Physician Specialist Glossary

Addiction Psychiatrist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are trained to understand addictive disorders and the emotional and behavioral consequences related to addiction and substance abuse.

Specialty: Psychiatry: Addiction , Addiction Psychiatry

Adolescent Medicine Specialist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Family Practice, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics; practitioners treat the unique physical, psychological and social characteristics of adolescents and their health care needs. These specialists also coordinate the planning and supervision of their patients' transition to adult health care.

Specialty: Adolescent Medicine

Aerospace Medicine Specialist

A certification by the Board of Preventive Medicine; also known as flight medicine, aviation medicine, or space medicine, aerospace medicine focuses on the physical and psychological conditions associated with flying and space travel.

Specialty: Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Medicine

Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist

A certification by the Board of Pathology; the pathologist plays a central role in the diagnosis of surgically removed tissues, and acts as a consultant to the clinician, defining appropriate tests and interpreting their results.

Specialty: Pathology: Anatomic & Clinical, Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology

Anatomic Pathologist

A certification by the Board of Pathology; practitioners analyze the gross and microscopic structural changes caused by disease in tissues and cells removed during surgery or at autopsy.

Specialty: Pathology: Anatomic , Anatomic Pathology

Anesthesiologist

A certification by the Board of Anesthesiology; practitioners provide pain relief and maintenance or restoration of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation, an obstetric or a diagnostic procedure. Also, assess the risk of the patient undergoing surgery and optimize the patient's condition prior to, during, and after surgery. Anesthesiologists diagnose and treat acute and long-standing pain-problems, diagnose and treat patients who have critical illnesses or severe injuries, and direct resuscitation in the care of patients with cardiac or respiratory emergencies including the provision of artificial ventilation. They also supervise and teach others involved in anesthesia, respiratory and intensive care.

Specialty: Anesthesiology

Asthma & Allergy Specialist

A certification by the Board of Allergy & Immunology; practitioners are expert in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of immune disorders.

Specialty: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Allergy & Immunology

Common Name: Allergy Doctor

Biochemical Geneticist

See Clinical Biochemical Geneticist

Blood and Cancer Doctor

See Hematologist-Oncologist

Blood Doctor

See Hematologist

Blood Vessel Surgeon

See Vascular Surgeon

Brain Surgeon

See Neurosurgeon

Cancer Doctor

See Oncologist

Cardiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).

Specialty: Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease

Common Name: Heart Doctor

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

A certification by the Board of Thoracic Surgery; practitioners are skilled in patient care before, during and after surgery, and the critical care of patients with pathologic conditions within the chest. The management of the airway and injuries of the chest is within the scope of the specialty.

Specialty: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery

Common Name: Chest Surgeon

Chemical Pathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; these practitioners contribute to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the chemical sciences to man, or to materials obtained from man.

Specialty: Pathology: Chemical, Chemical Pathology

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners deal with the origin, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders of childhood and adolescence.

Specialty: Psychiatry: Child & Adolescent , Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Child Neurologist

See Pediatric Neurologist

Children's Blood and Cancer Doctor

See Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist

Children's Doctor

See Pediatrician

Children's ER Doctor

See Pediatric Emergency Physician

Children's GI Doctor

See Pediatric Gastroenterology

Children's Heart Doctor

See Pediatric Cardiologist

Children's Kidney Doctor

See Pediatric Nephrologist

Children's Lung Doctor

See Pediatric Pulmonologist

Children's Rehab Doctor

See Pediatric Physiatrist

Children's Skin Doctor

See Pediatric Dermatologist

Children's Surgeon

See Pediatric Surgeon

Clinical Biochemical Geneticist

A certification by the Board of Medical Genetics; practitioners are skilled in performing and interpreting biochemical analyses relevant to the diagnosis and management of human genetic diseases, and are consultants regarding laboratory diagnosis of a broad range of inherited disorders.

Specialty: Genetics: Clinical Biochemical , Biochemical Genetics

Common Name: Biochemical Geneticist

Clinical Cytogenetics Geneticist

A certification by the Board of Medical Genetics; practitioners have knowledge of the relationship between inheritance and the structure and function of cell components, and possess the competence to provide laboratory diagnostic and clinical interpretative services in that area.

