Endocrinologists specify in illnesses and issues related to the endocrine system and its glands. Here is a list of doctor professions and the areas of medicine that they specialize in: 1. You might see a surgeon for a variety of reasons. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. These health care professionals put a lot of time and effort into getting degrees in these specialized areas, so the next time a kid tells you they want to be a doctor, make sure to ask, “which kind?” For more information on the tough process these doctors went to in order to reach their current position, check out this course on how to get into medical school. However, that particular doctor, the family physician, represents only one of the countless areas in which medical professionals work. Otolaryngologists are often referred to as ENTs, for Ear, Nose, and Throat. To learn more about neonatal care and the proper way to care for a newborn infant, take a look at this course on bringing your new baby home! Allergy & immunology. They also coordinate other staff that participates in surgery, and work with other physicians post-op. While we don’t have every breakdown of every specialist, you can find a list of common types of doctors below, which can serve as a point of reference when researching your future specialty. Audiologists specialize in ear related issues, particularly with regard to hearing loss in … insightful. Without a doubt, choosing a medical specialty is a huge decision, since there are many different types of doctors. You may also go to an allergist/immunologist if you need ongoing support managing an autoimmune disease, like Celiac disease. They treat and manage pain and diseases, as well as injuries, to help keep people active and pain free. Surgeries are typically scheduled in advance, except emergency surgery. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? Make sure you start early! Rheumatologists, similar to Allergists, diagnose and treat allergies, as well as autoimmune disorders. Though you're unlikely to see an anesthesiologist outside of the hospital, you'll work with one before and after surgery to make sure you're not in pain and your body is healthy overall. Physiologists study the states of the human body, including emotions and needs. You may be very interested in cardiac surgery, but did better in courses related to urology. They examine the source of these organisms and determine what can be done to prevent them from causing illnesses. Female patients are typically advised to see a gynecologist once a year. If you're looking at taking your next steps, check out this guide to The 11 Best Pre-Med Schools and our guide on what to expect from your pre-med program. We've described the common types of doctors, but how do you pick the right one for you? You may see an ENT for infections or for chronic issues like a deviated septum. Psychiatrists can informally specialize in specific age groups, though some informally prefer to work with different ages and on different illnesses as they gain experience with patients. For more information on how to ensure that your infant is growing and developing properly, check out this course on nutrition for babies and toddlers! It's also recommended that patients with female reproductive organs have an exam by the OB/GYN once per year. Invasive means that they perform tests that are internal, while noninvasive cardiologists only perform tests that are external, like echocardiograms. For a description of these, see Specialty (medicine). It might be helpful to even look into shadowing and interning when you’re pre-med, so you have time to try different things to see if you like them. Doctors often specialize in both so that they can help patients with a full range of reproductive medicine. Pediatricians oversee the health and development of babies and children. Residencies are matched through an application process like a job, so you have to make sure that your resume is tailored to those specializations. Neurologists work with people who have had strokes and those with degenerative diseases of the nervous system, like multiple sclerosis. Allergist. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Medical specialists. Psychiatrists can specialize in more than one mental illness, and can also specialize in treating substance abuse. Cardiologists focus on preventative care, while a cardiac surgeon is responsible for surgery. In addition to choosing their field of practice, doctors can also specialize further after their residencies by proceeding with a fellowship. Any allergies you may have, such as, hay fever … Picking your specialization comes with a lot of pressure, since the intense and specific training makes it hard to switch if you change your mind. This medical specialists list is a broad overview of specialists and is limited. Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine (their specialty area). ENT Specialists concentrate in areas related to the Ear, Nose, and Throat, and sometimes even ailments related to the neck or the head. Pediatricians work with infants, children, and adolescents regarding a wide variety of health issues, ranging from the common cold to severe conditions. Make sure to trust your advisers and trust your gut when making these decisions, so that your career as a physician is everything you’ve dreamed of, and you know you’re doing your best work. If you exhibit loss of motor of cognitive function, you could be referred to a neurologist. Neurosurgeons operate on the human brain and body to treat and cure diseases affecting the nervous system and brain stem. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? Another specialist on our list, an orthopedist, also works with the joints, muscles, and bones, but a rheumatologist is unique because they focus on the origin of the problem, and the body's overall movement and health. The medical field is growing fast as our population ages and grows at a rapid pace. Internal Medicine Specialists manage and treat diseases through non-surgical means, such as anesthetics and other pain-reliving drugs. Infectious Disease Specialists are often found in research labs and work with viruses and bacteria that tend to cause a variety of dangerous diseases. They analyze a patient's health and history, and create a surgical plan that prioritize the patient's safety and recovery. You would see an ophthalmologist if your PCP or optometrist suspects you have a more serious eye disease, or might need surgery. Radiologists specialize in the types of diseases they diagnose, such as radiation oncology. They often work with injuries like broken bones, torn ligaments, etc. Subsets of surgeons include such areas as general surgery, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, ENT surgery, and oral surgery. This article looks at types of medical doctors, the conditions they treat, and the procedures they perform. Orthopedic Surgeons treat ailments concerned with the skeletal system, such as broken bones and arthritis. Thinking about becoming a doctor? Radiologists often work with other care providers; for example, if you came into the ER with a head injury, you would see an emergency doctor, a radiologist, and possible others depending on the diagnosis and extent of the injury. Some sub-specialties include invasive or noninvasive cardiologists. Oncologists focus on the treatment and prevention of cancer in terminal and at-risk patients. A Comprehensive Guide. Persistent symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, and diarrhea could send you to the gastroenterologist. For most of us, the connotation of “doctor” brings forth the visual of a man or woman in a white lab coat, chart in hand, smiling as he or she enters the room to complete your annual check-up. You have to consider your interests, and what your goals will be once you’re a physician. Examples of medical specialists include the following: Addiction psychiatrist; Adolescent medicine specialist… Orthopedists can also treat chronic issues in the hips, back, and neck, as well as treat arthritis. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! A neurologist focuses on the anatomy, functions, and disorders of the nerves and nervous systems. Dermatologists study skin and the structures, functions and diseases related to it. Some anesthesiologists do work with patients in the maintenance of chronic pain, and other specialize in different areas of medicine like pediatrics or obstetrics. 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