Specialty (medicine)
Encyclopedia
A specialty in medicine
is a branch of medical science. After completing medical school
, physician
s or surgeon
s usually further their medical education
in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple year residency
to become a medical specialist.
Throughout history, the most important has been the division into surgical and internal medicine specialties. The surgical specialties are the specialties in which an important part of diagnosis and treatment is achieved through major surgical techniques. The internal medicine specialties are the specialties in which the main diagnosis and treatment is never major surgery. Anesthesiology is classified as a surgical discipline, since it is vital in the surgical process, though anesthesiologists never perform major surgery themselves.
Many specialties are organ-based. Many symptoms and diseases come from a particular organ. Others are based mainly around a set of techniques, such as radiology, which was originally based around X-rays.
The age range of patients seen by any given specialist can be quite variable. Pediatricians handle most complaints and diseases in children that do not require surgery, and there are several subspecialties (formally or informally) in pediatrics that mimic the organ-based specialties in adults. Pediatric surgery may or not be a separate specialty that handles some kinds of surgical complaints in children.
A further subdivision is the diagnostic versus therapeutic specialties. While the diagnostic process is of great importance in all specialties, some specialists perform mainly or only diagnostic examinations, such as pathology, clinical neurophysiology, and radiology. This line is becoming somewhat blurred with interventional radiology
, an evolving field that uses image expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.
, increasing negligent costs, steep price rise of rental, the annual salary range of a medical specialist varies and is not rising as fast as other professional pay.
The table below details the average range of salaries for physicians of selected specialties as of July 2010. Also given in the average number of hours worked per week for full-time physicians (numbers are from 2003).
, which is responsible for recognition of post graduate training and by the National Board of Examinations
. And education of Ayurveda
in overseen by Central Council of Indian Medicine
(CCIM), the council conducts u.g and p.g courses all over India, while Central Council of Homoeopathy
does the same in the field of Homeopathy.
in the 26 approved medical specialties recognized in the country. These organizations are the American Board of Medical Specialties
(ABMS) and the American Medical Association
; the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists
(AOABOS) and the American Osteopathic Association
; the American Board of Physician Specialties
(ABPS) and the American Association of Physician Specialists
. Each of these agencies and their associated national medical organization functions as its various specialty academies, colleges and societies.
All boards of certification now require that medical practitioners
demonstrate, by examination, continuing mastery of the core knowledge and skills for a chosen specialty. Recertification varies by particular specialty between every seven and every ten years.
came to the result that dermatologists are most satisfied with their choice of specialty, followed by orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and gastroenterologists. In contrast, primary care physician
s were the least satisfied, followed by nephrologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, and pulmonologists.
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
is a branch of medical science. After completing medical school
Medical school
A medical school is a tertiary educational institution—or part of such an institution—that teaches medicine. Degree programs offered at medical schools often include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Bachelor/Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, master's degree, or other post-secondary...
, physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
s or surgeon
Surgeon
In medicine, a surgeon is a specialist in surgery. Surgery is a broad category of invasive medical treatment that involves the cutting of a body, whether human or animal, for a specific reason such as the removal of diseased tissue or to repair a tear or breakage...
s usually further their medical education
Medical education
Medical education is education related to the practice of being a medical practitioner, either the initial training to become a doctor or additional training thereafter ....
in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple year residency
Residency (medicine)
Residency is a stage of graduate medical training. A resident physician or resident is a person who has received a medical degree , Podiatric degree , Dental Degree and who practices...
to become a medical specialist.
History of medical specialization
To a certain extent, medical practitioners have always been specialized. According to Galen, specialization was common among Roman doctors. The particular system of modern medical specialities evolved gradually during the 19th century. Informal social recognition of medical specialization evolved before the formal legal system. The particular subdivision of the practice of medicine into various specialities varies from country to country, and is somewhat arbitrary.Classification of medical specialization
Medical specialties can be classified along several axes. These are:- Surgical or internal medicine
- Age range of patients
- Diagnostic or therapeutic
- Organ-based or technique-based
Throughout history, the most important has been the division into surgical and internal medicine specialties. The surgical specialties are the specialties in which an important part of diagnosis and treatment is achieved through major surgical techniques. The internal medicine specialties are the specialties in which the main diagnosis and treatment is never major surgery. Anesthesiology is classified as a surgical discipline, since it is vital in the surgical process, though anesthesiologists never perform major surgery themselves.
Many specialties are organ-based. Many symptoms and diseases come from a particular organ. Others are based mainly around a set of techniques, such as radiology, which was originally based around X-rays.
The age range of patients seen by any given specialist can be quite variable. Pediatricians handle most complaints and diseases in children that do not require surgery, and there are several subspecialties (formally or informally) in pediatrics that mimic the organ-based specialties in adults. Pediatric surgery may or not be a separate specialty that handles some kinds of surgical complaints in children.
A further subdivision is the diagnostic versus therapeutic specialties. While the diagnostic process is of great importance in all specialties, some specialists perform mainly or only diagnostic examinations, such as pathology, clinical neurophysiology, and radiology. This line is becoming somewhat blurred with interventional radiology
Interventional radiology
Interventional radiology is a specialty of radiology, in which image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases across all body systems...
, an evolving field that uses image expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.
Specialties that are common world-wide
Specialty | Can be subspecialty of | Diagnostic (D) or therapeutic (T) specialty | Surgical (S) or internal medicine specialty (I) | Age range of patients | Organ-based (O) or technique-based (T) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allergy and Immunology | Pediatrics or Internal medicine | Both | I | All | O |
Anaesthesiology | None | T | S | All | T |
Pathology | None | D | Neither | All | T |
Cardiology | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Pediatric cardiology | Pediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Cardiothoracic surgery | General surgery | T | S | Adults | O |
Child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy | None | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Clinical neurophysiology | Neurology | D | I | All | Both |
Dermato-Venereology | None | T | I | All | O |
Endocrinology | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Gastroenterology | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Geriatrics | Internal medicine | T | I | Geriatric | Multidisciplinary |
Gynaecology and obstetrics | None | T | S | All | O |
Health Informatics | None | T & D | Neither | All | Multidisciplinary |
Infectious diseases | Internal medicine | T | I | Variable | Neither |
Internal Medicine | None | T | I | Adults | Neither |
Interventional Radiology Interventional radiology Interventional radiology is a specialty of radiology, in which image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases across all body systems... |
Radiology | T | Both | All | Multidisciplinary |
Vascular medicine | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Microbiology | None | D | I | All | T |
Nephrology | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Neurology | None | T | I | Adults | O |
Neurosurgery | None | T | S | All | O |
Nuclear medicine | None | D | I | All | T |
Occupational medicine | None | T | I | Working age | Multidisciplinary |
Ophthalmology | None | T | S | All | O |
Orthopaedics | General surgery | T | S | All | O |
Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery | Several | T | S | All | O |
Otorhinolaryngology | None | T | S | All | O |
Paediatrics | None | T | I | Pediatric | Neither |
Paediatric allergology | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric endocrinology and diabetes | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric haematology and oncology | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric infectious diseases | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Neonatology | Paediatrics | T | I | Neonatal | Neither |
Paediatric Nephrology | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric respiratory medicine | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric rheumatology | Paediatrics | T | I | Pediatric | O |
Paediatric surgery | General Surgery | T | S | Pediatric | O |
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine | None | T | I | Adults | Multidisciplinary |
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery | General surgery | T | S | All | O |
Pneumology | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Psychiatry | Internal medicine | T | I | Adults | O |
Public Health | None | Neither | Neither | All | T |
Radiology | None | D | I | All | T |
Neuroradiology | Radiology | D | I | All | Both |
Radiotherapy | (unknown) | T | Unknown | Unknown | T |
General surgery | None | T | S | Variable | T |
Urology | General surgery | T | S | All | O |
Vascular surgery | General surgery | T | S | All | O |
List of specialties recognized in the European Union and European Economic Area
The European Union publishes a list of specialties recognized in the European Union, and by extension, the European Economic Area. Note that there is substantial overlap between some of the specialties and it is likely that for example "Clinical radiology" and "Radiology" refer to a large degree to the same pattern of practice across Europe.Anesthesiology | Clinical chemistry | Tropical medicine |
General surgery | Clinical biology | Child psychiatry |
Neurosurgery | *Immunology | Geriatrics |
Obsetrics and gynecology | Plastic surgery | Nephrology |
Internal medicine | Thoracic surgery | Infectious diseases |
**Ophthalmology | Pediatric surgery | Public health |
Otorhinolaryngology | Vascular surgery | Pharmacology |
Pediatrics | Cardiology | Occupational medicine |
Respiratory medicine | Gastroenterology | Allergology |
Urology | Rheumatology | Gastro-enterologic surgery |
Orthopaedics | General hematology | Nuclear medicine |
Pathology | Endocrinology | Accident and emergency medicine |
Neurology | Physical medicine and rehabilitation | Clinical neurophysiology |
Psychiatry | Stomatology | Maxillo-facial surgery |
Clinical radiology | Neuro-psychiatry | Dental, oral and maxillo-facial surgery |
Radiotherapy | Dermato-venerology | |
Laboratory medicine | Dermatology | |
Biological hematology | Venerology | |
Microbiology | Radiology |
List of North American medical specialties and others
In this table, as in many healthcare arenas, medical specialties are organized into the following groups:- SurgicalSurgerySurgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...
specialties focus on manually operative and instrumental techniques to treat disease. - MedicalMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
specialties that focus on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of disease. - Diagnostic specialties focus more purely on diagnosis of disorders.
Specialty Code Group Subspecialties Focus Allergy AllergyAn Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid...
and ImmunologyImmunologyImmunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. It deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and diseases; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders ; the...Allergic reactions, asthma, and the immune system Anesthesiology AN, PAN Surgery Paediatrics, Pain management Pain managementPain management is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with pain. The typical pain management team includes medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,...
, Intensive Care, Critical CareCritical careCritical care may refer to:* Critical care medicine or intensive-care medicine, a branch of medicine concerned with life support for critically ill patients* "Critical Care" , an episode of the TV series...
, Obstetrics and gynaecologyObstetrics and gynaecologyObstetrics and gynaecology are the two surgical–medical specialties dealing with the female reproductive organs in their pregnant and non-pregnant state, respectively, and as such are often combined to form a single medical specialty and postgraduate training programme...
, Cardiothoracic anesthesiologyCardiothoracic anesthesiologyCardiothoracic anesthesiology is a subspeciality of the medical practice of anesthesiology devoted to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and related invasive procedures...
, Trauma Care, Pre- and Post-Operative Assessment and Care, Generalist (covers all the sub-specialties)Anesthesia AnesthesiaAnesthesia, or anaesthesia , traditionally meant the condition of having sensation blocked or temporarily taken away...Cardiology CardiologyCardiology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the heart . The field includes diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology...Medicine MedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....Disease of the cardiovascular system Cardiovascular surgery Surgery SurgerySurgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...The operation of heart HeartThe heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions...
and major blood vesselBlood vesselThe blood vessels are the part of the circulatory system that transports blood throughout the body. There are three major types of blood vessels: the arteries, which carry the blood away from the heart; the capillaries, which enable the actual exchange of water and chemicals between the blood and...
s of the chestChestThe chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:...
.Clinical laboratory sciences Diagnostic - Transfusion medicine
Transfusion medicineTransfusion medicine is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the transfusion of blood and blood components. The blood bank is the section of the clinical laboratory where medical technologists process and distribute blood products under the supervision of a medical director, often...
is concerned with the transfusion of bloodBloodBlood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells....
and blood component, including the maintenance of a "blood bankBlood bankA blood bank is a cache or bank of blood or blood components, gathered as a result of blood donation, stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusion. The term "blood bank" typically refers to a division of a hospital laboratory where the storage of blood product occurs and where proper...
".- Cellular pathology is concerned with diagnosis using samples from patients taken as tissues and cells using histology
HistologyHistology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals. It is performed by examining cells and tissues commonly by sectioning and staining; followed by examination under a light microscope or electron microscope...
and cytologyCytopathologyCytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level. The discipline was founded by Rudolf Virchow in 1858. A common application of cytopathology is the Pap smear, used as a screening tool, to detect precancerous cervical lesions and prevent cervical...
.- Clinical chemistry is concerned with diagnosis by making biochemical analysis of blood, body fluids, and tissues.
- Hematology
HematologyHematology, also spelled haematology , is the branch of biology physiology, internal medicine, pathology, clinical laboratory work, and pediatrics that is concerned with the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases...
is concerned with diagnosis by looking at changes in the cellular composition of the bloodBloodBlood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells....
and bone marrowBone marrowBone marrow is the flexible tissue found in the interior of bones. In humans, bone marrow in large bones produces new blood cells. On average, bone marrow constitutes 4% of the total body mass of humans; in adults weighing 65 kg , bone marrow accounts for approximately 2.6 kg...
as well as the coagulation system in the blood.- Clinical microbiology is concerned with the in vitro
In vitroIn vitro refers to studies in experimental biology that are conducted using components of an organism that have been isolated from their usual biological context in order to permit a more detailed or more convenient analysis than can be done with whole organisms. Colloquially, these experiments...
diagnosis of diseases caused by bacteria, virusVirusA virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
es, fungiFungusA fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
, and parasites.- Clinical immunology is concerned with disorders of the immune system
Immune systemAn immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. It detects a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and needs to distinguish them from the organism's own...
and related body defenses. It also deals with diagnosis of allergyAllergyAn Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid...
.Application of diagnostic techniques in medical laboratories such as assay AssayAn assay is a procedure in molecular biology for testing or measuring the activity of a drug or biochemical in an organism or organic sample. A quantitative assay may also measure the amount of a substance in a sample. Bioassays and immunoassays are among the many varieties of specialized...
s, microscopeMicroscopeA microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy...
analysis.Dermatology DermatologyDermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails....D, DS Medicine Dermatopathology, Mohs Surgery Mohs surgeryMohs surgery, also known as chemosurgery, created by a general surgeon, Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer. It is one of the many methods of obtaining complete margin control during removal of a skin cancer using frozen section...Skin Skin-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
and its appendages (hairHairHair is a filamentous biomaterial, that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Found exclusively in mammals, hair is one of the defining characteristics of the mammalian class....
, nails, sweat glandSweat glandSweat glands, or sudoriferous glands, are small tubular structures of the skin that produce sweat. There are two kinds of sweat glands:...
s etc.).Dietetics Food and nutrition Emergency medicine Emergency medicineEmergency medicine is a medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, emergency medicine physicians diagnose a variety of illnesses and undertake acute...EM Medicine - Emergency Medical Services
- Hospice and palliative medicine
- Medical toxicology
- Pediatric emergency medicine
- Sports medicine
- Undersea and hyperbaric medicine
The initial management of emergent medical conditions, often in hospital HospitalA hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
emergency departments or the field.Endocrinology EndocrinologyEndocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions called hormones, the integration of developmental events such as proliferation, growth, and differentiation and the coordination of...Medicine The endocrine system Endocrine systemIn physiology, the endocrine system is a system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone directly into the bloodstream to regulate the body. The endocrine system is in contrast to the exocrine system, which secretes its chemicals using ducts. It derives from the Greek words "endo"...
(i.e., endocrine glands and hormoneHormoneA hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism. Only a small amount of hormone is required to alter cell metabolism. In essence, it is a chemical messenger that transports a signal from one...
s) and its diseases, including diabetes and thyroidThyroidThe thyroid gland or simply, the thyroid , in vertebrate anatomy, is one of the largest endocrine glands. The thyroid gland is found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage...
diseases.Family Medicine Family medicineFamily medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. It is a division of primary care that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family across all ages, sexes, diseases, and parts of the body...FM Medicine - Adolescent Medicine
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Continuing, comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family, integrating the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences to treat patients of all ages, sexes, organ systems, and diseases. Forensic Medicine Medicine Gastroenterology GastroenterologyGastroenterology is the branch of medicine whereby the digestive system and its disorders are studied. The name is a combination of three Ancient Greek words gaster , enteron , and logos...GI Medicine The alimentary tract General surgery General surgeryGeneral surgery, despite its name, is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal organs, e.g., intestines including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland . They also deal with diseases involving the skin, breast, soft...GS Surgery - Colorectal surgery
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Transplant surgery
- Trauma surgery
Geriatrics GeriatricsGeriatrics is a sub-specialty of internal medicine and family medicine that focuses on health care of elderly people. It aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults. There is no set age at which patients may be under the care of a geriatrician, or...IMG Medicine Elderly patients Gynecology Female reproductive health Hepatology HepatologyHepatology is the branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders. Etymologically the word Hepatology is formed of ancient Greek hepar or hepato- meaning ' liver' and suffix -logia meaning 'word' or 'speech'...Medicine The liver LiverThe liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
and biliary tract, usually a part of gastroenterology.Infectious disease Infectious diseaseInfectious diseases, also known as communicable diseases, contagious diseases or transmissible diseases comprise clinically evident illness resulting from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biological agents in an individual host organism...ID Medicine Diseases caused by biological agents Intensive care medicine Intensive care medicineIntensive-care medicine or critical-care medicine is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and management of life threatening conditions requiring sophisticated organ support and invasive monitoring.- Overview :...Medicine Life support Life supportLife support, in medicine is a broad term that applies to any therapy used to sustain a patient's life while they are critically ill or injured. There are many therapies and techniques that may be used by clinicians to achieve the goal of sustaining life...
and management of critically ill patients, often in an ICUIntensive Care Unitthumb|220px|ICU roomAn intensive-care unit , critical-care unit , intensive-therapy unit/intensive-treatment unit is a specialized department in a hospital that provides intensive-care medicine...
.Maxillofacial surgery Maxfacs, OMFS Surgery - Craniofacial surgery (Head and neck)
- Facial cosmetic surgery
- Craniomaxillofacial trauma
Disease of the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Medical research Anatomy AnatomyAnatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
, BiochemistryBiochemistryBiochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
, EmbryologyEmbryologyEmbryology is a science which is about the development of an embryo from the fertilization of the ovum to the fetus stage...
, GeneticsGeneticsGenetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
, PharmacologyPharmacologyPharmacology is the branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug action. More specifically, it is the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism and chemicals that affect normal or abnormal biochemical function...
