Medical Specialties

Allergists and immunologists diagnose and manage those disorders related to the immune system function, including allergic response. Although there are no subspecialties within this specialty, physicians may seek dual certification with additional subspecialties: Allergy/Immunology and Pediatric Pulmonology; Allergy/Immunology and Pediatric Rheumatology; and Allergy/Immunology and Adult Rheumatology.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Allergies: A sensitivity disorder of the immune system that causes a disproportionate immune system response to external stimulus
• Asthma: A chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes airway restrictions making it difficult to breathe
• Immunodeficiency Disorders: Autoimmune disease as well as complications from organ transplantation

Anesthesiologists provide pain treatment for patients undergoing surgery or diagnostic procedures while monitoring critical organ functions. Additionally, anesthesiologists diagnose and treat chronic pain conditions. There are several subspecialties within anesthesiology, including:

• Critical Care Medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of critical illness or injury such as major trauma or multiple organ dysfunction
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Care and management of debilitating symptoms associated with terminal illnesses
• Pain Medicine: The management of acute or chronic pain
• Pediatric Anesthesiology: Provides anesthesiology services for babies, children or adolescents who are undergoing primary medical care

This clinical specialty applies advanced scientific and medical technologies for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related dysfunction, disorders, and diseases. One of its goals is to prolong the healthy lifespan in humans. The phrase "anti-aging" relates to the application of advanced biomedical technologies focused on the early detection, prevention, and treatment of aging-related disease.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Arthritis: A chronic and degenerative inflammatory joint disease
• Dementia: Loss of cognitive ability beyond what is expected in normal aging
• Diabetes: The body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar and insulin levels
• Falls & Mobility Problems: Brought on by joint instability, inner ear imbalance or Osteoporosis: A progressive bone disease causing decreased bone mass and density

Dentists are involved in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the mouth, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures. Proper dentral treatment transcends a strict focus on the teeth and gums to include an evaluation of how oral health impacts overall health.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Tooth Decay: Occurs when plaque, a sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with sugars and/or starches in food
• Gum (Periodontal) Disease: An infection in the gums surrounding the teeth and one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults
• Bad Breath: About 85% of people with persistent bad breath halitosis) have a dental condition that is to blame
• Oral Cancer: Pertains to the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages
• Toothaches and Dental Emergencies: These can be caused by many factors including accidents or injuries

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin-related conditions, including acne, birthmarks, dermatitis, hair loss, scars, sexually transmitted diseases and skin cancer. Dermatologists also address changes in the skin that occur with age.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Acne: A skin condition involving the oil glands that causes raised pimples and skin irritation
• Birthmarks: Prominent birthmarks may be removed or diminished through dermatological treatment
• Moles or Wart Removal: Removing benign growths from the surface of the skin
• Rashes or Irritations: Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis that cause discomfort or a visible rash or irritation
• Skin Cancers and Tumors: Cancerous and pre-cancerous skin lesions and tumors

Emergency medicine physicians are skilled in making prompt decisions about patient care based on immediate necessity, such as in response to accident, injury or trauma. Emergency medicine doctors may practice in a number of specialties for specific conditions, including:

• Emergency Medical Services: Providing medical treatment for acute injuries or illness in pre-hospital settings
• Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine: Expertise in emergency care related to critical illness and injury including multiple organ dysfunction
• Medical Toxicology: Treating acute injury and illness related to drug poisoning, chemical exposure, or biologic/radiological agent exposure
• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine: Treatment of decompression illnesses and administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Family physicians practice preventative and diagnostic medicine such as health assessments, screening tests and immunization in patients of all ages. They may also treat acute and chronic conditions and coordinate health care among other specialists if needed. There are a number of age-specific subspecialties within family medicine.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Accidents and Injuries: Injuries such as sprains, strains or broken bones including cuts, abrasions and other trauma
• Aches, Pains, and General Health Concerns: Illnesses or injuries that aren’t responding to home treatments or over-the-counter medication
• Preventative Medicine: Routine health check-ups, general health counseling and administering immunizations

This holistic approach to medicine also may be referred to as alternative medicine or Eastern medicine. Taking into account all aspects of a person's lifestyle, it emphasizes the partnership relationship between medical doctor and patient in therapeutic care.

Key Tenets:

• All factors that influence health and wellness are taken into consideration. The understanding of health includes not only the body but also the mind, spirit, and community environment.
• Whenever possible, a natural and less invasive treatment approach should be used.
• Medicine must be based on inquiry using scientific study and principles. New treatment modalities, once proven, are vital.
• Treatment of illness is always at the forefront, but it shares space with broader concepts of healthful living and illness prevention.

