Health Professions

Flashcards for Health Professions lecture review.

Audiology

The science of the sense of hearing, especially the evaluation, study, measurement, and rehabilitation of impaired hearing.

Bacteriologist

A specialist in the scientific study of bacteria such as bacilli, cocci, and spirochetes.

Biologist

A specialist in the scientific study of living cells.

Cardiology

The study of the heart and its functions.

Dermatology

Medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases.

Endocrinology

The study and science of the endocrine system.

Gastroenterology

The study of the stomach, intestines, and their diseases.

Gynecology

A specialty dealing with diseases of the reproductive and genital tract in women.

Hematology

The science of dealing with the morphology of blood, blood cells, and blood-forming tissues, and with their physiology and pathology.

Neurology

A branch of medical science dealing with diseases and conditions of the nervous system.

Oncology

The study of tumors - both benign and malignant.

Ophthalmology

Branch of medicine dealing with the eye.

Pathology

The branch of medicine concerning the study of the causes and effects of diseases.

Physiology

Science of the functions of the living organism and its parts, chemical factors, and processes.

Proctology

The specialty concerned with disorders of the rectum (straight tube) and anus (ring).

Psychology

Science of the mind and mental processes; abnormal behavior.

Urology

The branch of medicine dealing with the urinary system in the female and the urogenital system in the male.

Radiology

The branch of medical science dealing with radiation or radioactive energy to diagnose and treat disease.

Anesthesiologist

A physician who specializes in administrating anesthetics.

Psychiatry

The branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment and prevention of mental illness.

Physician

An authorized practitioner of medicine.

Otorhinolaryngologist

A physician specialized in diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

Obstetrician

A physician who specializes in pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Geriatrician

A physician who diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions of the aging and elderly.

Pediatrician

A physician who diagnoses and treats children's diseases.

Emergency Medicine

Emergency room care that treats acute illness and crisis situations.

Family Medicine

A physician who is schooled in six basic areas: internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology; surgery; psychiatry; pediatrics; and community medicine.

Preventive Medicine

A specialty that includes occupational medicine, public health, and general preventive medicine.

Osteopathic Physician (D.O.)

An authorized practitioner of medicine with the same education as a MD (Medical Doctor).

Registered Nurse (R.N.)

A specialist licensed to work directly with patients.

Midwife (R.N.)

A professional nurse with additional training with women throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period.

Nurse Practitioner (N.P.)

A registered nurse who has completed advanced nursing education, masters or doctorate. Range of health services varies from state to state.

Public Health Nurse (P.H.N.)

A registered nurse concerned with the prevention of illness and care for the sick in a community setting rather than a health-care facility.

Physician Assistant (P.A.)

A professional trained in medical procedures who can perform these under the guidance of a physician.

Optometrist (O.D.)

A professional trained to examine eyes and prescribe corrective lenses.

Physical Therapist (R.P.T. or P.T.)

A person skilled in the techniques of physical therapy who is qualified to administer physician-prescribed therapies.

Occupational Therapist (O.T.R.)

Professional person schooled in the rehabilitation of fine motor skills and coordination of patients' activities.

Pharmacist (Pharm.D.)

One who is licensed to prepare, sell, or dispense drugs, compounds, and prescriptions.

Athletic Training Certification (A.T.C.)

A person who uses sports medicine techniques, physical therapy, massage, and numerous other modalities.

Radiology Technician (R.T.)

One who specializes in the use of X-ray and radioactive isotopes in the diagnoses and treatment of disease and who works under the supervision of a radiologist (M.D.).

Respiratory Therapist (A.R.R.T.)

A person who has a degree in respiratory therapy and who assists patients in improving impaired respiratory functions under a physician's direction, usually a pulmonologist (M.D.) - lung specialist.

Veterinarian (D.V.M.)

A doctor trained to practice veterinary medicine, perform animal surgery, and carry out animal research.

Chiropractor (D.C.)

A doctor trained in a manner similar to M.D.s and D.O.s but who doesn't use medications or surgery. Analyzes the skeletal system and use holistic approached to treat patients with bone adjustment manipulation, physical therapy, nutrition, acupuncture, massage, and other non-intrusive therapies.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (M.T.)

Performs laboratory testing on patient blood, urine, and body fluids to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating disease.