Specialty: Genetics: Clinical Cytogenetics, Clinical Cytogenetics

Clinical Molecular Geneticist

A certification by the Board of Medical Genetics; these specialists are concerned with how genetic diseases are inherited based on an understanding of the nature of DNA, genes, and chromosomes. These scientists are currently attempting to "map" the chromosomes, to determine the location and function of all of the thousands of genes in each chromosome. This will ultimately help in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders.

Specialty: Genetics: Clinical Molecular, Clinical Molecular Genetics

Clinical Neurophysiologic Psychiatrist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners receive training in the diagnosis and management of central and peripheral nervous system disorders using electrophysiological (electric activity in the body) techniques.

Specialty: Psychiatry: Clinical Neurophysiology, Clinical Neurophysiology

Common Name: Neurophysiologic Psychiatrist

Clinical Pathologist

A certification by the Board of Pathology; the clinical pathology specialty encompasses chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, and blood banking, among other types of laboratory testing. In these areas, the pathologist acts as a consultant to the clinician, defining appropriate tests and interpreting their results. After diagnosis, many tests are performed repeatedly to assess progress of the disease and response to treatment.

Specialty: Pathology: Clinical, Clinical Pathology

Colorectal Surgeon

A certification by the Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery; practitioners treat various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area by medical and surgical means. They also deal surgically with other organs and tissues (such as the liver, urinary and female reproductive systems) involved with primary intestinal disease.

Specialty: Colon & Rectal Surgery, Colon & Rectal Surgery

Critical Care Physician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine or Obstetrics and Gynecology, also Pediatrics (see Pediatric Critical Care). Practitioners manage life-threatening disorders in intensive care units (ICU), critical care units and other hospital settings. Their knowledge is broad, involving all aspects of management of the critically ill patient. They work in concert with the various specialties on the patient care team in the ICU; they utilize recognized techniques for vital life support and they teach other physicians, nurses, and health professionals the practice of intensive care.

Specialty: Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Medicine

Common Name: Intensive Care Doctor, or Critical Care Doctor

Critical Care Surgeon

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Surgery; practitioners have special qualifications in the management of the critically ill and the postoperative patient, particularly the trauma victim, in the emergency department, intensive care unit, trauma unit, burn unit, and other similar settings.

Specialty: Surgical Critical Care, Surgical Critical Care

Cytopathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; cytopathology involves the examination of individual cells to aid in disease detection.

Specialty: Pathology: Cytopathology, Cytopathology

Dermatologist

A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars.

Specialty: Dermatology

Common Name: Skin Doctor

Dermatopathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Boards of Dermatology and Pathology; practitioners are expert in the microscopic diagnosis of diseases of the skin, including infectious, immunologic, degenerative, and neoplastic diseases. This entails the examination and interpretation of specially prepared tissue sections, cellular scrapings, and smears of skin lesions by means of light microscopy, electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy.

Specialty: Dermatopathology

Common Name: Skin Pathologist

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners have a special interest in the developmental, learning, and behavioral problems of children, and in the support of parents and children during normal development and illness.

Specialty: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

Diagnostic Radiologist

A certification by the Board of Radiology; these specialists use all manners of radiant energy in medical diagnoses and in therapeutic procedures utilizing radiologic guidance. This includes, but is not restricted to, imaging techniques utilizing radiation emitted by x-ray tubes, radionuclides, ultrasonographic devices, and the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by atoms.

Specialty: Radiology: Diagnostic, Diagnostic Radiology

Ear Doctor

See Otologist/Neurotologist

Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor

A certification by the Board of Otolaryngology; practitioners provide comprehensive medical and surgical care of patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems (nose, mouth and throat) and related structures.

Specialty: Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology), Otolaryngology

Common Name: Ear, Nose, Throat Doctor

Electrophysiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners consult on, and provide procedural services for, the management of cardiac arrhythmias (disruptions of the heart rhythm). These procedures are performed in a variety of settings including emergency and operating rooms, intensive care units and sophisticated clinics or laboratories.