, ToxicologyToxicologyToxicology is a branch of biology, chemistry, and medicine concerned with the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms...Nephrology NephrologyNephrology is a branch of internal medicine and pediatrics dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney.-Scope of the specialty:...Medicine Kidney diseases Neurology NeurologyNeurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue,...N Medicine - Behavioral Neurology
Behavioral neurologyBehavioral neurology is a subspecialty of neurology that studies the neurological basis of behavior, memory, and cognition, the impact of neurological damage and disease upon these functions, and the treatment thereof. Two fields associated with behavioral neurology are neuropsychiatry and...- Clinical Neurophysiology
Clinical neurophysiologyClinical neurophysiology is a medical specialty that studies the central and peripheral nervous systems through the recording of bioelectrical activity, whether spontaneous or stimulated....- Geriatric Neurology
Geriatric neurologyGeriatric neurology is the branch of medicine that studies neurologic disorders in elderly.- Origin :In 1991 Advanced Fellowship Program in Geriatric Neurology was started by the Department of Veterans Affairs...- Headache Medicine
- Neuromuscular Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Neuro-oncology
- Neuroradiology
NeuroradiologyNeuroradiology is a subspecialty of radiology focusing on the diagnosis and characterization of abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, spine, and head and neck. Primary imaging modalities include computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging...- Vascular Neurology
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Hospice and Palliative MedicineHospice and Palliative Medicine is a formal subspecialty of medicine in the United States that focuses on symptom management, relief of suffering and end-of-life care...- Pain Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
Sleep medicineSleep medicine is a medical specialty or subspecialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders. From the middle of the 20th century, research has provided increasing knowledge and answered many questions about sleep-wake functioning. The rapidly evolving field has...Diseases involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems Neurosurgery NeurosurgeryNeurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spine, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.-In the United States:In...NS Surgery - Cerebrovascular
- Neurosurgical Oncology
- Stereotactic and Functional
- Spine
Spine-Medicine:*Vertebral column, commonly known as the backbone or spine, so named for its spinous processes**Lumbar puncture, a colloquial term for which is a spinal tap**Spinal anaesthesia, a type of regional anaesthetic...- Neurotrauma
- Skull Base
- Peripheral Nerve
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
Disease of the central nervous system Central nervous systemThe central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish...
, peripheral nervous systemPeripheral nervous systemThe peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. Unlike the CNS, the PNS is not protected by the bone of spine and skull, or by the blood–brain...
, and spinal column.Obstetrics and gynecology OB/GYN Surgery - Maternal-fetal medicine
Maternal-fetal medicineMaternal-Fetal medicine is the branch of obstetrics that focuses on the medical and surgical management of high-risk pregnancies. Management includes monitoring and treatment including comprehensive ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, genetic amniocentesis, and fetal surgery or treatment....- Reproductive medicine
Reproductive medicineReproductive medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with prevention, diagnosis and management of reproductive problems; goals include improving or maintaining reproductive health and allowing people to have children at a time of their choosing...- Fertility medicine
- Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic OncologyGynecologic Oncology is a peer-reviewed medical journal covering all aspects of gynecologic oncology. The journal covers investigations relating to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of female cancers, as well as research from any of the disciplines related to this field of interest.-...Oncology OncologyOncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...ON Medicine - Radiation oncology – pertains to the use of radiation therapy
Radiation therapyRadiation therapy , radiation oncology, or radiotherapy , sometimes abbreviated to XRT or DXT, is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control...
(the medicalMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
use of ionizing radiationIonizing radiationIonizing radiation is radiation composed of particles that individually have sufficient energy to remove an electron from an atom or molecule. This ionization produces free radicals, which are atoms or molecules containing unpaired electrons...
) as part of cancerCancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
treatmentOncologyOncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...
to control malignantMalignantMalignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis...
cellCell (biology)The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
s (not to be confused with radiologyRadiologyRadiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases...
).Cancer CancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
and other malignant diseases, often grouped with hematology.Ophthalmology OphthalmologyOphthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems...OPH Surgery Retina, Cornea Diseases of the visual pathways, including the eyes, brain, etc. Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgeryOrthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system...ORS Surgery hand surgery Hand surgeryThe field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity including injury and infection. Hand surgery may be practiced by graduates of general surgery, orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery...
, surgical sports medicine, adult reconstruction, spine surgery, foot and ankle, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopaedic trauma surgery, paediatric orthopedic surgeryInjury and disease of the musculoskeletal system Musculoskeletal systemA musculoskeletal system is an organ system that gives animals the ability to move using the muscular and skeletal systems...
.Otolaryngology OtolaryngologyOtolaryngology or ENT is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders....
, or ENTORL, ENT Surgery Head and neck, facial cosmetic surgery, Neurotology NeurotologyNeurotology or neuro-otology is a branch of clinical medicine which studies and treats neurological disorders of the ear. It is a subspecialty of otolaryngology, and is closely related to otology. Neurotologists are physicians who have specialised in otolaryngology, but who have further...
, LaryngologyTreatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders. The term head and neck surgery defines a closely related specialty that is concerned mainly with the surgical management of cancer Surgical oncologySurgical oncology is the branch of surgery which focuses on the surgical management of cancer.The specialty of surgical oncology has evolved in steps similar to medical oncology, which grew out of hematology, and radiation oncology, which grew out of radiology...
of the same anatomical structures.Palliative care Palliative carePalliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients...PLM Medicine A relatively modern branch of clinical medicine that deals with pain and symptom relief and emotional support in patients with terminal illness Terminal illnessTerminal illness is a medical term popularized in the 20th century to describe a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and that is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as...
es including cancerCancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
and heart failure.Pathology Pathology as a medical specialtyPathologists are physicians who diagnose and characterize disease in living patients by examining biopsies or bodily fluid. Pathologists may also conduct autopsies to investigate causes of death. Pathology is a core discipline of medical school and many pathologists are also instructors...PTH Diagnostic Understanding disease DiseaseA disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
through examination of moleculeMoleculeA molecule is an electrically neutral group of at least two atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their electrical charge...
s, cellsCell (biology)The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
, tissueTissue (biology)Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...
s and organOrgan (anatomy)In biology, an organ is a collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function. Usually there is a main tissue and sporadic tissues . The main tissue is the one that is unique for the specific organ. For example, main tissue in the heart is the myocardium, while sporadic are...
s. The term encompasses both the medical specialty that uses tissues and body fluids to obtain clinically useful information and the related scientificScienceScience is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
study of disease processes.Pediatrics PediatricsPediatrics or paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician or paediatrician...PD Medicine Children. Like internal medicine, pediatrics has many subspecialities for specific age ranges, organ systems, disease classes, and sites of care delivery. Most subspecialities of adult medicine have a pediatric equivalent such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric endocrinology Pediatric endocrinologyPediatric endocrinology is a medical subspecialty dealing with variations of physical growth and sexual development in childhood, as well as diabetes and other disorders of the endocrine glands....
, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric hematology, pediatric oncology, pediatric ophthalmologyPediatric ophthalmologyPediatric ophthalmology is a sub-speciality of ophthalmology concerned with eye diseases, visual development, and vision care in children.-Training:...
, and neonatologyNeonatologyNeonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn infant. It is a hospital-based specialty, and is usually practiced in neonatal intensive care units...
.deals with the medical care of infant InfantA newborn or baby is the very young offspring of a human or other mammal. A newborn is an infant who is within hours, days, or up to a few weeks from birth. In medical contexts, newborn or neonate refers to an infant in the first 28 days after birth...
s, childChildBiologically, a child is generally a human between the stages of birth and puberty. Some vernacular definitions of a child include the fetus, as being an unborn child. The legal definition of "child" generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority...
ren, and adolescents (from newborn to age 16-21, depending on the country).Pediatric surgery Pediatric surgeryPediatric surgery or paediatric surgery is a subspecialty of surgery involving the surgery of fetuses, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults...Surgery Treats a wide variety of thoracic ChestThe chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:...
and abdominal (and sometimes urologicUrologyUrology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...
) diseases of childhood.Physical medicine and rehabilitation Physical medicine and rehabilitationPhysical medicine and rehabilitation , physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. A physician having completed training in this field is referred to as a...
Or PhysiatryPM&R Medicine Concerned with functional improvement after injury, illness, or congenital disorder Congenital disorderA congenital disorder, or congenital disease, is a condition existing at birth and often before birth, or that develops during the first month of life , regardless of causation...
s.Plastic surgery Plastic surgeryPlastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the best-known kind of plastic surgery, most plastic surgery is not cosmetic: plastic surgery includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand...PS Surgery - Cosmetic surgery
- Burn
- Microsurgery
- Hand surgery
- Craniofacial surgery
Elective cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive surgery after traumatic or operative mutilation. Proctology ProctologyColorectal surgery is a field in medicine, dealing with disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. The field is also known as proctology, but the term is outdated in the more traditional areas of medicine...PRO Medicine (or Colorectal Surgery) Treats disease in the rectum RectumThe rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others, terminating in the anus. The human rectum is about 12 cm long...
, anusAnusThe anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to control the expulsion of feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest,...
, and colonColon (anatomy)The colon is the last part of the digestive system in most vertebrates; it extracts water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body, and is the site in which flora-aided fermentation of unabsorbed material occurs. Unlike the small intestine, the colon does not play a...
.Psychiatry PsychiatryPsychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities...P Medicine - Child and adolescent psychiatry focuses on the care of children and adolescents with mental, emotional, and learning problems including ADHD, autism
AutismAutism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
, and family conflicts.- Geriatric psychiatry
Geriatric psychiatryGeriatric psychiatry, also known as geropsychiatry, psychogeriatrics or psychiatry of old age, is a subspecialty of psychiatry dealing with the study, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in humans with old age. After a 4 year residency in psychiatry, a psychiatrist can complete a one year...
focuses on the care of elderly people with mental illnesses including dementiaDementiaDementia is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging...
s, post-stroke cognitive changes, and depression.- Addiction psychiatry
Addiction psychiatryAddiction psychiatry is a subspecialty within psychiatry that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of people who are suffering from one or more disorders related to addiction...
focuses on substance abuse and its treatment.- Forensic psychiatry
Forensic psychiatryForensic psychiatry is a sub-speciality of psychiatry and an auxiliar science of criminology. It encompasses the interface between law and psychiatry...
focuses on the interface of psychiatry and law.- Neuropsychiatry
NeuropsychiatryNeuropsychiatry is the branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders attributable to diseases of the nervous system. It preceded the current disciplines of psychiatry and neurology, in as much as psychiatrists and neurologists had a common training....
focuses on affective, cognitive and behavioral disorders attributable to diseases of the nervous system- Sleep medicine
Sleep medicineSleep medicine is a medical specialty or subspecialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders. From the middle of the 20th century, research has provided increasing knowledge and answered many questions about sleep-wake functioning. The rapidly evolving field has...
focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.- Psychosomatic medicine
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Hospice and Palliative MedicineHospice and Palliative Medicine is a formal subspecialty of medicine in the United States that focuses on symptom management, relief of suffering and end-of-life care...- Pain medicine
The bio-psycho-social study of the etiology EtiologyEtiology is the study of causation, or origination. The word is derived from the Greek , aitiologia, "giving a reason for" ....
, diagnosisDiagnosisDiagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of anything. Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines with variations in the use of logics, analytics, and experience to determine the cause and effect relationships...
, treatment and preventionPreventive medicinePreventive medicine or preventive care refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than curing them or treating their symptoms...
of cognitive, perceptual, emotional and behavioral disorders. Related non-medical fields include psychotherapyPsychotherapyPsychotherapy is a general term referring to any form of therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a client or patient; family, couple or group...
and clinical psychologyClinical psychologyClinical psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development...
.Pulmonology PulmonologyIn medicine, pulmonology is the specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory disease. It is called chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas...Medicine The lungs and respiratory system Respiratory systemThe respiratory system is the anatomical system of an organism that introduces respiratory gases to the interior and performs gas exchange. In humans and other mammals, the anatomical features of the respiratory system include airways, lungs, and the respiratory muscles...
. Pulmonology is generally considered a branch of internal medicineInternal medicineInternal medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians specializing in internal medicine are called internists. They are especially skilled in the management of patients who have undifferentiated or multi-system disease processes...