Internists practice long-term comprehensive care related to conditions affecting internal organs including the digestive and respiratory tract as well as vascular systems. There are numerous subspecialties addressed in internal medicine, many of which are organ or system specific.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Diabetes: The body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar and insulin levels
• Digestive Problems: Diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain, ulcers and other gastroenterological concerns.
• Heart and Circulatory Conditions: Compromised heart function and regulation or problems maintaining proper blood circulation or pressure

• Organ Failure and Transplants: Replacement of a malfunctioning organ with a healthy donor organ

This specialty focuses on the connection between genetics and overall health, treating individuals with hereditary disorders. They also provide genetic counseling and prenatal testing, and help coordinate additional care for those with gene and chromosomal disorders.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic lung disease causing breathing problems and recurrent lung infections
• Down Syndrome: A chromosomal abnormality, typically diagnosed in prenatal testing
• Huntington’s Disease: A degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system
• Muscular Dystrophy: A degenerative disease causing muscle weakness and sometimes mental retardation

Neurological surgeons treat conditions related to the central nervous system, as well as the nerves, supportive structures and blood supply for the central nervous system. Treatments may be surgical or nonsurgical, including diagnosis and testing.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Aneurysm: An abnormal enlargement of an artery that can be repaired through surgery
• Brain Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the skull that puts pressure on the brain
• Brain Tumors: Benign or malignant growths within the brain

Nuclear medicine specialists focus on using special molecular tracing imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis and therapy of health conditions. This molecular imaging provides information about cellular and organ function, and can be combined with other types of imaging as well to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Coronary Artery Disease: The use of myocardial perfusion imaging evaluates heart muscle function
• Infections: Molecular imaging can be used for white cell studies to track and manage infection.
• Renal Disorders: Kidney dysfunction can be diagnosed through renal function imaging
• Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer can be diagnosed with molecular imaging

An obstetrician/gynecologist focuses primarily on women’s health issues including preventative care as well as pregnancy and childbirth. Health concerns related to reproductive and gynecological disorders are also treated by OB specialists.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Gynecological Concerns: Imbalances such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and other dysfunctions
• Pregnancy: Regular wellness checkups for mother and fetus, as well as treatment following childbirth, including miscarriage
• Reproductive Health: Hormonal and other forms of birth control, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain and other reproductive concerns
• Women’s Wellness: PAP smears, breast exams and other wellness treatments including hormone replacement

Ophthalmologists practice medical and surgical care of the eyes, including diagnosis and treatment of specific eye conditions as well as general vision care like issuing glasses or contact lens prescriptions and performing surgery if needed.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Cataracts: Cloudiness on the lens of the eye that can impair vision
• Corneal Disease: Infections or injuries to the cornea
• Glaucoma: A group of disorders causing gradual loss of vision
• Macular Degeneration: Severe, permanent vision loss that occurs gradually and is the most common cause of blindness in older adults
• Vision Impairment: For trouble seeing items up close or far away, ophthalmologists can issue a corrective prescription.

Orthopedic surgeons focus primarily on the joints but also treat musculoskeletal as a whole, including congenital deformities, degenerative disease, infections, injuries and other trauma. Orthopedic surgeons also practice functional preservation of the extremities and the spine. Subspecialties include hand surgery and sports medicine.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Arthritis: A chronic and degenerative inflammatory joint disease
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel, causing wrist and hand pain
• Joint Replacement: Replacement of hips or other joints due to arthritis, injury or trauma
• Knee Conditions: Ligament injuries, joint pain or knee replacement can all be performed by orthopedic surgeons

Commonly referred to as ear, nose and throat doctors, an otolaryngologist provides treatment for concerns relating to the upper respiratory tract, nose, sinuses and throat, including performing reconstructive surgery if needed.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Deviated Septum: A deviation in the septum that can contribute to sinusitis
• Earaches: Infections or inflammation of the ear that cause discomfort in one or both ears
• Sinus Problems: Recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis
• Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Conditions that interfere with normal breathing function during sleep

Pathology is the study of diseases through the use of laboratory tests to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Pathologists perform microscopic examinations of patient specimens to identify and monitor disease. There are several systemic-specific subspecialties available within the pathology specialty, performing duties such as:

• Forensic Pathologists: Investigate and evaluate suspicious deaths; performs medical examiner and coroner duties including autopsies
• Transfusion Medicine: Responsible for all aspects relating to blood banking, blood donors and blood supply including compatibility testing before transfusions.

