General Practitioners:

When they get sick, most people turn to their general practitioner. A general practitioner, also known

as a family doctor, does not specialize in any particular area of medicine. They see people of all ages

and with all types of ailments. General practitioners are responsible for treating ailments easily dealt

with, or ordering tests to help diagnose a problem. They also refer patients to specialists if needed.

Specialists:

Specialists are doctors who have focused their training in one particular area of medicine, such as

brain disorders or cancer. These doctors only treat the conditions in which they specialize. Often,

patients must be referred to a specialist through another doctor. Specialists may also be certified by a

board made up of physicians in that specialty. Many times, specialists have extensive post-graduate

education.

Surgeons:

Unlike other doctors, surgeons do not usually participate in the diagnosis of a condition, or in

determining a course of treatment. However, they play a vital role in how treatment can play out.

Surgeons perform operations on patients. This can mean anything from installing pins into a broken

arm to removing an inflamed appendix. Surgeons often specialize in the type of surgery they perform,

focusing on a specific body part or condition.

M.D. vs. D.O:

M.D. stands for "medical doctor" while D.O. stands for "doctor of osteopathy." Both types of doctors

attend four years of medical school and pass similar licensing exams. After medical school, doctors of

osteopathy focus on the musculoskeletal system and preventive care, while medical doctors

specialize in a variety of fields, as well as the use of modern medicines. Overall, osteopathic doctors

take a more "whole-body" approach to health, while medical doctors are more apt to focus on treating

individual ailments.

PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS

A primary care provider (PCP) is a person you may see first for checkups and health problems. If

you have a health care plan, find out what type of practitioner can serve as your PCP.

Trained in every major area of medicine, primary care doctors serve as the primary source of your

health care throughout life.

Family Medicine:

Family medicine doctors provide continuing comprehensive primary care to your whole family.

They see patients of all ages.

Internal Medicine:

Internal medicine doctors, internists, specialize in the study, diagnosis and treatment of non-

surgical diseases in adult patients. An internist is trained to diagnose and treat complex illnesses, as

well as manage the prevention of illness. Some internists, geriatricians, specialize in the health-care

needs of the elderly.

Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (IM/Peds):

Doctors who specialize in internal medicine and pediatrics have completed a combined residency

program in internal medicine and pediatrics. They are able to provide preventive care as well as

care for the complex medical problems of adults and children.

Obstetrics and Gynecology:

General Obstetricians and gynecologists specialize in providing health care to women.

Obstetricians care for the woman before, during and after a pregnancy, while gynecologists deal

with disorders and diseases of the female reproductive tract.

Pediatrics

Pediatricians specialize in the treatment of newborns, infants, children and adolescents. It is their

role to plan and carry out a medical care program for children – from birth through adolescence.

They provide preventive health care as well as care for acute and chronic illness.

The term “generalist” often refers to medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine

(DOs) who specialize in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics.

OB/GYNs are doctors who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, including women’s health care,

wellness, and prenatal care. Many women use an OB/GYN as their primary care provider.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are nurses with graduate training. They can serve as a primary care

provider in family medicine (FNP), pediatrics (PNP), adult care (ANP), or geriatrics (GNP). Others

are trained to address women’s health care (common concerns and routine screenings) and family

planning. In some states NPs can prescribe medications. A physician assistant (PA) can provide a

wide range of services in collaboration with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Osteopathy (DO).

NURSING CARE

Registered nurses (RNs) have graduated from a nursing program, have passed a state board

examination, and are licensed by the state.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are state-licensed caregivers who have been trained to care for the

sick.

Advanced practice nurses have education and experience beyond the basic training and licensing

required of all RNs. This includes nurse practitioners (NPs) and the following:

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) have training in a field such as cardiac, psychiatric, or community

health.

Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have training in women’s health care needs, including prenatal,

labor and delivery, and postpartum care.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) have training in the field of anesthesia.