, although it is closely related to intensive care medicineIntensive care medicineIntensive-care medicine or critical-care medicine is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and management of life threatening conditions requiring sophisticated organ support and invasive monitoring.- Overview :...
when dealing with patients requiring mechanical ventilationMechanical ventilationIn medicine, mechanical ventilation is a method to mechanically assist or replace spontaneous breathing. This may involve a machine called a ventilator or the breathing may be assisted by a physician, respiratory therapist or other suitable person compressing a bag or set of bellows...
.Radiology RadiologyRadiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases...R, DR Diagnostic and Therapeutic - Interventional radiology
Interventional radiologyInterventional radiology is a specialty of radiology, in which image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases across all body systems...
is concerned with using expert imaging of the human body, usually via CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopyFluoroscopyFluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed...
, or MRI to perform a breadth of intravascular procedures (angioplasty, arterial stenting, thrombolysis, uterine fibroid embolization), biopsiesBiopsyA biopsy is a medical test involving sampling of cells or tissues for examination. It is the medical removal of tissue from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist, and can also be analyzed chemically...
and minimally invasive oncologic procedures (radiofrequency and cryoablation of tumors & transarterial chemoembolization)- Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicineIn nuclear medicine procedures, elemental radionuclides are combined with other elements to form chemical compounds, or else combined with existing pharmaceutical compounds, to form radiopharmaceuticals. These radiopharmaceuticals, once administered to the patient, can localize to specific organs...
uses radioactiveRadioactive decayRadioactive decay is the process by which an atomic nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionizing particles . The emission is spontaneous, in that the atom decays without any physical interaction with another particle from outside the atom...
substances for in vivoIn vivoIn vivo is experimentation using a whole, living organism as opposed to a partial or dead organism, or an in vitro controlled environment. Animal testing and clinical trials are two forms of in vivo research...
and in vitroIn vitroIn vitro refers to studies in experimental biology that are conducted using components of an organism that have been isolated from their usual biological context in order to permit a more detailed or more convenient analysis than can be done with whole organisms. Colloquially, these experiments...
diagnosis either using imaging of the location of radioactive substances placed into a patient or using in vitro diagnostic tests utilizing radioactive substances.The use of expertise in radiation in the context of medical imaging Medical imagingMedical imaging is the technique and process used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science...
for diagnosisDiagnosisDiagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of anything. Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines with variations in the use of logics, analytics, and experience to determine the cause and effect relationships...
or image guided minimally invasive therapy. X-raysRadiographyRadiography is the use of X-rays to view a non-uniformly composed material such as the human body. By using the physical properties of the ray an image can be developed which displays areas of different density and composition....
, etc.Rheumatology RheumatologyRheumatology is a sub-specialty in internal medicine and pediatrics, devoted to diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Clinicians who specialize in rheumatology are called rheumatologists...RHU Medicine Autoimmune AutoimmunityAutoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, which allows an immune response against its own cells and tissues. Any disease that results from such an aberrant immune response is termed an autoimmune disease...
and inflammatory diseases of the jointJointA joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...
s and other organ systems, such as arthritisArthritisArthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....
and other rheumatic diseases.Stomatology StomatologyStomatology is the branch of medicine and dentistry relating to the mouth and mouth disease. It was practiced by physicians as a medical specialty in the early 20th century in the United States but these concerns are now largely handled by dentists....Dentistry DentistryDentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...Diseases of the mouth Surgical oncology Surgical oncologySurgical oncology is the branch of surgery which focuses on the surgical management of cancer.The specialty of surgical oncology has evolved in steps similar to medical oncology, which grew out of hematology, and radiation oncology, which grew out of radiology...SO Surgery Curative and palliative surgical approaches to cancer CancerCancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
treatment.Thoracic surgery Thoracic surgeryThoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the thorax . Generally treatment of conditions of the lungs, chest wall, and diaphragm....TS Surgery Surgery of the organs of the thoracic cavity Thoracic cavityThe thoracic cavity is the chamber of the human body that is protected by the thoracic wall ....
: the heart, lungs, and great vessels.Transplant surgery TTS Surgery Transplantation of organs Organ (anatomy)In biology, an organ is a collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function. Usually there is a main tissue and sporadic tissues . The main tissue is the one that is unique for the specific organ. For example, main tissue in the heart is the myocardium, while sporadic are...
from one body to anotherUrgent Care Medicine UCM Medicine Immediate medical care offering outpatient care for the treatment of acute and chronic illness and injury Urology UrologyUrology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...U Surgery Urinary tracts of males and females, and the male reproductive system. It is often practiced together with andrology AndrologyAndrology is the medical specialty that deals with male health, particularly relating to the problems of the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men. It is the counterpart to gynaecology, which deals with medical issues which are specific to the female reproductive...
("men's health").Vascular surgery Vascular surgeryVascular surgery is a specialty of surgery in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction. The specialty evolved from general and cardiac surgery...VS Surgery The peripheral blood vessels—those outside of the chest ChestThe chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:...
(usually operated on by cardiovascular surgeons) and of the central nervous systemCentral nervous systemThe central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish...
(treated by neurosurgeryNeurosurgeryNeurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spine, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.-In the United States:In...
) - Transfusion medicine
Future Medical Specialties
Due to the large decline in men's use of healthcare services and facilities, there may be a future in creating a specialty dedicated exclusively to men's health and well being. It would be a conterpart to gynecology and would be most aptly named andrology.Physician compensation
The mean annual salary of a medical specialist is $175,011 in the US, and $272,000 for surgeons. However, because of commodity inflationInflation
In economics, inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. Consequently, inflation also reflects an erosion in the purchasing power of money – a...
, increasing negligent costs, steep price rise of rental, the annual salary range of a medical specialist varies and is not rising as fast as other professional pay.
The table below details the average range of salaries for physicians of selected specialties as of July 2010. Also given in the average number of hours worked per week for full-time physicians (numbers are from 2003).
