The most common specialists and what they do
are:
Allergist - Diagnoses and treats
allergies
Anesthesiologist - Administers
anesthetics that are used during surgery
Cardiologist - Diagnoses and treats
diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Chiropractor - Administers physical
manipulation and adjustment of the spine for therapy
Dermatologist - Diagnoses and
treats diseases and problems of the skin
Emergency Medicine - Specializes in rapid recognition and
treatment of trauma or acute illness
Endocrinologist - Diagnoses
disorders of the internal glands, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands
Family Practitioner - Provides
total health care of the individual and the family. Scope is not limited by age, gender,
or organ system.
Gastroenterologist - Diagnoses and
treats disorders of the digestive tract: stomach, bowels, liver, gallbladder, and related
organs
Gynecologist - Diagnoses and treats
disorders of the female reproductive system
Internist - Diagnoses and treats
diseases, especially those of adults
Nephrologist - Diagnoses and treats
diseases and problems of the kidneys
Neurologist - Diagnoses and treats
disorders of the nervous system
Obstetrician - Provides care and
treatment of females during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and 6 weeks after delivery
Oncologist - Diagnoses and treats
all types of cancer and other types of benign and malignant tumors
Ophthalmologist - Diagnoses,
monitors, and treats vision problems and other disorders of the eye, and prescribes
prescription lenses
Orthopedist - Diagnoses and treats skeletal injuries and diseases of the
bones and muscles
Otolaryngologist - Diagnoses and treats disorders that affect the ears
and respiratory and upper alimentary systems (in general, the head and neck)
Pathologist - Examines and diagnoses organs, tissues, and body fluids
Pediatrician - Diagnoses and treats the physical, emotional, and social
problems of children
Physiatrist - Provides physical and rehabilitative treatment of muscle
and bone disorders
Psychiatrist - Treats and prevents mental, emotional, and/or behavioral
disorders
Radiologist - Uses X-rays and radiant energy for diagnosis and treatment
of disease
Urologist - Diagnoses and treats diseases of the urinary or urogenital
tract
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99