Specialty: Electrophysiology , Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Emergency Medicine Physician

A certification by the Board of Emergency Medicine; practitioners are focused on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability. It is primarily hospital emergency department based, but with extensive pre-hospital responsibilities for emergency medical systems. The emergency physician provides immediate initial recognition, evaluation, care and disposition of a generally undifferentiated population of patients in response to acute illness and injury. The care provided by the emergency physician is episodic in nature and involves a full spectrum of physical and behavioral conditions.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Common Name: ER Doctor

Endocrinologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrinology also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, pituitary diseases, and menstrual and sexual problems.

Specialty: Endocrinology, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Eye Doctor

A certification by the Board of Ophthalmology; practitioners provide comprehensive eye and vision care. They are trained to diagnose, monitor and medically or surgically treat all eyelid and orbital problems affecting the eye and visual pathways, and to diagnose, monitor and treat all eye and visual disorders. They often prescribe vision services (glasses and contact lenses) as well as serve as a consultant to physicians and other professionals.

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Common Name: Eye Doctor

Family Physician

A certification by the Board of Family Practice; practitioners prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of ailments in patients of all ages, placing special emphasis on the care of families on a continuing basis. They have received a broad range of training that includes surgery, psychiatry, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and geriatrics.

Specialty: Family Practice, Family Medicine

Common Name: Family Doctor

Female Cancer Doctor

See Gynecologic Oncologist

Fertility Doctor

See Reproductive Endocrinologist

Foot Doctor

See Podiatrist

Forensic Pathologist

A subspecialty certification of Pathology; also called Medical Examiners, practitioners specialize in performing autopsies to investigate unexpected or suspicious deaths and determine the causes.

Specialty: Pathology: Forensic, Forensic Pathology

Forensic Psychiatrist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners require special skills in knowledge and evaluation of certain diagnostic groups of patients, which include sexual disorders, antisocial personality disorders, paranoid disorders, and addictive disorders. The forensic psychiatrist requires special skills and training for the utilization of ancillary information such as police reports, interviews with relatives and witnesses, and careful review of prior medical records. The forensic psychiatrist who performs evaluations requiring reports and testimony also must be familiar with the knowledge of certain legal concepts and structures. These include the organization and structure of the judicial system, statutory, case and administrative law, rules of evidence, specific case law relevant to mental disorders in the practice of psychiatry and the organization and operations of the legislative process.

Specialty: Psychiatry: Forensic, Forensic Psychiatry

Gastroenterologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

General Practitioner

Practitioners have not specialized and are not certified by a Board; they are qualified to diagnose and treat general medical and surgical conditions in all body systems and regions, in people of all age groups.

Specialty: General Practice

Common Name: General Doctor

Geneticist

A certification by the Board of Medical Genetics; practitioners provide comprehensive diagnostic, management, and counseling services for patients with genetically linked diseases. They use various testing methods to recognize individual genetic diseases, and provide specialized genetic counseling and therapy as well as prevention through prenatal diagnosis. The medical geneticist plans and coordinates large-scale screening programs for inborn errors of metabolism, chromosome abnormalities, and neural tube defects. The medical geneticist provides the genetic services for patients with such a spectrum of genetic diseases.

Specialty: Genetics, Clinical Genetics (M.D.)

Geneticist, Ph.D.

A certification by the Board of Medical Genetics; practitioners work in association with a medical specialist, are affiliated with a clinical genetics program, or serve as a consultant to medical and dental specialists.

Specialty: Genetics: Medical (Ph.D.), Ph.D. Medical Genetics

Geriatric Psychiatrist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders of the elderly.

Specialty: Psychiatry: Geriatric, Geriatric Psychiatry

Geriatrician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine or Family Practice; practitioners have special knowledge of the aging process and special skills in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness in the elderly. These specialists care for geriatric patients in the patient's home, the medical office, in nursing homes, and in the hospital. Geriatricians are trained to recognize the unusual presentations of illness and drug interactions, to utilize resources such as community social services, and to assist with special ethical issues in the care of the elderly.