SPECIALTY CARE

Your primary care provider may refer you to professionals in various specialties when necessary,

such as:

Allergy and Asthma

Anesthesiology General anesthesia or spinal block for surgeries and some forms

of pain control

Cardiology Heart disorders

Dermatology Skin disorders

Endocrinology Hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes

Gastroenterology Digestive system disorders

General Surgery Common surgeries involving any part of the body

Hematology Blood disorders

Immunology Disorders of the immune system

Infectious Disease Infections affecting the tissues of any body system

Nephrology Kidney disorders

Neurology Nervous system disorders

Obstetrics/Gynecology Pregnancy women’s reproductive disorders

Oncology Cancer treatment

Ophthalmology Eye disorders and surgery

Orthopedics Bone and connective tissue disorders

Otorhinolaryngology Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) disorders

Physical Therapy and

Rehabilitative Medicine

Disorders such as low back injury, spinal cord injuries, and

stroke

Psychiatry Emotional or Mental disorders

Pulmonary (lung) Respiratory tract disorders

Radiology X-rays and related procedures (such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI)

Rheumatology Pain and other symptoms related to joints and other parts of the

musculoskeletal system

Urology Disorders of the male reproductive and urinary tracts and the

female urinary tract

Types of Doctors - Specialty Definitions

Acupuncture:

Uses procedures adapted from Chinese medicine to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.

Addiction Medicine:

Works with patients who have substance abuse disorders. Specializes in prevention, diagnosis,

treatment of withdrawal, medical or psychiatric complications, relapse, and the monitoring of

recovery.

Adolescent Medicine:

The specialty of physicians with the experience and training to help young people meet the medical,

psychological and social challenges that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Aerospace Medicine:

Focused on the health of the crew, passengers, and support personnel of air and space vehicles.

AIDS/HIV Care:

A multidisciplinary effort that’s often led by primary-care physicians working in cooperation with

case managers, registered nurses, nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, and others.

The goal: Improve the health and comfort of AIDS/ HIV patients by addressing their physical and

emotional needs.

Allergy/Immunology:

Concerned with the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune

system, including asthma, eczema, allergic reactions, problems related to autoimmune disease,

organ transplantation, and immune system malignancies.

Anesthesiology:

The science of applying anesthetics and managing pain during medical procedures.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who are primarily concerned with administering the various drugs

that keep patients from feeling pain during surgery and other procedures and childbirth.

Asthma, Allergy & Immunology:

The study and treatment of the body's reaction to foreign substances. The ailments treated by

immunologists include hay fever, asthma, hives and other abnormal responses to allergens that

range from dust and food to animals and chemicals.

Audiologist:

Focused on identifying, diagnosing, and treating hearing disorders.

Bariatrician:

Focused on the care of obese patients.

Breast-Cancer Surgery:

Surgeons specializing in cancer of the breast are skilled in a number of surgical options, ranging

from mastectomies to sentinel-node biopsies. They also work with a multidisciplinary team that

may include oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists and others to determine the best strategy for

follow-up treatment and care.

Cardiac Surgery:

Highly trained and certified cardiac surgeons correct and repair multiple heart conditions,

including coronary artery disease and congenital heart disease. Many cardiac surgeons specialize in

minimally invasive surgeries that are performed through a small incision and require less recovery

time and improve patient safety and comfort.

Cardiology:

The study of the heart. Cardiologists often specialize in a particular area, but collectively they

diagnose and treat patients suffering from diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels; perform

heart surgeries; and educate patients on preventing heart problems and living a heart-healthy

lifestyle.

Chiropractic:

Therapeutic method of treatment based on interaction of the spine and nervous system. Note - these

are not medical doctors designated by MD, but instead commonly designated by D.C.

Clinical Laboratory Immunology:

Focused on conducting tests of specimens to determine a patient’s general health. Results are used

by physicians to diagnose illnesses and determine proper treatment.

Clinical Pathology:

Concerned with diagnosing a disease based on laboratory analysis of body fluids.

Colorectal Surgery:

The treatment of diseases of the intestinal tract, anus and rectum through surgery. Colorectal

surgeons not only operate to remove malignancies, they strongly encourage the testing that can lead

to early detection. If caught early, colorectal cancer can be cured. Colorectal surgeons also deal with

hemorrhoids, polyps and other ailments.

Critical Care:

Emergency departments and special-care units offer the services of highly trained physicians and

nurses to provide minute-to-minute care to critically ill patients and patients whose lives are in

danger.

Cytopathology:

Focused on the diagnosis of disease through the study of cells, including pap tests. This specialist is

a consultant to all medical specialists.

Dermatology:

The medical field devoted to the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the skin.

Dermatologists help patients deal with a range of concerns, from warts to acne to skin cancers.

Dermatopathology:

Focused on the laboratory study of skin samples.

Diabetes:

Specialists in this field of medicine provide education in diabetes management, along with other

tools to help patients take control of their diabetes and prevent it from interfering with active,

healthy lives.

Diagnostic Radiologist:

Radiology Uses radiant energy in diagnosis and therapeutic procedures. Includes imaging through

X-rays, ultrasound, etc.

Emergency Medicine:

Emergency medicine specialists provide urgently needed treatment for injured and ill patients to

prevent a worsening of the condition, disability or death. This treatment and care usually takes

place in a hospital emergency room.

Endocrinology:

This branch of medicine focuses on the body’s “ductless” glands and how they function.

Endocrinologists are concerned with the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, among others, as

well as nutritional disorders, sexual disorders, and problems such as diabetes and hypertension.

Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology:

ESNR specialists focus on less invasive, catheter-based techniques to treat patients who are unable

to undergo conventional surgery or in situations where no conventional surgery options exist.

Epilepsy:

Neurologists specializing in this field of care help patients living with epilepsy and other seizure

disorders live full and active lives. Treatment can involve surgery or medications, or can be a

combination of both.

Family Practice:

Family practice physicians provide comprehensive medical care with an emphasis on caring for all

members of the family. Family practice builds upon a core of knowledge derived from other

disciplines, primarily pediatrics, internal medicine, OB/GYN, geriatrics, surgery and psychiatry.

The family practitioner plays the role of personal physician.

Gastroenterology:

The study and treatment of conditions of the digestive system. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and

treats disorders of the stomach, intestines, bowels and other structures, such as the liver, gall

bladder, pancreas and esophagus. Gastroenterologists focus on maladies that include ulcers,

jaundice, hepatitis and cancer.

General Practice:

Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disease by both medical and surgical methods,

regardless of organ system, body region, or patient age.

General Surgery:

The study and practice of all types of surgical operations. General surgeons perform a number of

procedures aimed at treating a range of diseases and conditions, including cancer, appendicitis,

tonsillitis and hernia.

Geriatrics:

The study of aging and the treatment of problems in the elderly. Geriatric-care specialists consider

a range of illnesses and conditions as they specifically affect the aged. These physicians frequently

address the psychological and social aspects of aging, in addition to the physical aspects.

Gynecologic Oncology:

The study, diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancers in the female reproductive system,

including breast care.

Gynecology:

The study and care of the female reproductive system, including breast care. Gynecologists provide

routine care for women and treat a full spectrum of illnesses that particularly affect women.

Gynecology Oncology:

Focused on gynecologic cancer and its complications.

Hand Surgery:

Surgeons in this specialty are trained to diagnose and repair damaged and injured hands. The

conditions they treat range from carpal tunnel syndrome to sport-related injuries and the

reattachment of severed fingers.

Head and Neck Surgery:

Surgeons who are trained in head and neck surgery generally have subspecialties in areas that

include otology (diseases of the ear), rhinology (diseases of the nose) and/or laryngology (diseases

of the throat and larynx).

Headache:

Neurologists who specialize in treating victims of chronic headaches and migraines and offer their

patients multiple treatment options, including the latest medications, physical therapy,

biofeedback and psychological counseling.

Hematology:

The medical specialty concerned with blood and the blood system. A hematologist treats blood

diseases such as cancer, lymphoma, serious anemia and sickle cell disease.

Hematology/Oncology:

Specifically trained to treat diseases of the blood and cancer.

Hepatology:

Concerned with treating liver, gallbladder, and pancreas disorders.

Holistic Medicine:

Focuses on the whole person and looks at physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being

prior to determining a treatment.

Hospitalist:

Provides general medical care of hospital patients. Responsible for patient care and research.

Coordinates with patient’s primary care/referring physician.

Immunology:

Focused on the body’s ability to combat infectious or irritating substances that threaten it with

disease.

Infectious Diseases:

Diseases, often communicable, that are caused by the growth of various microorganisms, including

bacteria and viruses. A specialist in infectious diseases diagnoses and treats patients affected by

illnesses ranging from pneumonia to salmonella to AIDS.

Infertility Medicine:

A field of treatment and research aimed at helping individuals and couples who want children but

are having fertility problems or are otherwise having trouble conceiving. Procedures might include

artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, where an egg is removed from a woman’s ovary,

fertilized in a lab and then placed in the woman’s uterus.

Internal Medicine:

A broad-based medical field in which physicians rely on their knowledge of major organs to

diagnose and treat patients. Internists treat a variety of afflictions, from colds and heart problems to

infectious diseases. Internists often serve as a patient's primary doctor, coordinating all that

person's health care.

Interventional Cardiology:

Focuses on catheter-based treatment of heart disease including angioplasty, valvuloplasty, and

coronary thrombectomy.

Legal Medicine:

Focused on various aspects of medicine and the law, including the use of medicine to solve criminal

cases, medical malpractice, and government regulation.

Lymphologist:

Please note there is no official clinical designation of lymphologist. The term may be used in a

couple ways. First, for those of us with lymphedema, we often refer to doctors who are treating or

who have extensive knowledge of lymphedema as lymphologists. We use this so that we might

share with other lymphedema patients doctors we know that can help us.

The other way I have seen it used more and more is by doctors who have suddenly realized that

they may get additional patients by referring to themselves are lymphologist. Be very careful if you

see this. I have found a number of doctors claiming to be experts in lymphedema, calling

themselves lymphologists as anything but.

Do your research on this. If need be, please email me at the email address below. Pat - page editor

Medical Oncology:

Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant

tumors.

Medical Toxicology:

Concerned with treating patients who have been exposed to poisons including medications,

adverse drug reactions, environmental toxins, industrial chemicals, or bioterrorism agents.

Midwife (CNM):

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed an advanced course of

study and is certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. A midwife is trained to care for

women during pregnancy, labor and the postnatal period; conduct normal deliveries; and to care for

newborn babies under normal circumstances.

Movement Disorders:

Neurologists specializing in movement disorders are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the

nerves and muscles that may prevent such simple functions as walking across a room with ease or

drinking a glass of water without spilling. These disorders include tremors, Parkinson’s disease,

Huntington’s chorea and Tourrette’s syndrome.

Neonatology:

A field of medicine devoted to the care and treatment of infants up to six weeks old. Neonatologists

concentrate on the full spectrum of medical problems that can affect newborn babies.

Nephrology:

The study and care of the kidneys and urinary system. Nephrologists treat kidney disorders,

diabetes, renal failure and other illnesses. Treatments can range from dialysis to kidney transplants.

Neurology:

The study and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. A neurologist assists patients who have

stroke complications, head injuries, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and other afflictions of the brain

and spinal cord.

Neuro-ophthalmology:

Specialists in this branch of medicine offer the experience and the resources to help people with

brain-related visual problems – as well as eye-movement problems – find hope for improved

eyesight. Therapies range from botulinum toxin injection to nonsurgical treatment for facial spasms

and excessive blinking.

Neuroradiology:

Specifically trained in using digital angiography, MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, and X-rays to evaluate

the brain, head, neck, and spine.

Neurosurgery:

Neurosurgeons specialize in surgically treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system. The

nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord (central nervous system), along with the

nerves of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nervous system).

Nuclear Cardiology:

Focuses on using small amounts of radioactive substances and non-invasive techniques to assess

the health of a patient’s heart.

Nuclear Medicine:

A specialty that uses radioactive substances and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to determine a

variety of conditions and diseases. The equipment used in nuclear medicine – including MRI

(magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) – reveals the inner

workings of the body and its organs.

Nutrition:

Concerned with food requirements and the effects of nutrients.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN):

OB/GYN is the field of medicine devoted to conditions specific to women. Obstetrics is the care of a

woman during pregnancy and during and after childbirth. Gynecology is the study and care of the

female reproductive system. An OB/GYN specialist combines these two disciplines to provide

comprehensive care for women.

Occupational Medicine:

Focused on the health of workers, the ability to perform work, and physical and chemical

environments of the workplace.

Oncology:

Medical: Medical oncologists are specialists in using various medications to treat and manage

patients with cancer. This includes the use of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, painkillers to

manage cancer pain, and drugs that will eliminate or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.

Oncology – Radiation:

Radiation oncology is the field of medicine that uses therapeutic applications of radiation to

manage cancer and other diseases. Radiation oncologists determine the type of radiation that will

be used, as well as the amount or dose, and the number and length of treatments.

Ophthalmology:

The medical specialty devoted to care of the eye and the treatment of diseases that affect eyes and

vision. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats abnormalities of the eye and performs surgery on

the eye. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and are different from optometrists (who test vision

and prescribe corrective lenses) and opticians (who make or sell corrective eyewear).

Optometry:

Focuses on vision, visual systems, and the health of the eyes.

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery:

The branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries

and deformities of the teeth, mouth and jaw. An oral surgeon removes wisdom teeth, repairs

broken jaws and treats a range of other conditions. Specialists in this field are also called dental

surgeons.

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle:

Concerned with the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the foot and ankle.

Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery:

Focused on surgical replacement of joints, such as knee and hip.

Orthopedic Spine Surgery:

Concerned with surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the spine.

Orthopedic Surgery:

The medical field concerned with the prevention and correction of muscular or skeletal injuries and

abnormalities. Orthopedic surgeons treat complex conditions and injuries as well as broken bones,

severe muscle sprains, and knee and other joint injuries. They also perform joint replacements.

Osteopathy:

Focuses on using conventional treatment methods, as well as placing emphasis on body, mind, and

spirit.

Otorhinolaryngology:

The medical and surgical care of the ears, nose, throat, respiratory, and upper alimentary systems.

Also called Otolaryngology.

Otolaryngology (ENT):

A division of medical science that focuses on the ears, nose and throat (ENT). Otolaryngologists

diagnose and treat disorders from the shoulders up, with the exception of the eyes and brain.

Conditions they may deal with include hearing loss, tonsillitis and nasal obstructions.

Otology:

An otologist is a specialist in the anatomy and structure of the ear, and how to treat diseases of the

ear.

Pain Management:

Physicians and other pain experts choose from an extensive series of diagnostic tests to precisely

identify the source of a patient’s pain. Treatment and management possibilities are wide ranging

and include physical therapy, behavioral therapy, biofeedback and pain-relieving devices that are

implanted under the skin.

Pathology:

The study of the nature and causes of disease. A pathologist examines body tissues to diagnose of

diseases, and to determine the cause of various conditions, including death. There are several

subspecialties in pathology, including chemical pathology, forensic pathology, hematology

pathology and neuropathology.

=====Pediatric Allergy Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of allergies in children.

Pediatric Cardiology:

Concerned with the care of children with cardiovascular problems.

Pediatric Critical Care:

Concerned with the care of critically ill children in an ICU environment.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine:

Concerned with the immediate decisions and actions required to prevent further disability or death

of a child.

Pediatric Endocrinology:

Focused on care of children with diseases related to abnormalities in the endocrine glands,

including diabetes mellitus, growth disorders, early or later puberty, birth defects, etc.

Pediatric Gastroenterology:

Focused on disorders of the digestive system of infants, children, and adolescents.

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology:

Focused on the care of children with blood or cancerous diseases.

Pediatric Internal Medicine:

Focused on the long-term relationship with a patient. Trained to provide care for newborns,

children, adolescents, and adults. Physicians are typically certified in a Med/Peds program.

Pediatric Neurology:

Concerned with the care of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system of children.

Pediatric Ophthalmology:

Concerned with providing comprehensive care of the eye and vision in children.

Pediatric Psychiatry:

Focused on mental, addictive, and emotional disorders of children.

Pediatric Pulmonology:

Concerned with the care of diseases and disorders of the lungs of children.

Pediatric Radiology:

Focused on the pediatric application of imaging technologies.

Pediatrics:

The field of medicine dedicated to the care of infants, children and teenagers. Doctors in this field

are called pediatricians. They are often the first doctors children see, and they concentrate on

preventing illness and treating children for a variety of conditions, including sore throats, earaches

and infectious diseases.

Pediatric Specialties:

Usually, a family physician or pediatrician will address the health problems of children. However,

when there is a serious illness or injury, a child may need care from a pediatric specialist – a

physician with advanced training and expertise in a particular area of medicine. Board-certified

pediatric specialists provide medical services in areas ranging from cardiology and infectious

diseases to neurology, orthopedics and surgery.

Perinatal:

Focused on providing care either immediately before or after birth.

Perinatology:

A branch of medicine dealing with medical and biological issues that affect the birth of a child.

Perinatology combines obstetrics, gynecology and neonatology, and includes treatment of a fetus or

a newborn and the mother.

Physical Medicine/Rehab:

Concerned with the maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social, vocational function, and

alleviation of pain for patients with impairments or disabilities.

Physiatrist:

A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in physical medicine, which is the curing of injuries

and disease by natural methods. Measures that are used include physical therapy, massage, exercise,

light and heat.

Physical Rehabilitation:

Physicians and therapists who specialize in physical rehabilitation help patients who’ve had a

stroke or serious injury return to home, work or school. The goal of therapy is to restore lost

function through hands-on treatment, exercise and patient education.

Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery:

The repair, restoration or reconstruction of different parts of the body. Plastic and reconstructive

surgeons not only perform elective cosmetic surgery to improve appearance, they also repair and

reconstruct the facial features and bodies of patients with conditions caused by burns, injuries,

diseases and congenital deformities.

Podiatry:

The study, prevention and treatment of problems of the foot. A podiatrist may prescribe corrective

devices and medication, or recommend physical therapy. Podiatrists attend colleges of podiatric

medicine and graduates are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM). Podiatrist with advanced training

also do various types of foot surgery.

Primary Care:

In the past people relied on family doctors for everything from broken bones and the common cold

to the delivery of babies. Family practitioners knew the medical history of the entire family because

they treated both the children and the parents. Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) are bringing this

tradition back. Instead of specializing in a specific area of medicine, PCPs help patients maintain

overall health by focusing on preventive care. Some, but not all, insurance companies require

patients to choose a Primary Care Physician. Check with your insurance company to see if you’re

required to select a PCP.

Prostate Care:

Cancer or other conditions affecting the prostate may be treated by surgeons, cancer specialists

and/or urologists using a wide range of therapies. Depending on the specific problem, a course of

treatment can involve everything from surgery and medications to high-dose radiation.

Psychiatry:

The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.

Psychiatrists are physicians who prescribe appropriate medication and do therapy to treat of a

variety of conditions, from depression to schizophrenia.

Psychology:

Psychologists deal with mental processes – both normal and abnormal – and their effects upon

human behavior. Psychologists typically have a doctorate degree, but are not medical doctors and

do not prescribe medications.

Pulmonary Critical Care:

Concerned with caring for patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses, such as COPD,

asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, and pneumonia.

Pulmonary Medicine:

The field of medicine devoted to the study and treatment of diseases of the respiratory system.

Pulmonary specialists – called pulmonologists – treat pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma,

cancer and other disorders of the lungs and respiratory system.

Radiation Oncology:

Deals with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and the study and management of cancers

and others.

Radiology:

The use of radioactive equipment, including X-ray machines, to diagnose and treat diseases and

injuries. Specialists in this field are called radiologists.

Rheumatology:

The study and care of the joints and the muscular and skeletal systems. Rheumatologists treat a

range of conditions, from athletic injuries to arthritis, lupus and rheumatic fever.

Reproductive Endocrinology:

Focused on the problems related to endocrinology and infertility.

Sleep Disorders:

The field of medicine devoted to the study and treatment of disruptions in sleeping patterns.

Specialists in this field work with patients to overcome such conditions as insomnia, narcolepsy

and sleep apnea.

Sports Medicine:

The field of medicine devoted to athletic injuries. Doctors specializing in sports medicine help

patients prevent and recover from a range of injuries – from sprained knees and back strains to

broken bones and torn ligaments – suffered while engaging in sports activities. Many sports

medicine doctors also help design athletic training equipment and training methods.

Surgical Oncology:

Focused on the surgical management of malignant tumors.

Thoracic Surgery:

The study and practice of surgery on the chest cavity and rib cage, including the heart, lungs and

esophagus. Thoracic surgeons treat patients with lung cancer, coronary diseases, aneurysms and

heart diseases.

Transplant:

Surgeons specializing in organ transplants take a multidisciplinary approach to surgery and follow-

up care that addresses all of patient’s physical and psychological needs. Patients receive an

extensive orientation prior to transplantation, which can involve the kidneys, liver, heart and other

organs.

Trauma Surgery:

Deals with the treatment of wounds and injuries through surgical methods.

Urgent Care:

Specifically trained in providing treatment of non-emergency illnesses and injuries, such as sore

throats, ear infections, minor cuts and bruises.

Urology:

The study and treatment of the male and female urinary tracts and the male genital tract. Urologists

diagnose and treat disorders of the urinary tract, prostate and bladder.

Vascular & Interventional Radiology:

Focused on using images and minimally invasive procedures for diagnostic or treatment purposes

Vascular Surgery:

The focus is on surgical solutions to diseases of the body’s blood vessels, including the heart and

lymph systems. Vascular surgeons treat patients for lymphatic diseases, strokes, aneurysms,

varicose veins and other conditions.

Women’s Health:

Specifically trained to provide diagnosis and treatment related to women’s health issues.