Medical Specialties and Professions
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Medical Terminology for Health Workers course at HealthCareStudies (An LSPM brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Medical Specialties and Professions Glossary #
Medical Specialties and Professions Glossary
Audiology #
Audiology is the branch of healthcare focused on assessing, diagnosing, and trea… #
Audiologists are trained professionals who specialize in evaluating hearing loss and providing rehabilitation services such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Cardiology #
Cardiology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders of the heart and b… #
Cardiologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.
Dermatology #
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatmen… #
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in conditions ranging from acne and eczema to skin cancer.
Emergency Medicine #
Emergency medicine is a medical specialty that involves the evaluation and treat… #
Emergency medicine physicians, also known as emergency physicians, are trained to manage a wide range of medical emergencies.
Family Medicine #
Family medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on comprehensive healthcare… #
Family medicine physicians, also known as family doctors, provide primary care services and manage a wide range of medical conditions.
Gastroenterology #
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders of the diges… #
Gastroenterologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and liver disease.
Hematology #
Hematology is the branch of medicine that focuses on disorders of the blood, bon… #
Hematologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and clotting disorders.
Immunology #
Immunology is the branch of medicine that deals with the immune system and its d… #
Immunologists are physicians who specialize in conditions such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
Jurisprudence #
Jurisprudence is the study of law and legal principles as they apply to the prac… #
Medical jurisprudence involves understanding medical ethics, malpractice laws, and patient rights.
Kinesiology #
Kinesiology is the study of human movement and physical activity #
Kinesiologists are professionals who assess and promote physical fitness, rehabilitation, and sports performance.
Laryngology #
Laryngology is the branch of medicine that focuses on disorders of the larynx, o… #
Laryngologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as vocal cord dysfunction, hoarseness, and laryngeal cancer.
Microbiology #
Microbiology is the branch of science that deals with microscopic organisms, inc… #
Clinical microbiologists are professionals who study infectious diseases and help diagnose and treat infections.
Nephrology #
Nephrology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders of the kidneys #
Nephrologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and kidney failure.
Oncology #
Oncology is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of… #
Oncologists are physicians who specialize in managing cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Pathology #
Pathology is the branch of medicine that involves the study of disease processes… #
Pathologists are physicians who analyze tissue samples, blood tests, and other specimens to determine the nature of diseases.
Quantitative Genetics #
Quantitative genetics is the study of the genetic basis of complex traits and di… #
Genetic counselors are professionals who help individuals understand their risk of inherited conditions and make informed decisions about genetic testing.
Radiology #
Radiology is the medical specialty that uses imaging technologies such as X #
rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists are physicians who interpret medical images and provide diagnostic information to other healthcare providers.
Surgery #
Surgery is the branch of medicine that involves operative procedures to treat in… #
Surgeons are physicians who specialize in performing surgeries ranging from minor procedures to complex operations.
Toxicology #
Toxicology is the study of the effects of poisons and toxins on living organisms #
Clinical toxicologists are professionals who assess and manage poisonings, overdoses, and environmental exposures.
Urology #
Urology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders of the urinary tract… #
Urologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and prostate cancer.
Vascular Medicine #
Vascular medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on disorders of the bloo… #
Vascular medicine specialists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions such as peripheral artery disease, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis.
Women's Health #
Women's health is a specialized area of healthcare that addresses the unique med… #
Women's health providers, such as obstetricians/gynecologists, focus on reproductive health, pregnancy, menopause, and other issues specific to women.
Xenotransplantation #
Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs, tissues, or cells fr… #
Xenotransplantation researchers are investigating the potential of using animal organs for human transplantation to address the shortage of donor organs.
Yoga Therapy #
Yoga therapy is a complementary and integrative approach to healthcare that comb… #
Yoga therapists work with individuals to address specific health concerns and improve overall quality of life.
Zoology #
Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals and their… #
Zoologists may specialize in areas such as wildlife conservation, marine biology, or animal behavior.
This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of various medical specialties a… #
Learning about these disciplines can help health workers better understand the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare providers and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering high-quality patient care. By familiarizing themselves with these terms and concepts, health workers can enhance their medical terminology skills and broaden their knowledge of the healthcare industry.