Specialty: Geriatric Medicine, Geriatric Medicine

Gynecologic Oncologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; practitioners provide consultation and comprehensive management of patients with gynecologic cancer.

Specialty: Gynecologic Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology

Common Name: Female Cancer Doctor

Gynecologist

A clinical focus of physicians who practice Obstetrics & Gynecology, it concerns the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the female reproductive system.

Specialty: Gynecology

Common Name: Gynecology

Hand Surgeon

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery or General Surgery; practitioners focus on diagnosis, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical, and rehabilitative means of all structures directly affecting the hand and wrist.

Specialty: Hand Surgery, Hand Surgery

Heart Doctor

See Cardiologist

Hematologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine or Pathology; Hematologists treat diseases of the blood, spleen, and lymph glands such as anemia, clotting disorders, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, leukemia, and lymphoma. They perform special types of transfusions and biopsy the bone marrow for analysis.

Specialty: Hematology, Hematology

Common Name: Blood Doctor

Hematologist-Oncologist

A dual subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners have expertise in both blood diseases and cancer. The Hematologist/Oncologists treats diseases of the blood and blood forming organs (i.e., spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and thymus) as well as neoplastic diseases arising in any organ system.

Specialty: Hematology-Oncology, Hematology/Oncology

Common Name: Blood and Cancer Doctor

Immunopathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; practitioners are concerned with the scientific study of the causes, diagnosis, and prognosis of disease by the application of immunological principals to the analysis of tissues, cells, and body fluids. The immunopathologist is required to have a detailed understanding of the immunologic basis of disease from the perspective of anatomic and clinical pathology and to have the knowledge and ability to interpret laboratory data in relation to patients with immunologic diseases and organ transplant recipients.

Specialty: Pathology: Immunopathology, Immunopathology

Infectious Disease Specialist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners deal with infectious diseases of all types and in all organs. AIDS patients and patients with fevers of unknown origin are often diagnosed and treated by these subspecialists. They are also experts in preventive medicine and medical conditions associated with travel.

Specialty: Infectious Disease, Infectious Disease

Intensive Care Doctor, or Critical Care Doctor

See Critical Care Physician

Internist

A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists.

Specialty: Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Interventional Cardiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners have the special knowledge required of cardiologists to care for patients receiving cardiac interventional procedures. They are skilled in the techniques that improve coronary circulation and alleviate valvular stenosis (narrowing or blockage of the heart valves).

Specialty: Interventional Cardiology

Interventional Radiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Radiology, practitioners use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). These procedures are typically much less invasive and much less costly than traditional surgery.

Specialty: Radiology: Interventional, Interventional Radiology

Kidney Doctor

See Nephrologist

Liver Transplant

See Transplant Hepatologist

Lung Doctor

See Pulmonologist

Medical Microbiology Pathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; practitioners devote expertise to the isolation and identification of microbial agents that cause infectious disease. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as single-cell and larger parasites are identified and, where possible, tested for susceptibility to appropriate anti-microbial agents. This pathologist frequently acts as consultant to primary care physicians in the diagnosis and selection of therapy for patients with infectious disease, to the hospital quality assurance program in the area of infection control, and to the hospital pharmacy in the area of antibiotic utilization.

Specialty: Pathology: Medical Microbiology, Medical Microbiology

Molecular Genetic Pathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Boards of Pathology and Medical Genetics; practitioners have a working knowledge of molecular genetic procedures (such as DNA and RNA extraction), use diagnostic applications of molecular technologies in clinical settings, analyze and interpret molecular data and compose diagnostic reports, design and carry out research projects aimed at understanding the molecular basis of disease, and perform research aimed at applying basic research findings and molecular technologies towards a goal of improving patient care.

