences on health
5. Social and behavioral influences on health.
6. Measures which prevent the occurrence, progression, and disabling
effects of disease of injury.
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Psychiatry
These specialists deal with mental, emotion and/or behavioral
disorders. They also enhance the adaptation of individuals who
are coping with stress, crisis, and other problems of living.
A psychiatrist may subspecialize in child psychiatry.
Psychiatrists, on occasion, hospitalize patients for more intensive
care observation or therapy. This type of attention is usually
provided in a mental health care hospital or facility with staff
especially trained to handle, evaluate, and support patients
with these needs. Psychiatrists are physicians who may utilize
drug therapy, counseling, psychoanalysis, and may work closely
with other physicians in ruling out other biological causes
of disease. Sometimes a psychiatrist may refer patients to psychologists
and social workers for additional support. Outpatient and office
management is an important part of the psychiatrist's service.
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Therapeutic
Radiology
Radiation oncology is that branch of radiology which deals with
application of radiant energy (x-rays) in the treatment of malignant
tumors.
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Diagnostic
Radiology
These are specialists of medicine who are highly trained
to read and interpret X-rays of the body. These physicians are
referred patients either as outpatients or in the hospital to
help in the medical or surgical evaluation of patients. They
prepare reports to the referring physic to help them diagnosis
and treatment plan. Additional techniques of evaluation include
ultrasound, CAT or MRI-scans. In addition, special invasive
procedures may be performed in which dyes may be injected into
arteries or veins to allow better visualization of body structures.
The radiologist also provides interventional care and may catheterize
arteries, perform angioplasty to expand and dilate the vessel
lumens to improve blood flow. Some radiologists are especially
trained to place thing needles into abnormalities detected by
the X-ray and take very small samples for diagnostic purposes.
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General
Surgery
A general surgeon manages surgical conditions affecting
almost any area of the body. General surgeons often evaluate
patients to determine whether surgery is needed or not. Patients
with acute abdominal pain may be examined by a surgeon to determine
if it is a surgical or non-surgical problem.
Some common operations performed by general surgeons are cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), appendectomy for appendicitis, operations to biopsy tissues for diagnostic purposes as in the breast, colon, liver, pancreas, and removal or repair of damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Some operations performed by general surgeons repair injured tissues without removing tissues.
Colorectal Surgery: A Colon and rectal surgeon is an expert in the surgical treatment of colon and rectal disease diseases. In addition to finishing a general surgery residency, a colorectal surgeon has undergone an additional year of advanced training to specialize in treating benign disorders and malignant diseases of the colon and rectum and in performing colonoscopies. They treat benign disorders such as hemorrrhoids, fissures, abscesses, anal incontince constipation and inflammatory bowel diseases. They also utilize the latest technologies and a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate and treat malignant diseases such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer.
General/Vascular Surgery: A surgeon with special qualifications in the management of surgical disorders of the blood vessels, excluding those of the heart, lungs, or brain.
Examples of operation performed
by general vascular surgeons include grafting of vessels that
are occluded by blood clot and atherosclerosis that may occur
in the carotid vessels, aorta, or leg vein arteries.
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Thoracic
Surgery
Thoracic Surgery encompasses the operative and critical
care of patients with pathologic conditions within the chest.
Cardiovascular surgery is included in this area and is the surgical
care of carotid and coronary artery disease, heart valves, and
birth anomalies of the heart. They may also treat surgically
tumors of the chest, including the lung, esophagus, and chest
wall. The management of the airway and injuries of the chest
is within the scope of this specialty.
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Urology
A specialist in Urology is a physician who has fulfilled the
requirements of, and is certified by, The American Board of
Urology. He is competent to manage benign and malignant medical
and surgical disorders of the adrenal gland and of the genital
and urinary systems. Urologists have comprehensive knowledge
of, and skills in endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgery
of congenital and acquired conditions of the reproductive urinary
systems and their related structures.
The urologist may do a cystoscopy to evaluate the bladder and drainage system from the kidneys. Examination of the prostate and rectal and various biopsy techniques so evaluate tumors of the prostate are also performed by the urologist. The urologist evaluates, diagnosis, and treats in both males and females. Procedures to treat a variety of conditions ranging from urinary incontinence, inability to urinate, infections of the urinary tract, as well as tumors, are some of the areas covered by urology. {Top of Page}