Specialties

Overview

An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation, obstetric, or diagnostic procedure. It is the anesthesiologist’s foremost purpose and concern to protect the patient’s well-being and safety just prior to, during, and after surgery. Anesthesiologists have many responsibilities: preoperative evaluation of patients to determine conditions that may complicate surgery; management of pain and emotional stress during surgical, obstetrical, and medical procedures; provision of life support under the stress of anesthesia and surgery; immediate postoperative care of the patient; and knowledge of drugs and their interactions with anesthetic agents. Their functions also include long-standing and cancer pain management; management of problems in cardiac and respiratory resuscitation; application of specific methods of inhalation therapy; and emergency clinical management of various fluid, electrolyte, and metabolic disturbances. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Addiction Medicine
• Adult Cardiothoracic
• Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine
• Clinical Informatics
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Obstetric Anesthesiology
• Pain Medicine
• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine

Overview

Child neurology, also known as pediatric neurology, specializes in the diagnosis and management of neurologic conditions during the neonatal period, infancy, early childhood, and adolescence. Child neurologists have special competence in the genetic and metabolic problems, malformations, and developmental problems of childhood, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, Batten’s disease, neurofibromatosis, learning disabilities, complex metabolic disorders, and a host of nerve and muscle diseases. Child neurologists act as consultants to primary care physicians as well as provide continuing care for chronic neurological conditions. Like other pediatric specialties, it is a specialty that requires the ability to work with patients who may have limited or nonexistent verbal skills. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Overview

A dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. The dermatologist has had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin, the management of contact dermatitis, and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders, and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy) and infectious diseases. Dermatologists have special training in dermatopathology–the diagnosis of skin diseases including infectious, immunologic, degenerative, and neoplastic–and in the surgical techniques used in dermatology. The care of the dermatology patient may entail both topical and systemic medical therapeutics and a variety of surgical and cosmetic procedures, including excisions, sclerotherapy, laser surgery, liposuction, hair transplants and tissue augmentation therapies, anti-aging treatments, injectable and implantable soft tissue fillers, correction of acne scarring, chemical peeling, vein therapy, skin cancer treatment, and reconstructive flaps and grafts. In addition, dermatologists have a role in the care of normal skin, skin cancer prevention, and sun protection. –The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Dermatopathology
• Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology

Overview

A diagnostic radiologist uses X-rays, radionuclides, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease. Training required is five years: one year of clinical training, followed by four years of Radiology training. The majority of trainees complete an additional year of training during a fellowship. A diagnostic radiologist who wishes to specialize in one of the areas listed below must first certify in diagnostic radiology. –The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Hospice & Palliative Medicine
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Radiology
• Pain Medicine
• Pediatric Radiology

Overview

Emergency medicine focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. The emergency physician provides immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of a generally diversified population of adult and pediatric patients in response to acute illness and injury. A high-pressure, fast-paced, and diverse specialty, emergency medicine requires a broad base of medical knowledge and a variety of well-honed clinical and technical skills. The practice is primarily hospital emergency department-based, but with extensive pre-hospital responsibilities for emergency medical systems. The care provided by the emergency physician is episodic in nature and involves a full spectrum of physical and behavioral conditions. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Addiction Medicine
• Clinical Informatics
• Emergency Medical Services
• Medical Toxicology
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine

Overview

Family medicine is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family, and is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of ailments in patients of all ages. Family medicine physicians receive a broad range of training that includes internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and geriatrics. Although the scope and practice of family medicine is broad, it is a precise discipline, integrating a unique blend of biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. Family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills, and knowledge that qualify them to provide continuing and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services. These specialists are best qualified to serve as each patient’s advocate in all health-related matters. Special emphasis is placed on prevention and the primary care of entire families, utilizing consultations and community resources when appropriate. Family physicians employ a diverse range of cognitive and procedural skills and coordinate care with other specialists when necessary. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Addiction Medicine
• Clinical Informatics
• Geriatric Medicine
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Overview

General surgery is a discipline of surgery having a central core of knowledge common to all surgical specialties–anatomy, physiology, metabolism, immunology, nutrition, pathology, wound healing, shock and resuscitation, intensive care, and neoplasia. General surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases and injuries affecting almost any area of the body that requires surgical intervention. These physicians are involved in diagnosis, preoperative, operative and postoperative care of the surgical patient, and they are trained to provide comprehensive management of trauma and complete care of critically ill patients with underlying surgical conditions. The surgeon uses a variety of diagnostic techniques, including endoscopy, for observing internal structures, and may use specialized instruments during operative procedures. Although its scope is broad, general surgery usually involves the abdomen, breasts, peripheral vasculature, skin, and neck. General surgeons rarely perform neurologic, orthopedic, thoracic, or urologic procedures, but they should be familiar with other surgical specialties to know when to refer a patient to another specialist. They should possess excellent manual dexterity and make decisions quickly and decisively. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Complex General Surgical Oncology
• Hand Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgical Critical Care
• Vascular Surgery

