Chapter 5: Medical Specialists and Case Reports

Anesthesiology

Administration of agents capable of bringing about a loss of sensation

Dermatology

Diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders

Emergency medicine

Care of patients that requires sudden and immediate action

Family practice

Primary care of all members of the family on a continuing basis

Internal medicine

Diagnosis and treatment of usually complex, nonsurgical disorders in adults

Ophthalmology

Diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders

Pathology

Diagnosis of the cause and nature of disease

Pediatrics

Diagnosis and treatment of children's disorders

Psychiatry

Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the mind

Radiology

Diagnosis using x-ray studies, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Surgery

Treatment by manual (SURG- means hand) or operative methods

allergist

Treatment of hypersensitivity reactions

anesthesiologist

Administration of agents to prevent pain and unpleasant awareness during surgical and other procedures

cardiologist

Treatment of heart disease

cardiovascular surgeon

Surgery on the heart and blood vessels

colorectal surgeon

Surgery on the colon and rectum

dermatologist

Treatment of skin disorders

emergency practitioner

Immediate evaluation and treatment of acute injury and illness in a hospital setting

endocrinologist

Treatment of endocrine gland disorders

family practitioner

Primary care treatment for families on a continuing basis

gastroenterologist

Treatment of stomach and intestinal disorders

geriatrician

Treatment of diseases of old age

gynecologist

Surgery and treatment for diseases of the female reproductive system

hematologist

Treatment of blood disorders

hospitalist

General medical care of hospitalized patients

infectious disease specialist

Treatment of diseases caused by micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, others)

internist

Adult comprehensive care in office of hospital setting

nephrologist

Treatment of kidney diseases

neurologist

Treatment of nerve disorders

neurosurgeon

Surgery on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves

obstetrician

Treatment of pregnant women; delivery of babies

oncologist

Diagnosis and treatment of malignant and benign tumors

ophthalmologist

Surgical and medical treatment of eye disorders

orthopedist

Surgical treatment of bone, muscle, and joint conditions

otolaryngologist

Surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders

pathologist

Diagnosis of disease by analysis of cells

pediatrician

Treatment of diseases of children

physiatrist

Treatment to restore function after injury or illness; physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist

psychiatrist

Treatment of mental disorders

pulmonologist

Treatment of lung diseases

radiologist

Examination of x-ray images for diagnosis; interpretation of ultrasound, MRI, and nuclear medicine studies

radiation oncologist

Treatment of disease with high-energy radiation

rheumatologist

Treatment of systemic diseases affecting joints and muscles

thoracic surgeon

Surgery on chest organs

urologist

Surgery on the urinary tract and for treatment of male reproductive disorders

periodontist

Gums (PERI- means surrounding)

endodontist

Root canal therapy (the root canal is the inner part of a tooth containing blood vessels and nerves)

pedodontist

Children (PED/O means child)

prosthodontist

Replacement of missing teeth with artificial appliances (PROSTH/O = artificial replacemen

optometrist An optometrist examines (METR/O means to measure) eyes and prescribes corrective lenses but cannot treat eye diseases.

optician Opticians grind lenses and fit glasses, and may treat eye diseases.