Specialty | Median salary (USD) | Average hours work/week |
Average salary/hour (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Anesthesiology | 331,000 to $423,507 | 61 | |
Dermatology Dermatology Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails.... |
313,100 to $480,088 | 45.5 | 103 |
Emergency medicine Emergency medicine Emergency medicine is a medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, emergency medicine physicians diagnose a variety of illnesses and undertake acute... |
239,000 to $316,296 | 46 | 87 |
Cardiac Surgery Cardiac surgery Cardiovascular surgery is surgery on the heart or great vessels performed by cardiac surgeons. Frequently, it is done to treat complications of ischemic heart disease , correct congenital heart disease, or treat valvular heart disease from various causes including endocarditis, rheumatic heart... |
218,684 to $500,000 | 55 | |
Family practice | 175,000 to $220,196 | 52.5 | 58 |
Internal medicine Internal medicine Internal medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians specializing in internal medicine are called internists. They are especially skilled in the management of patients who have undifferentiated or multi-system disease processes... |
184,200 to $231,691 | 57 | 58 |
Neurology Neurology Neurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue,... |
213,000 to $301,327 | 55.5 | 93 |
Obstetrics and Gynecology | 251,500 to $326,924 | 61 | 83 |
Ophthalmology Ophthalmology Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems... |
150,000 to $351,000 | 47 | |
Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system... |
397,879 to $600,000 | 58 | |
Otolaryngology Otolaryngology Otolaryngology or ENT is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders.... |
191,000 to $393,000 | 53.5 | |
Pathology Pathology Pathology is the precise study and diagnosis of disease. The word pathology is from Ancient Greek , pathos, "feeling, suffering"; and , -logia, "the study of". Pathologization, to pathologize, refers to the process of defining a condition or behavior as pathological, e.g. pathological gambling.... |
239,000 to $331,842 | 45.5 | |
Pediatrics Pediatrics Pediatrics or paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician or paediatrician... |
160,111 to $228,750 | 54 | 69 |
Psychiatry Psychiatry Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities... |
173,800 to $248,198 | 48 | 72 |
Radiology Radiology Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases... (diagnostic) |
377,300 to $478,000 | 58 | |
Surgery Surgery Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical... (general) |
284,642 to $383,333 | 60 | |
Urology Urology Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological... |
331,192 to $443,518 | 60.5 | |
Neurological surgery | 350,000 to $705,000 | 132 | |
Plastic surgery Plastic surgery Plastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the best-known kind of plastic surgery, most plastic surgery is not cosmetic: plastic surgery includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand... |
265,000 to $500,000 | 114 | |
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine whereby the digestive system and its disorders are studied. The name is a combination of three Ancient Greek words gaster , enteron , and logos... |
251,026 to $396,450 | 93 | |
Pulmonology Pulmonology In medicine, pulmonology is the specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory disease. It is called chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas... |
165,000 to $365,875 | 72 |
Australia and New Zealand
Specialty training in Australia and New Zealand is overseen by the specialty colleges:- Royal Australasian College of SurgeonsRoyal Australasian College of SurgeonsThe Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is the body responsible for training and examining surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. The head office of the College is in Melbourne, Australia....
- Royal Australasian College of PhysiciansRoyal Australasian College of PhysiciansThe Royal Australasian College of Physicians, or RACP, is the organisation responsible for training, educating, and representing over 9,000 physicians and paediatricians in Australia and New Zealand. It was founded in 1938....
Canada
Specialty training in Canada is overseen by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of CanadaRoyal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada ' , French: Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada, is a national, private, nonprofit organization established in 1929 by a special Act of Parliament to oversee the medical education of specialists in Canada...
India
Specialty training in India is overseen by the Medical Council of IndiaMedical Council of India
The Medical Council of India was the statutory body for maintenance of uniform and high standards of medical education in India. The Council grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical colleges, grants registration to medical practitioners, and monitors medical...
, which is responsible for recognition of post graduate training and by the National Board of Examinations
National Board of Examinations
National Board of Examinations is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health, Government of India, and established in 1975 at New Delhi to standardizing postgraduate medical education and examination in India.-Overview:...
. And education of Ayurveda
Ayurveda
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...
in overseen by Central Council of Indian Medicine
Central Council of Indian Medicine
Central Council of Indian Medicine is a statutory body under Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy , Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, set up in 1971 under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, which was passed in 1970...
(CCIM), the council conducts u.g and p.g courses all over India, while Central Council of Homoeopathy
Central Council of Homoeopathy
Central Council of Homoeopathy is a statutory apex body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Deptt. of Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy...
does the same in the field of Homeopathy.
United States
There are three agencies or organizations in the United States that collectively oversee physician board certification of MD and DO (allopathic and osteopathic) physicians in the United StatesPhysicians in the United States
Physicians in the United States include both ones trained by medical education in the United States and ones that are international medical graduates who have progressed through the necessary steps to acquire a medical license to practice in a state...
in the 26 approved medical specialties recognized in the country. These organizations are the American Board of Medical Specialties
American Board of Medical Specialties
The American Board of Medical Specialties is a non-profit physician-led umbrella organization for 24 of the 26 approved medical specialty boards in the United States...
(ABMS) and the American Medical Association
American Medical Association
The American Medical Association , founded in 1847 and incorporated in 1897, is the largest association of medical doctors and medical students in the United States.-Scope and operations:...
; the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists
American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists
The American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists is a non-profit umbrella organization for 18 medical specialty boards in the United States. It is one of three leading entities overseeing physician certification in the United States...
(AOABOS) and the American Osteopathic Association
American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association is the representative member organization for the over 78,000 osteopathic medical physicians in the United States...
; the American Board of Physician Specialties
American Board of Physician Specialties
The American Board of Physician Specialties , the official certifying body for the American Association of Physician Specialists is a non-profit umbrella organization for sixteen medical specialty boards that certifies and re-certifies physicians in fourteen medical specialties in the United...
(ABPS) and the American Association of Physician Specialists
American Association of Physician Specialists
The American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. founded 1950, incorporated 1952 is a 501 not-for-profit organization whose executive offices are located in Tampa, Florida...
. Each of these agencies and their associated national medical organization functions as its various specialty academies, colleges and societies.
Certifying Board | National Organization | Physician Type |
---|---|---|
ABMS | AMA | MD and DO |
AOA-BOS | AOA | DO Only |
ABPS | AAPS | MD and DO |
All boards of certification now require that medical practitioners
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
demonstrate, by examination, continuing mastery of the core knowledge and skills for a chosen specialty. Recertification varies by particular specialty between every seven and every ten years.