Overview

An internist is a personal physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and in the hospital, managing both common and complex illnesses of adolescents, adults and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints and the digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Addiction Medicine
• Adolescent Medicine
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease
• Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Clinical Informatics
• Critical Care Medicine
• Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Hematology
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Infectious Disease
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Oncology
• Nephrology
• Pulmonary Disease
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Transplant Hepatology

Overview

An interventional radiologist combines competence in imaging, image-guided minimally invasive procedures and periprocedural patient care to diagnose and treat benign and malignant conditions of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. Therapies include embolization, angioplasty, stent placement, thrombus management, drainage and ablation, among others. Training includes a minimum of three years of Diagnostic Radiology and two years of Interventional Radiology, leading to primary certification in Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Radiology
• Pain Medicine
• Pediatric Radiology

Overview

Neurological Surgery constitutes a medical discipline and surgical specialty that provides care for adult and pediatric patients in the treatment of pain or pathological processes that may modify the function or activity of the central nervous system (e.g., brain, hypophysis, and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (e.g., cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerves), the autonomic nervous system, the supporting structures of these systems (e.g., meninges, skull & skull base, and vertebral column), and their vascular supply (e.g., intracranial, extracranial, and spinal vasculature).

Treatment encompasses both non-operative management (e.g., prevention, diagnosis—including image interpretation—and treatments such as, but not limited to, neurocritical intensive care and rehabilitation) and operative management with its associated image use and interpretation (e.g., endovascular surgery, functional and restorative surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and spinal fusion—including its instrumentation). – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialty

• Neurocritical Care

Overview

Neurology involves the treatment of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. Neurologists treat patients who have a variety of disorders, including headaches, strokes, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, dystonia, muscular dystrophy, peripheral nerve disease, learning disorders, traumatic injuries to the nervous system, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. Some neurologists are also engaged in neurological rehabilitation. Many neurological problems are characterized by pain and can be chronic, debilitating, and difficult to treat. A large portion of the practice of neurology is consultative, but the neurologist may also be the primary physician. The specialty has close links with psychiatry, with which it maintains a combined certification board. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Brain Injury Medicine
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Epilepsy
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Neurocritical Care
• Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
• Neuromuscular Medicine
• Pain Medicine
• Sleep Medicine
• Vascular Neurology

Overview

Obstetrics and gynecology is a diversified specialty concerned with the delivery of medical and surgical care to women. This field combines two specialties: obstetrics, which focuses on the care of women before, during, and after childbirth; and gynecology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system, breasts, and associated disorders. Relationships with patients are long-term and are often maintained through the postmenopausal stage of a patient’s life. Obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyn) often serve as consultants to other physicians. In many cases, the Ob-Gyn is the primary care physician, with whom female patients have regular contact and obtain medical advice and counseling. The specialty also offers opportunities to practice other skills such as laparoscopic surgery, endocrinology, and preventive medicine. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Critical Care Medicine
• Complex Family Planning
• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Overview

Orthopaedic surgeons are trained in the preservation, investigation, and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical, and physical means. An orthopaedic surgeon is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries, and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow. The orthopaedic surgeon manages special problems, diagnoses the injury or disorder, and establishes the treatment plan using surgery, medication, exercise, and/or physical therapy. They are also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons treat patients of all ages, mostly on a short-term basis. Since many of their patients have been involved in accidents, orthopaedic surgeons also assess disability in legal actions. The field has undergone notable improvements in techniques and equipment, such as microsurgery and joint replacements. Their practice may be broad or limited to an area of special interest, such as hand surgery or sports medicine. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• Surgery of the Hand

Overview

An otolaryngologist surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients of all ages with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems, and related structures of the head and neck. The specialty encompasses cosmetic facial reconstruction, surgery of benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, and the diagnosis and management of allergic, sinus, laryngeal, thyroid, and esophageal disorders. With the exception of visual and eye-related disorders (the province of ophthalmologists) and lesions of the brain (managed by neurologists and neurosurgeons), otolaryngologists treat diseases and lesions above the shoulders–the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems, and the head and neck. Specialists are trained in otology, rhinology, laryngology, allergy, head and neck surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and bronchoesophagology. They also have an understanding of the communication sciences (audiology and speech/language pathology), endocrinology, and neurology. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Neurotology
• Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck
• Sleep Medicine

Overview

A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical, and physical sciences. A pathologist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells, and body fluids as well as from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion, and monitoring of disease. Anatomic pathologists usually work in hospitals, investigating the effects of disease on the human body via autopsies and microscopic examination of tissues, cells, and other specimens. Medical laboratory directors are responsible for the sophisticated laboratory tests on samples of tissues or fluids and the quality and accuracy of the tests. The practice of pathology is most often conducted in community hospitals or in academic medical centers, where patient care, diagnostic services, and research go hand in hand. Creation of new knowledge is the lifeblood of pathology and many academic pathologists devote significant time in their career to research. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
• Clinical Informatics
• Cytopathology
• Dermatopathology
• Hematopathology
• Neuropathology
• Pathology – Chemical
• Pathology – Forensic
• Pathology – Medical Microbiology
• Pathology – Molecular Genetic
• Pathology – Pediatric

Overview

Pediatrics is primarily concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Concerned with more than just the physical well-being, pediatricians are involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of behavioral, developmental, and functional social problems that affect their patients. Depending on the patient’s age, the measurements associated with these parameters can be quite different. A pediatrician deals with biological, social, and environmental influences on the developing child as well as with the impact of disease or dysfunction on development. The pediatrician also interacts with parents or guardians to define the health status of patients and to educate and provide anticipatory guidance about the child’s normal health and growth. Pediatricians can be active at the community level by helping to prevent or solve problems in child health care and be a public advocate for children’s causes. Pediatricians work to reduce infant and child morbidity and mortality, control infectious disease, foster healthy lifestyles, and the day-to-day difficulties of children and adolescents with acute and/or chronic conditions. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Adolescent Medicine
• Child Abuse Pediatrics
• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Medical Toxicology
• Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
• Pediatric Hospital Medicine
• Pediatric Infectious Disease
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Pediatric Transplant Hepatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Overview

A specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also called a physiatrist, evaluates and treats patients with disorders or disabilities in the muscles, bones, and nervous system, including neck or back pain, sports and work injuries, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, spasticity, and any other disability or disorder that affects function. A physiatrist may lead a team of medical professionals to help patients improve their physical, psychological, social, and vocational function, and are dedicated to the whole person, including treating pain, restoring function, and improving quality of life. Treatment modalities may include medications, injections, therapeutic exercise, electrodiagnosis, and any equipment required for daily activities. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Brain Injury Medicine
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Neuromuscular Medicine
• Pain Medicine
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
• Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Overview

A plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body. Cosmetic surgery is an essential component of plastic surgery. The plastic surgeon uses cosmetic surgical principles to both improve overall appearances and to optimize the outcome of reconstructive procedures as well. Special knowledge and skill in the design and surgery of grafts, flaps, and free tissue transfer and replantation is necessary. Competence in the management of complex wounds, the use of implantable materials, and in tumor surgery is required. Plastic surgeons have been prominent in the development of innovative techniques such as microvascular and craniomaxillofacial surgery, liposuction, and tissue transfer. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and other basic sciences are fundamental to the specialty. Competency in plastic surgery implies an amalgam of basic medical and surgical knowledge, operative judgment, technical expertise, ethical behavior, and interpersonal skills to achieve problem resolution and patient satisfaction. Plastic surgeons also need to hone their ability to think in three dimensions, as well as have good aesthetic sense, creativity, and appreciation for detail. Subspecialty certifications include craniofacial surgery and surgery of the hand. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck
• Surgery of the Hand

Overview

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A psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, addictive, and emotional disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and adjustment disorders. They understand the biological, psychological, and social components of illness. Most psychiatrists use some form of discussion (individual or group therapy, psychoanalysis, or behavior modification) to evaluate and treat problems, in addition to using pharmacological treatments. Psychiatrists generally use a holistic approach, since every aspect of humans affects their psychology. They work with individuals and families who are coping with stress, crises, or other problems. They need to use their entire base of knowledge and values when assisting and treating their patients. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Addiction Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Pain Medicine
• Sleep Medicine

Overview

Thoracic surgery encompasses the operative, perioperative, and surgical critical care of patients with acquired and congenital pathologic conditions within the chest. Thoracic surgeons treat diseased or injured organs in the chest, including the esophagus (muscular tube that passes food to the stomach), trachea (windpipe), pleura (membranes that cover and protect the lung), mediastinum (area separating the left and right lungs that contains the heart), chest wall, diaphragm (separates the chest from the abdomen), pericardium (membrane covering the heart), heart (including the pericardium, coronary arteries, valves and myocardium) and lungs. The most common diseases requiring thoracic surgery include heart lesions, such as coronary artery disease and valve problems, lung cancer, chest trauma, esophageal cancer, emphysema, and heart and lung transplantation. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialty

• Congenital Cardiac Surgery

Overview

Urology focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of the male genitourinary system, female urinary tract, and the adrenal gland. Urologists treat patients with kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, urethra, and male genital structure disorders and injuries. They often coordinate care with nephrologists for patients with kidney disease and may perform kidney transplantations. Urologists may also investigate and treat infertility and male sexual dysfunction. Diagnostic procedures are very important for urologists. They use endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgery to treat congenital and acquired disorders of the reproductive and urinary systems and related structures. These specialists see male and female patients of all ages and work in both hospital and clinic settings. Excellent surgical skills, manual dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination are important to this specialty. – The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• Pediatric Urology

Overview

Vascular surgery addresses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the vascular tree, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels, exclusive of those within the cranial cavity and the heart. The principle diseases treated involve those affecting the carotid arteries, the aorta, and those supplying the blood supply to the lower extremities, the kidneys, and the abdominal viscera. Common procedures performed include carotid endarterectomy, repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm, and revascularization of the lower extremities.

Specialists in this discipline are also experts in performing and interpreting diagnostic studies including ultrasound and angiography. The subspecialty emphasizes minimally invasive treatment, including endovascular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm and for relief of obstruction of blood flow to organs and tissues by means of angioplasty and deployment of intravascular stents. 

– The American Board of Medical Specialties

Sub-specialties

• Complex General Surgical Oncology
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgery of the Hand
• Surgical Critical Care