Physicians specialty fields of medical practice

Question 1

allergy and immunology

allergist and immunologist

Answer 1

diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergic diseases, including asthma, and diagnosis, management, and therapy of immunologic diseases (ex. autoimmune disorders)

Question 2

anesthesiology/ anesthesiologist

Answer 2

comprehensive medical management and anesthetic care before, during, and after surgery and long-term pain management and critical care related to cardiac and respiratory emergencies

Question 3

colon and rectal surgery

colon and rectal surgeon

Answer 3

diagnosis, medical care, and surgical treatment of conditions related to the small intestine, colon, and rectum

Question 4

dermatology/ dermatologist

Answer 4

medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the skin and its appendages (hair, nails, cosmetic care)

Question 5

emergency medicine/ emergency physician

Answer 5

prehospital emergency medical care of acutely ill or injured patients; most commonly in the emergency department of a hospital or urgent care facility

Question 6

family practice/ family physician

Answer 6

comprehensive general medical care of individuals of all ages and their families, with emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion

Question 7

internal medicine/ internist

Answer 7

nonsurgical care centered around prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of adults

Question 8

cardiology/ cardiologist

Answer 8

diagnosis and management of conditions related to the heart and blood vessels

Question 9

endocrinology/ endocrinologist

Answer 9

diagnosis and management of diseases of the endocrine glands (diabetes, obesity, thyroid)

Question 10

gastroenterology/ gastroenterologist

Answer 10

diagnosis and management of conditions related to the digestive system

Question 11

geriatric medicine/ geriatrician

Answer 11

diagnosis and medical management of conditions affecting the elderly; also a subspecialty of family practice

Question 12

hematology/ hematologist

Answer 12

diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders

Question 13

nephrology/ nephrologist

Answer 13

nonsurgical treatment of kidney disorders

Question 14

oncology/ oncologist

Answer 14

treatment of tumors and cancer

Question 15

rheumatology/ rheumatologist

Answer 15

treatment of arthritis and related disorders

Question 16

medical genetics/ geneticist

Answer 16

diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic disorders; including research, laboratory testing, and counseling

Question 17

neurology/ neurologist

Answer 17

nonsurgical treatment of diseases of the nervous system

Question 18

neurological surgery/ neurosurgeon

Answer 18

surgical and nonsurgical treatment of diseases of the nervous system and supportive structures, including blood vessels

Question 19

nuclear medicine/ nuclear medicine physician

Answer 19

use of radioactive substances to diagnose and treat disease; a dual specialty in other fields such as radiology, internal medicine, neurology, and cardiology is common

Question 20

obstetrics (OB)/ obstetrician

Answer 20

care and treatment of mother and fetus throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and immediate postpartum period

Question 21

gynecology (GYN)/ gynecologist

Answer 21

medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive and urinary system

Question 22

ophthalmology/ ophthalmologist

Answer 22

medical and surgical treatment of the eye, including vision care and services

Question 23

orthopedic surgery/ orthopedic surgeon/ orthopedists (orthopaedist)

Answer 23

medical, surgical, an rehabilitative treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves

Question 24

otolaryngology/ otolaryngologist

ENT physician

Answer 24

medical and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and adjoining structure of the head and neck

Question 25

pathology/ pathologist

Answer 25

study of disease emphasizing examination of tissue for diagnosis (biopsy, autopsy)

Question 26

pediatrics/ pediatrician

Answer 26

comprehensive medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, with emphasis on disease prevention and healthful physical and mental development

Question 27

physical medicine and rehabilitation physiatry/ physiatrist

Answer 27

treatment of patients suffering from neuromusculoskeletal disorders caused by illness or injury (stroke, spinal cord injury)

Question 28

plastic surgery/ plastic surgeon

Answer 28

surgery from restoration, repair, or reconstruction of body structures (body contouring, skin grafting)

Question 29

preventative medicine

Answer 29

medical care that focuses on prevention of disease and health maintenance; specialty areas include: aerospace medicine, occupational medicine, public health, and general preventative medicine

Question 30

psychiatry/ psychiatrist

Answer 30

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

Question 31

radiology/ radiologist

Answer 31

use of ionizing and nonionizing imaging modalities, including x-ray, radionuclides, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound, to diagnose disease, or in therapies that involve imaging guidance; primary fields include diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and radiation physics

Question 32

surgery/ general surgeon

Answer 32

treatment of diseases and trauma requiring an operation; subspecialty areas include vascular, pediatric, hand, and critical care surgery

Question 33

thoracic surgery/ thoracic surgeon

Answer 33

treatment of diseases, deformities, and trauma requiring an operation within the chest, including the heart and lungs

Question 34

urology/ urologist

Answer 34

surgical and nonsurgical treatment of the male urinary and reproductive system and the female urinary system

Question 35

doctor of chiropractic medicine (D.C.)/ chiropractor

Answer 35

treatment centered on manipulation of the spine to maintain function and balance in the body

Question 36

doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.)/ oral surgery/ oral surgeon

Answer 36

treatment of dental disorders requiring surgery

Question 37

doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.)/ podiatry/ podiatrist

Answer 37

diagnosis and treatment (including surgery) of disorders of the foot

Question 38

doctor of optometry (O.D.)/ optometrist

Answer 38

diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of the eye, including vision care and services

Question 39

doctor of psychology (Psy. D. or Ph.D)/ clinical psychologist

Answer 39

counsel of patients with mental or emotional disorders