Other uses
In the U.S. Army, the term "medical specialist" refers to occupational therapists, physical therapists, dietitians and physician assistants, also known as allied health professionals. Also included in the term "medical specialist", but not in the term "allied health professional" are EMT/combat medics.Satisfaction
A survey of physicians in the United StatesPhysicians in the United States
Physicians in the United States include both ones trained by medical education in the United States and ones that are international medical graduates who have progressed through the necessary steps to acquire a medical license to practice in a state...
came to the result that dermatologists are most satisfied with their choice of specialty, followed by orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and gastroenterologists. In contrast, primary care physician
Primary care physician
A primary care physician, or PCP, is a physician/medical doctor who provides both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis....
s were the least satisfied, followed by nephrologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, and pulmonologists.
Specialty | Overall satisfaction | Feeling of enough compensation | Would have chosen same specialty again |
---|---|---|---|
Dermatologist | 80% | 71% | 93% |
Radiologist | 72% | 69% | 82% |
Oncologist | 70% | 55% | 79% |
Gastroenterologist | 69% | 52% | 80% |
Ophthalmologist | 67% | 55% | 79% |
Infectious disease/HIV physician | 66% | 54% | 73% |
Plastic surgeon | 66% | 53% | 82% |
Anesthesiologist | 65% | 63% | 70% |
Orthopedic surgeon | 65% | 47% | 83% |
Psychiatrist | 65% | 58% | 67% |
Rheumatologist | 65% | 53% | 66% |
Emergency medicine physician | 63% | 65% | 56% |
Urologist | 63% | 47% | 78% |
Cardiologist | 62% | 46% | 75% |
Paediatrician | 62% | 51% | 61% |
Diabetes specialist/Endocrinologist | 61% | 45% | 68% |
Neurologist | 60% | 49% | 63% |
General surgeon | 58% | 44% | 60% |
Nephrologist | 57% | 45% | 55% |
Obstetrician/Gynecologist | 57% | 50% | 53% |
Pulmonologist | 57% | 45% | 52% |
Primary care physician | 54% | 48% | 43% |
See also
- Interdisciplinary sub-specialties of medicine, including
- Occupational medicine – branch of clinical medicine that provides health advice to organizations and individuals concerning work-related health and safety issues and standards. See occupational safety and healthOccupational safety and healthOccupational safety and health is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The goal of all occupational safety and health programs is to foster a safe work environment...
. - Disaster medicineDisaster medicineDisaster medicine is the area of physician medical specialization serving the dual areas of providing medical care to disaster survivors and providing medically related disaster preparation, disaster planning, disaster response and disaster recovery leadership throughout the disaster life cycle...
– branch of medicineMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
that provides healthcare services to disaster survivors; guides medically related disaster preparation, disaster planning, disaster responseDisaster responseDisaster response is a phase of the disaster management cycle. Its preceding cycles aim to reduce the need for a disaster response, or to avoid it altogether.The level of disaster response depends on a number of factors and particular situation awareness...
and disaster recoveryDisaster recoveryDisaster recovery is the process, policies and procedures related to preparing for recovery or continuation of technology infrastructure critical to an organization after a natural or human-induced disaster. Disaster recovery is a subset of business continuity...
throughout the disaster life cycle and serves as a liaison between and partner to the medical contingency planner, the emergency management professional, the incident command systemIncident Command SystemThe Incident Command System is "a systematic tool used for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response" according to the United States Federal Highway Administration...
, government and policy makers. - Preventive medicinePreventive medicinePreventive medicine or preventive care refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than curing them or treating their symptoms...
– part of medicineMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
engaged with preventing diseaseDiseaseA disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
rather than curing it. It can be contrasted not only with curative medicine, but also with public healthPublic healthPublic health is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals" . It is concerned with threats to health based on population health...
methods (which work at the level of population health rather than individual health). - Medical geneticsMedical geneticsMedical genetics is the specialty of medicine that involves the diagnosis and management of hereditary disorders. Medical genetics differs from Human genetics in that human genetics is a field of scientific research that may or may not apply to medicine, but medical genetics refers to the...
– the application of geneticsGeneticsGenetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
to medicineMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
. Medical genetics is a broad and varied field. It encompasses many different individual fields, including clinical genetics, biochemical genetics, cytogeneticsCytogeneticsCytogenetics is a branch of genetics that is concerned with the study of the structure and function of the cell, especially the chromosomes. It includes routine analysis of G-Banded chromosomes, other cytogenetic banding techniques, as well as molecular cytogenetics such as fluorescent in situ...
, molecular geneticsMolecular geneticsMolecular genetics is the field of biology and genetics that studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. The field studies how the genes are transferred from generation to generation. Molecular genetics employs the methods of genetics and molecular biology...
, the genetics of common diseases (such as neural tube defectsNeural tube defectsNeural tube defects are one of the most common birth defects, occurring in approximately one in 1,000 live births in the United States. An NTD is an opening in the spinal cord or brain that occurs very early in human development. In the 2nd week of pregnancy called gastrulation, specialized cells...
), and genetic counselingGenetic counselingGenetic counseling or traveling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning...
.
- Occupational medicine – branch of clinical medicine that provides health advice to organizations and individuals concerning work-related health and safety issues and standards. See occupational safety and health
- Specialty RegistrarSpecialty Registrar (StR)Specialty Registrar is a new training grade introduced in 2007 into UK medical training as part of the Modernising Medical Careers programme. It is intended to replace the old Specialist Registrar training places used to train doctors up to the specialist level needed to become a Consultant Doctor...
- Federation of National Specialty Societies of CanadaFederation of National Specialty Societies of CanadaThe Federation of National Specialty Societies of Canada is an organization of national specialty societies in Canada created in 2004 and it is based in Ottawa, Canada. It provides a forum for national specialty societies to discuss issues related to accessible specialty care in Canada...
- Society of General Internal MedicineSociety of General Internal MedicineSociety of General Internal Medicine SGIM is an American professional society composed of physicians engaged in internal medicine research and teaching. It was originally named The Society for Research and Education in Primary Care Internal Medicine , at its inaugural meeting in 1978...