Specialists
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
- Medical specialists are medical professionals who have completed additional training and education in a specific area of medicine.
- They are experts in their field and are often consulted for their specialized knowledge and skills such as cardiology, pulmonology, plastic surgery, urology etc.
Clickable US map - find a doctor
WikiMD provides a comprehensive directory of over 1 million doctors, encompassing both primary care physicians and specialists across all the states and territories of the United States.
Also see By city
Medical specialization
Medical specialization refers to the practice of focusing on a specific group of patients, diseases, skills, or philosophical approach in the field of medicine.
Areas of focus
- Specialties may be focused on certain age groups, such as pediatrics for children, or specific areas of the body, such as oncology for cancer.
Training and education
- Medical professionals, such as physicians or surgeons, may further their education and training in a particular specialty by completing a residency program.
History
The history of medical specialization dates back to ancient times, with the modern system of specialties developing in the 19th century.
Types
- The specialties can be classified based on whether they involve surgery or internal medicine, the age range of patients they focus on, whether they are diagnostic or therapeutic in nature, and whether they are organ-based or technique-based.
- There are many different types of medical specialists, including primary care physicians, surgeons, and specialists in specific areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Primary care versus specialists
- Primary care physicians provide general medical care and are usually the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention.
- They may refer patients to specialists if they require further treatment or care in a specific area. Surgeons are medical specialists who perform operations and procedures to treat a variety of conditions.
Training and education
- Specialists in specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology or oncology, have extensive knowledge and training in their field and are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to their area of expertise. For example, a cardiologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, while an oncologist is a specialist in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- To become a medical specialist, a medical professional must first complete medical school and obtain a medical degree. They must then complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, which can take several years. Residency programs provide intensive training in the specific skills and knowledge required for the specialty. After completing their residency, medical specialists may also choose to become board certified in their specialty, which requires passing a certification exam.
Importance
- Medical specialists play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing specialized care to patients.
- They are often able to provide more advanced and targeted treatment options, and their expertise can be crucial in diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions.
Glossary of medical specialties
- Allergy and immunology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and immune system disorders.
- Adolescent medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare of adolescents and young adults.
- Anesthesiology - A medical specialty that focuses on the administration of drugs to prevent pain during surgery and other medical procedures.
- Aerospace medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the health and safety of people working in the aerospace industry, including pilots and astronauts.
- Bariatrics - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related conditions.
- Cardiology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
- Cardiothoracic surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest.
- Child and adolescent psychiatry - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in children and adolescents.
- Clinical neurophysiology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system using techniques such as electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG).
- Colorectal surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the colon and rectum.
- Dermatology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair, and nails.
- Developmental pediatrics - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of developmental delays and disabilities in children.
- Emergency medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries in the emergency department.
- Endocrinology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the endocrine system, which includes the glands that produce hormones.
- Family Medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the comprehensive healthcare of individuals and families, including preventive care and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
- Forensic pathology - A medical specialty that involves the examination of bodies to determine the cause of death in criminal cases or accidents.
- Forensic psychiatry - A medical specialty that involves the application of psychiatric principles and techniques to legal issues.
- Gastroenterology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system.
- General surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting the abdomen, chest, and other parts of the body.
- General surgical oncology - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer.
- Geriatrics - A medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare of older adults.
- Geriatric psychiatry - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in older adults.
- Gynecologic oncology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the female reproductive system.
- Hematology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the blood, including conditions such as anemia and leukemia.
- Hematologic pathology - A medical specialty that focuses on the examination of blood and bone marrow samples to diagnose and monitor blood disorders.
- Infectious disease - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens.
- Internal medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the internal organs of the body.
- Interventional radiology - A medical specialty that uses imaging techniques, such as X-rays and ultrasound, to guide minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies and stent placements.
- Intensive care medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
- Maternal-fetal medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the care of pregnant women and their fetuses, including the management of high-risk pregnancies.
- Medical biochemistry - A medical specialty that focuses on the chemical processes that occur in the body, including the metabolism of nutrients and the synthesis of hormones and other biomolecules.
- Medical genetics - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders and the study of inherited traits.
- Medical oncology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- Neonatology - A medical specialty that focuses on the care of newborn babies, including the management of premature or sick infants.
- Nephrology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders.
- Neurology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
- Neuropathology - A medical specialty that focuses on the study of diseases of the nervous system, including the examination of brain and spinal cord tissue samples.
- Neurosurgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Nuclear medicine (Nucleology) - A medical specialty that uses radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Obstetrics and gynecology - A medical specialty that focuses on the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the treatment of gynecological conditions.
- Occupational medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the prevention and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Ophthalmology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye.
- Orthopedic surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and tendons.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, and face.
- Otorhinolaryngology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat.
- Palliative care - A medical specialty that focuses on providing comfort and support to people with serious illnesses.
- Pathology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of tissues and fluids.
- Pediatrics - A medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare of children, including the prevention and treatment of childhood illnesses.
- Pediatric allergy and immunology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and immune system disorders in children.
- Pediatric cardiology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disorders in children.
- Pediatric emergency medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the care of critically ill or injured children in the emergency department.
- Pediatric endocrinology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders in children.
- Pediatric gastroenterology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders in children.
- Pediatric hematology and oncology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer in children.
- Pediatric infectious disease - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in children.
- Pediatric nephrology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders in children.
- Pediatric respiratory medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders in children.
- Pediatric rheumatology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in children.
- Pediatric surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting children.
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation - A medical specialty that focuses on the restoration of function and mobility in people with physical impairments or disabilities.
- Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the repair, reconstruction, or alteration of the body through surgery.
- Psychiatry - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
- Public health - A field that focuses on the health of populations and the prevention of disease through the promotion of healthy behaviors and the implementation of public health policies.
- Radiation oncology - A medical specialty that uses radiation therapy to treat cancer.
- Radiology - A medical specialty that uses imaging techniques, such as X-rays and MRI, to diagnose and monitor diseases.
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems and endocrine disorders that affect reproduction.
- Pulmunology or Respiratory medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders.
- Rheumatology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, which are conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.
- Sports medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries and the promotion of athletic performance.
- Thoracic surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the chest, including the lungs, heart, and esophagus.
- Toxicology - A medical specialty that focuses on the study of the harmful effects of chemicals and drugs on the body.
- Transfusion Medicine - A medical specialty that focuses on the safe use of blood and blood products for transfusion.
- Neuroradiology - A medical specialty that uses imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT, to diagnose and treat disorders of the brain and nervous system.
- Urology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
- Vascular surgery - A surgical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels.