Glossary of Medical Specialties

Addictionist/Addiction Medicine. These physicians may come from a wide variety of medical backgrounds. They work directly with patients who have substance use disorders. They specialize in prevention, diagnosis, treatment of withdrawal, medical or psychiatric complications, relapse and the monitoring of recovery. Addictionists work in various clinical settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, private offices, or day treatment centers in a manner to improve a patient's overall health. Potential patients include those with drinking problems, those injecting or smoking drugs, and people who become dependent on prescription drugs or medications.

Adolescent Medicine See Pediatricians

Allergists and Immunologists specialize in problems relating to immunity—how the human body reacts to foreign substances, resistance to disease and other threatening substances. They evaluate, diagnose, and help patients manage disorders including seasonal allergies, asthma, hay fever, eczema, food and drug reactions, insect stings and hives. They also treat acquired and congenital conditions related to the immune system. These specialists have had special training to identify the factors that trigger allergic diseases, and help patients prevent or treat these conditions.

Alternative Medicine (Complementary Medicine) physicians elect to offer treatment utilizing treatment modalities such as biofeedback, behavior modification, chiropractic, and acupuncture.

Anesthesiologists specialize in pain management of patients and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery. They evaluate the patient’s needs and condition before surgery; consult with the surgical team; provide pain management by administering anesthesia medications to induce sleep or numb a part of the body prior to surgery; monitor life functions during surgery; supervise care after surgery; and discharge the patient from the recovery room or labor and delivery. They also participate in postoperative pain management techniques and medications.

Cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They manage complex heart problems and perform procedures such as cardiac catheterization and angioplasty. They also treat such problems as congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat patterns) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons specialize in surgery involving the heart, blood vessels, arteries, veins, lymph system and other organs within the chest cavity.

Clinical Ethics Specialists deal with the difficult ethical questions sometimes involved in medical care.

Colo-Rectal Surgeon A colon and rectal surgeon has expertise to diagnose and often manage anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures (painful tears in the anal lining), abscesses and fistulae (infections located around the anus and rectum) in the office. They also treat problems of the intestine and colon and perform endoscopic procedures to detect and treat conditions of the bowel lining to evaluate and treat problems such as cancer, polyps, (pre-cancerous growths) and inflammatory conditions. Removal of polypsas well as abdominal surgical procedures involving the small bowel, colon and rectum. These include treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as diverticulitis and cancer. Colon and rectal surgeons are often able to treat cancer of the rectum without a colostomy. The management of intestinal infections such as diverticulitis, bacterial colon infections and intestinal parasites is also within the proficiency of the colon and rectal surgeon.

Complementary Medicine See Alternative Medicine

Critical Care Medicine is the management of patients with life threatening illnesses or injuries while they are in the hospital setting. They provide medical care to patients whose conditions are serious and require more constant and specialized care. A doctor who specializes in pediatric intensive care leads a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other pediatric specialists who make up the intensive care team.

Dentists provide a variety of oral care services including but not limited to sealants, fillings, crowns, straightening crooked or rotated teeth, extractions, cleanings of the teeth, soft tissue (gums) management, bridgework replacing one or several teeth, root canals, removable partial dentures, complete dentures, and possibly dental implants.

Dermatologists have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of acne, hair loss, psoriasis, and skin cancer for pediatric and adult patients. They also treat benign and malignant skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin, contact dermatitis and other allergic and non-allergic disorders and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy), infectious diseases, and also benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, and a number of sexually transmitted diseases.

Diagnostic Radiologist is a physician with experience with all modalities of radiant energy in medical diagnosis and therapeutic procedures utilizing radiologic guidance. This includes imaging techniques and methodologies utilizing radiation emitted by x-ray tubes, radionuclides, ultrasonographic devices, and radio frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by atoms.

Emergency Medicine Physicians specialize in the diagnosis and the initial treatment of sudden and life-threatening illnesses and injuries. These physicians do not make appointments for care. Their workload is generally managed by a process of “triage” which prioritzes treatment of patients based on the severity of their presenting symptoms.

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in diseases of the pulp of the tooth. Most commonly, endodontists perform root canal procedures.

Endocrinologists specialize in the endocrine system of glands and metabolic systems that produce hormones such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, the ovaries and testes. They also treat patients with diabetes, metabolic disorders, nutritional disorders, pituitary, and calcium disorders. NOTE: a reproductive endocrinologist is a physician who is OB/GYN trained and received additional training to treat infertility and other reproductive disorders, menstrual and sexual disorders.

Family Practitioners are primary care physicians who specialize in providing continuing and comprehensive care for individuals and families, patients of all ages, and either sex. They are trained to provide medical and surgical care for the total health of the patient from the time they are born all the way through old age. If a problem is diagnosed that is beyond their expertise, they will refer the patient to an appropriate specialist.

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosis and medical treatment of disorders of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines and other organs that help in the digestive process.

General Surgeons are specialists prepared to provide pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care to treat disease or injury in patients, and to manage a broad spectrum of surgical conditions affecting almost any area of the body. The surgeon is usually responsible for the comprehensive management of the trauma victim and the critically ill. Surgeons acquire knowledge and technical skills in congenital, infectious, metabolic and neoplastic problems relating to the head and neck, breast, abdomen, extremities, including the hand and the gastrointestinal, vascular and endocrine systems.

Geneticists specialize in the study and treatment of inherited disorders.

Geriatricians specialize in certified in geriatric medicine has special knowledge of the aging process and special skills in the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitative aspects of illness in the elderly. These specialists care for geriatric patients in the patient's home, the office, in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, and in the hospital. Geriatricians are trained to recognize the unusual presentations of illness and drug interactions, to utilize resources such as community social services, and to assist with special ethical issues in the care of the elderly. Examples of common geriatric conditions include incontinence, falls, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Gynecologic Oncologists are sub-specialists with additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs.

Hand Surgeon is a specialist trained in medical, surgical, and rehabilitative procedures used in the investigation, preservation and restoration of all structures directly affecting the form, function and utilization of the hand and wrist.

Hematologists treat disorders of the blood, spleen, and lymph glands such as anemia, clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma (including Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins), Sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia.

Hematologist and Oncologist See Oncologists/Hematologists & Oncologists

High Risk Obstetricians specialize in pregnancies that present serious medical problems for the mother or the child.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Pediatricians care for seriously ill children in this specialized unit.

Infectious Disease Physicians study and treat diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. They treat communicable diseases (including AIDS).

Internal Medicine or Internists specialize in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases in adults. Many people choose a general internist as their “primary care physician” or the doctor they go to first.

Interventional Radiologist See Radiation Oncologist

Maternal and Fetal Medicine (High Risk) Specialists (perinatologists) are sub-specialists with additional training and experience in the care of mothers with high risk or problem pregnancies. See also High Risk Obstetricians.

Neonatologists specialize in treating newborns, especially those who require specialized care in the first days of life. They consult with Obstetricians to plan the care of mothers who have high risk pregnancies.

Nephrologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of kidney disorders and urinary system.

Neurologists specialize in diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body.

Neurosurgeons specialize in providing operative and non-operative management (i.e., prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care and rehabilitation) of disorders of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems, the evaluation and treatment of pathological processes which modify function or activity of the nervous system. Neurological Surgery encompasses treatment of patients with disorders of the nervous system: the brain, meninges, skull and their blood supply, including the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries; disorders of the pituitary gland; disorders of the spinal cord, meninges and spine, including treatment by fusion or instrumentation; and disorders of the cranial and spinal nerves throughout their distribution. perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, laminectomies, spinal cord fusion.

Nuclear Medicine Physicians use small doses of radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases.

Obstetricians/Gynecologists & Obstetricians provide specialized care for women. Obstericians specialize in the management of pregnancy and childbirth, while gynecologists diagnose and treat problems of the female reproductive system. Usually, physicians practice the two specialties together.

Occupational Medicine physicians are preventive medicine specialists who are trained in treating job-related diseases, recognizing and resolving workplace hazards, and providing rehabilitation services.

Oncologists/Hematologists & Oncologists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Hematologists specialize in diseases and disorders of the blood including certain types of cancer. Most physicians in the field are trained in both areas.

Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the eyes such as vision loss, conjunctivitis, cataracts, and glaucoma. Most ophthalmologists also perform eye surgery.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are dental specialists who treat diseases of the mouth, jaws, jaw joints, teeth, facial deformities and maxillofacial trauma.

Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in straightening teeth and jaws.

Orthopedic (also Orthopaedic) Surgeons specialize in preventive and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system: bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Otolaryngologists (also known at otorhinolaryngologists or ENTs), are head and neck surgeons who specialists who treat illnesses of the ear (oto), nose (rhino), and throat (laryngo). They treat such problems as hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and cancers of the head and neck.

Pathologists study body tissues, cells and fluids to diagnose and assess various diseases.

Pediatricians specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence. Many of their subspecialties are parallel to those of physicians who treat adults.

Pediatric Allergists specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in problems relating to immunity, the body's ability to resist disease and threatening substances.

Pediatric Cardiologists specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of heart problems.

Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgeons specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in surgery involving the heart, blood vessels and other organs within the chest cavity.

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence.

Pediatric Dentistry (Pediadontists) specializes in the care and treatment diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth in children.

Pediatric Developmentalists have special training in helping children who have disorders of the brain that may result in problems with movement, development, learning or behavior. They are dedicated to identifying and treating developmental delays caused by a variety of factors, including premature birth and congenital anomalies.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in the diagnosis and the initial treatment of sudden and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Pediatric Endocrinologists specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in the endocrine system, a system of glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, the ovaries and testes that secrete hormones which travel as messengers through the body. They also treat patients with diabetes.

Pediatric Gastroenterologists or Pediatric GI Specialists specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence and treat disorders of the esophagus, stomach, intestines and other organs (such as the liver and pancreas) that help in the digestive process.

Pediatric General Surgeons specialize in performing surgery on children from infancy through adolescence.

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Hematologists specialize in diseases and disorders of the blood including certain types of cancer. Most physicians in the field are trained in both areas.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence study and treat communicable diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Pediatric Nephrology specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of kidney disorders, including those causing hypertension.

Pediatric Neurology specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body.

Pediatric Neurosurgery specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence perform surgically on the brain and spinal cord.

Pediatric Ophthalmology specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the eyes. Most ophthalmologists also perform eye surgery.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in surgery of the musculoskeletal system: bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Pediatric Psychiatry specializes in the human behavior of children through adolescence. They may use any of a number of approaches from psychoanalysis to behavioral therapy to assess and treat behavioral and emotional problems.

Pediatric Pulmonology specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence are physicians who diagnose and treat diseases of the lungs.

Pediatric Rheumatology specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence, diagnosing and treating arthritis and related disabling disorders of the joints, muscles and bones.

Pediatric Urology specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence in diseases and abnormalities of the urinary tract, the kidneys and the male sex organs.

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in treating problems of the gums.

Perinatologists (maternal and fetal medicine specialists) are subspecialists with additional training and experience in the care of mothers with high risk or problem pregnancies.

Physiatrists (not to be confused with psychiatrists) are also known as rehabilitation physicians. They specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation 3/4 treating problems of the nerves and muscles with programs that include heat, cold, water, massage, electricity and exercise.

Physical Medicine, also referred to as Rehabilitation Medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating and treating patients with impairments and/or disabilities which involve musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiovascular or other body systems. The primary focus of Physical Medicine is on maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social and vocational function and on alleviation of pain. For diagnosis and evaluation, this 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 exercise, prosthetics, orthotics, and mechanical and electrical devices.

Plastic Surgeons specialize in repair and reconstruction of defects of form or function or damage to the skin caused by injury or diseases). and its underlying musculoskeletal system, with emphasis on the craniofacial structures, the upper and lower limbs, breasts and the external genitalia. It includes aesthetic surgery of structures and undesirable form.

Podiatrists are physicians specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and medical or surgical correction of all types of foot and ankle problems.

Prosthedontists are dentists who specialize in restoring missing teeth.

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders, e.g., psychoses, depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, developmental disabilities, sexual dysfunctions, adjustment reactions, etc. A psychiatrist is able to understand the biological, psychological and social components of illness and is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications, as well as to evaluate and treat psychological and interpersonal problems. The psychiatrist is also prepared to intervene with individuals and families who are copying with stress crises, and other problems of living. Some psychiatrists have also had further training in specialized areas such as psyhoanalysis, psychiatric aspects of general medicine, psychopharmacology, alcohol and substance abuse, geriatrics, neuropsychiatry, forensic psychiatry.

Psychologists (PhD or Psy.D.) are specialists who use a variety of approaches in treating disorders in human behavior. They may use approaches such as psychoanalysis and behavioral therapy to assess and treat behavioral and emotional problems.

Pulmonologists are trained in treatment and management of diseases of the lungs and airway. They diagnose and treat pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, occupational diseases, bronchitis, sleep disorders and emphysema. These physicians can also test lung function, examine the bronchial airways and prescribe and monitor mechanical breathing technology. Many pulmonary disease experts also specialize in critical care.

Radiologists are physicians who diagnose diseases by administering and interpreting x-rays, MRI's, CT scans, PET scans.

Radiation Oncologists deal with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and its modifiers and the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors.

Reproductive Endocrinologists specialize in the endocrine glands, a system of glands that are responsible for the secretion of hormones into the bloodstream and the ways in which these hormones relate to fertility and the female reproductive system.

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat diseases of joints, muscles, bones and tendons such as arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and collagen diseases. These physicians work closely with other specialists such as physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons.

Sports Medicine An emergency medicine or family practice physician responsible for continuous care not only the enhancement of health and fitness but the prevention of injury and illness in sports. A sports medicine physician must have knowledge and experience in the promotion of wellness and the prevention of injury. Knowledge about the special areas of medicine such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, kineseology, physical rehabilitation and epidemiology are essential. The sports medicine physician requires special education to provide the knowledge to improve the health care of the individual engaged in physical exercise (sports) whether as an individual or in team participation.

Surgeons perform operations to treat disease, injury or deformity. General surgeons perform a wide range of operations, though some may specialize in children (pediatric surgeons), in cancer surgery (oncology surgeons) or in other areas.

Thoracic Surgery provides the operative, perioperative care, and critical care of patients with pathologic conditions within the chest. This includes the surgical care of coronary artery disease, cancers of the lung, esophagus and chest wall, abnormalities of the great vessels and heart valves, congenital anomalies, tumors of the mediastinum, and diseases of the diaphragm. The management of the airway and injuries of the chest is within the scope of the specialty.

Trauma Surgeons specialize in surgery for sudden and severe life threatening injuries.

Urgent Care See Emergency Medicine.

Urogynecologists specialize in women’s health problems such as prolapse (dropped bladders, fallen wombs), or loss of bladder or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence).

Urologists specialize in diseases and abnormalities of the urinary tract, the kidneys and the male sex organs.

Vascular Surgeons treat disorders of the blood vessels, excluding those immediately adjacent to the heart, lungs, or brain.