Definition of Specialties

 Allergy - Doctors in this field diagnose and treat immune system disorders, including asthma and rhinitis, as well as allergic reactions to substances such as food, medications and insect stings.

Anesthesiology - Anesthesiologists maintain a patient's stable condition during surgery and recovery. Long-term treatment of pain is offered, too.

Audiology - This field focuses on hearing and hearing loss, offering treatment plans that can include hearing aids.

Cardiac Anesthesiology - Anesthesiologists maintain a patient's stable condition during surgery and recovery. Long-term treatment of pain is offered, too.

Cardiology - Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Cardiologists also give care for abnormal heart rhythms and heart attacks.

Cardiovascular Surgery - Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Cardiologists also give care for abnormal heart rhythms and heart attacks.

Colon/Rectal Oncology - This is surgical treatment of disorders of the intestinal tract, rectum, colon, anal canal and perianal area. Disorders can include cancer, polyps, fecal incontinence, inflammatory bowel diseases and hemorrhoids.

Critical Care Medicine - Specialists in this field are to diagnose and manage the care of patients in intensive or critical care settings.

Dermatology - Disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails is treated. Disorders can include skin cancers, moles, contact dermatitis and hair loss.

Emergency Medicine - This is the immediate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute illnesses and injuries.

Endocrinology - This is the treatment of disorders of glands such as thyroid and adrenal. Diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders and bone disorders such as osteoporosis are treated.

Family Practice - This general practice treats a variety of disorders in patients of all ages.

Gastroenterology - Disorders of the digestive system and its organs are treated in the field. Ulcers, irritable bowel and lactose intolerance are among the ailments treated.

General Medicine - A physician in this field is trained to recognize a variety of diseases and ailments, offering treatment plans.

General Practice - A physician in this field is trained to recognize a variety of diseases and ailments, offering treatment plans.

General Surgery - General surgeons deal with all types of surgical conditions in most areas of the body, including pre- and post-operative care.

Geriatric Medicine - Physicians in this specialty deal with the aging process and illness in the elderly. Disorders treated include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and incontinence.

Gynecology - These physicians are trained in the care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders.

Hand and Microsurgery - Specialists deal with the hands and other areas of the body where minute dissection and manipulation, often through laser beams, is needed.

Hematology - Disorders of the blood, spleen and lymph glands, as well as all types of cancer and other benign tumors, are treated.

Hematology/Oncology - Disorders of the blood, spleen and lymph glands, as well as all types of cancer and other benign tumors, are treated.

Hypertensive Diseases - Physicians in field use diet, exercise and medication to treat hypertension.

Immunology - Doctors in this field diagnose and treat immune system disorders, including asthma and rhinitis, as well as allergic reactions to substances such as food, medications and insect stings.

Infectious Diseases - All types of diseases, including bacterial and viral, are treated. Diseases that are treated include, in part, AIDS, hepatitis and influenza.

Internal Medicine - Provides long-term, comprehensive care for both common illnesses and complex problems for individuals of all ages.

Maternal Fetal Medicine - This is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology who also works with patients who have complications of pregnancy. Knowledge of medical and surgical complications, not only to the baby but also to the mother, is a hallmark of the specialty.

Nephrology - Physicians in this field deal with disorders of the kidney.

Neurology - Physicians within this specialty diagnose and treat all disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles and their blood supplies. These disorders include migraine, headache, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia and other mental status problems.

Neurosurgery - Disorders of the nervous system, particularly with the brain, skull and spinal cord, are treated.

Nuclear Medicine - In this field, the utilization of radioactive and stable nuclides are used in the treatment of metabolic, physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Obstetrics - These physicians are trained in the care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders.

Obstetrics/Gynecology - These physicians are trained in the care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders.

Oncology - Disorders of the blood, spleen and lymph glands, as well as all types of cancer and other benign tumors, are treated.

Ophthalmology - These specialists focus on eye and vision care, diagnosing visual problems and offering treatments. Ophthalmologists frequently use surgical intervention in their practices.

Optometry - Specialists in this field examine the eye for defects in vision, then prescribe corrective lenses or exercises. Optometrists also diagnose and treat eye diseases.

Oral Surgery - Oral surgeons can provide dental implants and wisdom teeth extractions, as well as provide treatments for facial fractures, facial pain management, oral cancer and breath disorders.

Orthodontics - The technique of making sure teeth are properly straightened, usually through the process of having a patient wear braces.

Orthopedic Surgery - The form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures are treated.

Osteopathic - Treating diseases by emphasizing manipulation, such as manipulation of the joints.

Otolaryngology - In treating disorders of the head, neck, upper respiratory and alimentary system, doctors in this field may treat hearing loss, speech disorders, balance problems, and tumors.

Pain Management - Anesthesiologists in this field use a variety of treatments for acute and chronic pain. Those treatments can include physical therapy, narcotics and behavior modification.

Pathology - Pathologists use examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, as well as clinical tests, to monitor and diagnose disease.

Pediatrics - Pediatricians provide a range of services for infants, children and adolescents. These services range from preventive health care to the treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Periodontics - Specialists work with the teeth, in particular, the tissue surrounding the teeth. Treatments for gum disease are a specialty in this field.

Physical Medicine - Impairments and disabilities are treated to restore physical, psychological, social and vocational function and alleviation of pain.

Plastic Surgery - The repair, reconstruction or replacement of form and function involving the skin, face, hands, extremities, breasts and external genitalia is treated.

Podiatry - A podiatrist is a physician and a surgeon specialist treating medical and surgical disorders of the foot, ankle and leg, including fractures of the ankle and foot. A podiatrist's patients range from infants to the elderly.

Psychiatry - Mental, emotional and addictive disorders are treated. Disorders can include depression and substance abuse.

Pulmonary Medicine - Disorders of the airways and lungs, including cancer, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis and emphysema, are treated.

Radiation - The treatment of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors through the usage of radiation.

Radiation Therapy - The usage of radiation for treatment, particularly of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors.

Radiation/Oncology - The treatment of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors through the usage of radiation.

Radiology - Such techniques as X-ray, magnetic resonance and ulstrasound are used in this specialty.

Radiology/Imaging - Such techniques as X-ray, magnetic resonance and ultrasound are used in this specialty.

Rehabilitation - Impairments and disabilities are treated to restore physical, psychological, social and vocational function and alleviation of pain.

Rheumatology - Diseases of the joints, muscles, bones and tendons are treated. Rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain and joint swelling are among the disorders treated.

Urology - Physicians in the specialty of Urology manage benign and malignant medical conditions of the adrenal gland and the genitourinary system. They utilize a range of medical therapies and surgical techniques in treating conditions of the reproductive and urinary systems and their related structures.

Vitreo Retinal - This specialty deals with the eye's retina and the clear colorless transparent jelly behind the lens in the eyeball. Treatments often are offered for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases, macular hole & pucker, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis and trauma.