Pediatricians focus on treatment of children from infancy through childhood, adolescence and into young adulthood, including all aspects of physical and emotional health. Treatments may be preventative for wellness care to acute or chronic health concerns. There are several different subspecialties available within pediatrics.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Behavioral Concerns: Pediatricians also help diagnose and treat behavioral concerns, including learning disorders like dyslexia, ADD, and developmental disabilities.
• Childhood Illnesses: From nutritional deficiencies to earaches, immunizations or chicken pox, pediatricians address a wide range of childhood illnesses
• Serious Health Conditions: Treatment of more serious pediatric concerns such as cancer or congenital heart defects

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation evaluate patients for appropriate physical therapy and/or cognitive therapy treatments following trauma or injury, or related to certain medical conditions. Treatments can include therapeutic exercises, prescriptions, pain management, and help adjusting to prostheses use. There are several subspecialties within this field.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Amputation: Physiatrists help patients adjust to the use of prostheses after the loss of a limb, or adjust to a limb’s absence.
• Brain or Spinal Cord Injury: Assistance with rehabilitative and/or cognitive exercises to promote recovery following a brain or spinal cord injury or trauma
• Sports Injury: Recovery assistance after a sports-related injury or trauma

Plastic surgeons perform repairs and reconstructions for both form and function. They may address skin, musculoskeletal or craniofacial structures, including the hand, breast and trunk and genitalia, including improving the cosmetic appearance of these features.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Aesthetic Concerns: Nose shape or ears that are too prominent for the face, improving definition of chin or cheekbones, breast enhancement procedures
• Cleft Lip/Palate: A birth defect that involves the incomplete formation of the lip or palate, leading to problems with nursing and eating, breathing and speech patterns.
• Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring: Following major weight loss, loose skin and tissue can be excised and the body recontoured

Preventative medicine specialists work toward improved health on a larger scale. This is the branch of medicine that develops and manages health policies within communities as well as through legislative and regulatory processes. There are a number of subspecialties within this category. Typical conditions addressed through preventative medicine specialists include:

• Aerospace Medicine: Researching and administering treatments for crewmembers and passengers involved in the aerospace industry
• Occupational Medicine: Maintaining health in the workplace while taking into consideration the biological, chemical and environmental factors involved
• Public Health: Educating communities about preventative health as well as implementing treatments and containment on a wide scale if necessary

Psychiatrists evaluate and treat mental and emotional disorders ranging from mild to severe, and also treat addictive and substance-related disorders. There are a number of subspecialties within this specialty.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Addiction: Alcohol or drug abuse, addiction to other substances or harmful behaviors like self-harm
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Problems with specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• Depression: A feeling of persistent sadness that interferes with daily life
• Eating disorders: Binging and purging or excessive diet and exercise due to body image dysmorphia
• Mental Illness: Schizophrenia, bipolar behavior ranging from manic to depressive, autism spectrum illnesses, and personality disorders.

A radiologist uses imaging technology to aid in delivering proper diagnosis for patients as well suggest therapeutic treatment options. Radiologists may specialize in either diagnostic radiology, specifically for diagnosis of varying health conditions, or radiation oncology, which focuses on different cancers.

Common Treatments Performed:

• CAT Scans: Similar to an X-ray, but looks at soft tissue to detect conditions like internal bleeding, abnormal growths or appendicitis.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging; the use of radio waves and magnetic fields to create an image
• X-ray: Aids in diagnosis of broken bones and also lung infections as well as a number of other conditions

A general surgeon provides diagnostic care and treatment for patients across a broad spectrum of health conditions and disorders, including pediatric care, cancer patients and those who are suffering from acute or chronic ailments. There are a number of different subspecialties within general surgery for more specialized training either in a particular area of the body or for a specific condition (such as cancer).

Common Conditions Treated:

• Appendicitis: The infection and/or rupture of the appendix
• Bowel Obstructions: Blockages or deformations preventing normal bowel function
• Breast Disease: Tumors or benign growths in the breast tissue
• Trauma Surgery: Surgery to treat acute injuries following trauma

Thoracic surgeons specifically treat diseases or trauma of the heart and other chest organs, including the esophagus and trachea, as well as the heart itself (including arteries and valves) and lungs. Congenital cardiac surgeons are a subspecialty of thoracic surgery, focusing on congenital heart problems present from birth.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Congenital Heart Disorders: Birth defects such as holes or malformations that prevent normal heart function
• Coronary Disease: Disease or blockages in the heart or arteries
• Heart Transplant: Replacement of a malfunctioning heart with a healthy donor heart
• Lung Cancer: Cancer of the lungs, involving full or partial surgical removal

Urologists diagnose and treat disorders of the urinary tract in both men and women, including nonsurgical concerns like urinary tract infections as well as surgical management of congenital defects and cancers. Subspecialties include pediatric urology for care in children and adolescents, and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Common Conditions Treated:

• Enlarged Prostate: Excess tissue growth in the prostate
• Kidney Stones: Solid masses formed in the kidneys that may require surgical removal
• Stress Incontinence: Involuntary urine emission, commonly seen in women following pregnancy
• Urinary Tract Infections: Infections of the urinary tract