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Medical Specialties
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Allergy and Immunology | Treat physical reactions to substances, from mild rash to life threatening anaphylactic shock. |
| Anesthesiology | Administer anesthetic surrounding surgery. |
| American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) | ABMS purpose is to support professional development and certify physicians |
| Board-certified physician | - Education and licensing process 9 to 12 years. - Multiple testing may be required. |
| Cardiology | - ECGs large part of medical assistant skill. - Education for patients needed on diet and exercise for prevention and rehabilitation. |
| Colon and rectal surgery | Diagnose and treat problems of the intestine and colon. |
| Dermatology | Diseases of skin, hair and nails. |
| Emergency Medicine | Physicians who work in emergency departments and emergency outpatients centers. |
| Endocrinology | Treat excessive or deficient levels of hormones which regulate glandular function. |
| Family Practice | Generalists are often called primary care physicians (PCPs) by insurance companies. |
| Gastroenterology | Treat disorders of gastrointestinal tract. |
| Genetics and Genomics | Screening, treatment, and counseling for genetic diseases. |
| Gerontology | Treats problems and diseases of older adults. |
| Gynecology | Treats diseases and conditions of female reproductive system. |
| Internal Medicine | Diseases or conditions related to internal organs. |
| Nephrology | Study, diagnose and manage diseases of the kidney. |
| Neurological Surgery | Treat pain or disease processes affecting the nervous system. |
| Obstetrics | Involves pregnancy, labor and delivery of infant (postpartum). |
| Oncology | Work involves cancer patients. Treatment may involve chemotherapy and radiation |
| Ophthalmology | Deals with eye-related problems. |
| Orthopedics | Works with musculoskeletal system. |
| Osteopathy | Whole person” approach. Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) which is hands-on techniques to improve function and restore health. |
| Otorhinolaryngology | Head and Neck Surgery – treats ear, nose, and throat (ENT). |
| Pathology – study of disease. | Investigate biopsies from cultures and tissue samples to determine malignancy. • Perform autopsies to determine cause of death. • Two types of pathologists: forensic and anatomic. |
| Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine | Care for children, teens, and young adults. |
| Nuclear Medicine | related to radiology. Uses radiation to diagnose and treat. |
| Physical Medicine | Specialize in rehabilitation and physical medicine. Certified by the American Board of Physical and Rehabilitation to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders such as sore shoulders and spinal cord injuries. |
| Plastic Surgery | Reconstructs, corrects, or improves body structure. |
| Podiatry | Treats disorders of the foot and ankle. |
| Preventative Medicine | Focus on health of individuals to protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being. |
| Psychiatry and Neurology | Treats mental, emotional, and addictive disorders and deals with the nervous system. |
| Radiology | uses x-rays and radioactive substances to diagnose and treat. |
| Sports Medicine | treatment and preventative care of athletes. |
| Surgery | use of hands and instruments to correct deformities or disease. |
| Urology | Treats disease of the kidney, bladder or urinary system. Also treats male reproductive diseases. |
| Acupuncturist | Treat pain by inserting needles under skin at meridians or channels |
| Chiropractor | Treat people using manual treatments. Testing includes X-ray, muscle testing, posture analysis |
| Electroencephalographic Technologist | Assists with testing to diagnose diseases and irregularities of brain activity |
| Massage Therapist | Kneading, pressure, stroking and human touch to address pain and promote healing |
| Medical Technology | Clinical laboratory tests |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Prepares and administers radioactive drugs, operates radiation detection instruments |
| Occupational Therapists | Helps patients return to optimal function after disease or injury |
| Pharmacist | Dispense medications or health supplies |
| Physical Therapist | Helps patients restore function, relieve pain and prevent disability after disease or injury; often used with injured athletes |
| Radiologic Technology | Assists radiologist, performs positioning and imaging |
| Registered Dietitian | Helps with nutrition and food choices, works in variety of settings |
| Radiologic Technology | Evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with respiratory problems; active role in newborn, pediatric, and adult intensive care units |
| Nursing Aide/Assistant | may be certified as CNA or may have other titles |
| Practical/Vocational Nurse | Duties include taking vital signs, passing meds, dress wounds, and assist nurses |
| Registered Nurse | Many different education levels Associates Degree- 2 yr program Diploma Garduate- 3 yr program Baccalaureate (BSN)- 4 yr program at college level |
| Nurse Practitioner | Work with physician or independently, other specialties such as nurse midwife |
| Physician Assistant | Practices under supervision of a physician |
| Speech/Language Pathologist | Treats communication disorders such as stuttering and hearing impairment, works in various settings, including schools |
| Billing and insurance specialist | Processes insurance claims |
| Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist | Facilitates the claims paying process |
| Compliance officer | Reviews and updates policies and procedures manual |
| Electronic claims professional | submits medical insurance claims to an insurance carrier |
| Medical biller and coder | ensures all patient charges have been recorded |
| Medical scribe | logs transcriptions of telephone calls or internet transmissions |
| Registered Health Information Technician | manages patient records |
| Anesthesiologist assistant | anesthetic care under an anesthetist’s direction |
| Cardiovascular technologist | performs diagnostic examinations of the heart and/or blood vessels |
| Emergency medical technician | assesses and manages medical emergencies |
| Mental health technician | works with emotionally disturbed and mentally challenged patients |
| Occupational therapist assistant | helps patients with mental or physical disabilities to reach their highest level of functioning |
| Pathologist’s assistant | may work with forensic pathologists |
| Pharmacy technician | receives prescriptions for refills |
| Phlebotomist | draws blood for diagnostic testing |
| Physical therapy assistant | assists with patient treatment by following a program created by the physical therapist |
| Surgical technician | obtains a patient’s history and physical data |
| Respiratory Therapy | Treats patients with asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis |
| American College of Physicians | founded in 19 15 to provide education to internal medicine and subspecialties |
| American Hospital Association | largest national network of healthcare providers |
| The Joint Commission | accreditation of healthcare organizations |
| American Medical Association | Founded in 1847, promotes science and the art of medicine, physicians from every medical specialty, accredits medical programs in the US and Canada |