A primary care physician is someone who: Show
A primary care doctor may be one of the following types: Family practice physicianFamily practice physicians are also called family medicine doctors. They treat people of all ages. Internal medicine physicianAn internal medicine physician performs many of the same tasks as a family practice physician. However, internal medicine physicians treat adults only. Family medicine vs. internal medicine physiciansAlthough family medicine and internal medicine physicians can both treat adults, the American College of Physicians say that there are some key differences. For example, internal medicine doctors have training in both general medicine and subspecialties. They also tend to be more focused on medical issues that affect adults. Family physicians, meanwhile, have broader training in medicine that allows them to care for both children and adults. They can treat a wide range of medical issues and emphasize disease prevention and health maintenance. PediatriciansPediatricians focus on treating children from birth to young adulthood. They may be a child’s primary care physician and have training in:
Geriatric medicine doctorsGeriatric medicine doctors, also called geriatricians, focus on care for older adults. According to the American Medical Association, geriatricians are internal medicine or family medicine doctors who have additional training in:
Specialty doctors have training in a specific area of medicine. This allows them to treat complex health problems that primary care doctors may not be able to. Specialty doctors include the following types: AllergistsAn allergist or immunologist focuses on preventing and treating allergic diseases and conditions. These usually include various types of allergies and asthma. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology explain that allergists must complete additional years of study in the field of allergy and immunology after earning a medical degree. Allergists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. DermatologistsDermatologists focus on diseases and conditions of the skin, nails, and hair. They treat conditions such as eczema, skin cancer, acne, and psoriasis. Dermatologists can perform some in-office procedures, including mole or spot removal. Some also offer aesthetic procedures, such as chemical peels, Botox injections, and dermal fillers. Infectious disease doctorsInfectious disease doctors specialize in diseases and conditions that are contagious. These may include:
Infectious disease doctors also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. OphthalmologistsOphthalmologists specialize in eye and vision care. They treat diseases and conditions of the eyes and can perform eye surgery. Ophthalmologists treat people with complex eye conditions and may also see people for routine eye care, including prescribing glasses and performing checkups. Obstetrician/gynecologistsObstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide preventive care and disease management for female health conditions. These include:
Many women will see an OB/GYN regularly throughout pregnancy and for labor and delivery. They may also visit them for yearly checkups and tests, such as breast exams and Pap tests. CardiologistsCardiologists focus on the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. They treat many cardiovascular conditions, such as:
Cardiologists can perform many tests and procedures. However, they do not perform heart surgery. Cardiologists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. EndocrinologistsEndocrinologists treat disorders and conditions that affect the endocrine system. This system involves various glands that make and release hormones in the body. Endocrinologists treat hormone-related conditions such as:
Endocrinologists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. GastroenterologistsGastroenterologists focus on the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, small intestine, colon, and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists also perform procedures such as endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Gastroenterologists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. NephrologistsA nephrologist focuses on kidney care and conditions that affect the kidneys. Conditions they can treat include:
Nephrologists also have education in kidney transplants and dialysis. They also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. UrologistsUrologists treat conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females. They also focus on male reproductive health. Some urologists focus on a specific area within urology, such as female urology or male infertility. PulmonologistsPulmonologists focus on the organs involved with breathing. These include the lungs and heart. Pulmonologists may work in hospitals to provide ventilation or life support. They also see people in the office to treat breathing disorders, lung conditions, and allergies. Pulmonologists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. OtolaryngologistsOtolaryngologists are sometimes known as “ear, nose, and throat” (ENT) doctors. An ENT doctor may treat problems with the sinuses, throat, tonsils, ears, mouth, head, and neck. Some ENT doctors undergo additional training to focus on one specific area, such as pediatrics or rhinology, which refers to the nose and sinuses. NeurologistsA neurologist treats conditions of the nerves, spine, and brain. People may see a neurologist for:
PsychiatristsA psychiatrist is a doctor who treats mental health conditions. They may use counseling, medication, or hospitalization as part of their treatment. Some psychiatrists have a subspecialty in a specific area, such as adolescent mental health or addiction medicine. OncologistsOncologists treat cancer and its symptoms. During treatment for cancer, a person may have several types of healthcare professional in their care team. According to the American Cancer Society, some cancer care professionals have specific training in:
Oncologists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. RadiologistsA radiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions using medical imaging tests. They may read and interpret scans such as X-rays, MRIs, mammograms, ultrasound, and CT scans. They may be one of three types:
RheumatologistsA rheumatologist diagnoses and treats rheumatic diseases. These are autoimmune conditions that can affect the bones, joints, and muscles. Some common rheumatic diseases include:
Rheumatologists also require training in internal medicine or pediatrics. General surgeonsGeneral surgeons perform surgical procedures on many organs and bodily systems. They may have training in diseases of the:
A general surgeon also cares for a person both before and after their surgery. Orthopedic surgeonsAn orthopedic surgeon specializes in diseases and conditions of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They may treat:
Cardiac surgeonsCardiac surgeons perform heart surgery and may work with a cardiologist to determine what a person needs. Cardiac surgeons perform procedures including heart bypass surgery and placing stents in the heart. AnesthesiologistsAnesthesiologists focus on a person’s well-being before, during, and after surgery. This may include administering pain medicine, relaxation medication, or medicine to put a person to sleep. Anesthesiologists monitor people during surgery to ensure that their body’s vital signs are stable. They may also work with the person after surgery to make sure that their pain is under control. Each type of doctor undergoes their own unique training and education to allow them to diagnose and treat specific diseases and conditions. Because there are so many types of doctors, most people see a primary care physician for health problems first. This doctor may then refer or recommend the person to see a specialist when they need one. What type of doctor is a DO?A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a fully trained and licensed doctor who has attended and graduated from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A doctor of medicine (M.D.) has attended and graduated from a conventional medical school.
What doctor is better MD or DO?In the United States, doctors are either an MD (allopathic doctor) or DO (osteopathic doctor). For patients, there's virtually no difference between treatment by a DO vs MD. In other words, you should be equally comfortable if your doctor is an M.D. or a D.O.
Which of the following types of injuries would be most likely to be treated by a sports medicine specialist?Injuries addressed by Sports Medicine Specialists
Sports medicine specialists are skilled at preventing and treating a wide array of muscle, bone, and joint injuries, such as fractures, joint sprains, muscular strains, and dislocations.
DO vs MD for primary care?MDs generally focus on treating specific conditions with medication. DOs, on the other hand, tend to focus on whole-body healing, with or without traditional medication. They generally have a stronger holistic approach and have been trained with additional hours of hands-on techniques.
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