Specialty: Pathology: Molecular Genetic, Molecular Genetic Pathology

Neonatalogist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners treat or provide consultation on high-risk newborn infants, such as those born prematurely. This requires advanced knowledge in the obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy and their effect on both the mother and the fetus. Advanced knowledge of newborn adaptation is necessary to ensure a continuum of excellence in care from the fetal to newborn periods.

Specialty: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Common Name: Newborn Doctor

Nephrologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral imbalance, dialysis of body wastes when the kidneys do not function, and consultation with surgeons about kidney transplantation.

Specialty: Nephrology, Nephrology

Common Name: Kidney Doctor

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Pediatrician

A subspecialty certification by the Boards of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners treat children with developmental delays, learning disorders (including those associated with visual and hearing impairment), mental retardation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, and other chronic neurologic conditions. They provide medical consultation and education and assume leadership in the interdisciplinary care of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. They also focus on the early identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants and young children as well as changes that occur as the child with developmental disabilities grows up.

Specialty: Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Neurologist

A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners focus on the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. The neurologist is often the primary physician but also serves as a consultant to other physicians and may render all levels of care, including the continuing care of outpatients and/or inpatients. The neurologist will often perform and interpret tests that relate to the nervous system or muscles.

Specialty: Neurology, Neurology

Neuropathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; practitioners are expert in the diagnosis of disease of the nervous system and skeletal muscles and functions as a consultant primarily to neurologists and neurosurgeons.

Specialty: Pathology: Neuropathology, Neuropathology

Neurophysiologic Psychiatrist

See Clinical Neurophysiologic Psychiatrist

Neuroradiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Radiology; practitioners are trained in both imaging and interventional procedures to identify and treat disorders of the brain, spine and spinal cord, head, neck and sense organs in adults and children. These subspecialists are expert diagnostic and therapeutic consultants and practitioners.

Specialty: Radiology: Neuroradiology, Neuroradiology

Neurosurgeon

A certification by the Board of Neurological Surgery; practitioners provide the surgical and non-surgical management (i.e., prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care, and rehabilitation) of disorders of the nervous system. They also provide the evaluation and treatment of conditions that modify function or activity of the nervous system, and the surgical and non-surgical management of pain.

Specialty: Neurosurgery, Neurological Surgery

Common Name: Brain Surgeon

Nuclear Medicine Physician

A certification by the Board of Nuclear Medicine; practitioners are skilled in the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radioactive materials. This physician also has special knowledge of the biologic effects of radiation exposure, the principles of radiation safety, and the care of patients who have been exposed to ionizing radiation. The nuclear medicine specialist serves as a consultant to physicians, obtaining necessary information from patients by means of history and physical examination and selecting and carrying out appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic uses of radiation.

Specialty: Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Radiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Radiology; it involves the analysis and imaging of radionuclides (radioactive atoms) and radiolabeled substances (radioactive atoms attached to other substances) for diagnosis, and the administration of radionuclides and radiolabeled substances for the treatment of disease.

Specialty: Radiology: Nuclear, Nuclear Radiology

Obstetrician

A clinical focus of physicians who practice Obstetrics & Gynecology, it concerns the management of pregnancy, labor and care of the new mother.

Specialty: Obstetrics

Common Name: OB

Obstetrician-Gynecologist

A certification by the Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology; practitioners provide medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders, to the extent that it distinguishes them from other physicians. This training enables them to serve as consultants to other physicians and as primary physicians for women.

Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Common Name: Ob/Gyn or Ob-Gyn

Obstetrician-Gynecologist: Maternal -Fetal Medicine

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology; practitioners treat or provide consultation on patients with complications of pregnancy. They have special knowledge in the obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy and their effect on both the mother and the fetus. Advanced knowledge of newborn adaptation also is necessary to ensure a continuum of excellence in care from the fetal to newborn periods.

Specialty: Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Occupational Medicine Physician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Preventive Medicine; practitioners focus on the relationships between the physical and chemical environments of the workplace, the health of workers, the arrangement of the workplace and the ability to perform work.

Specialty: Occupational Medicine, Occupational Medicine

Oncologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical) , Medical Oncology

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Orthopedic Surgeon

A certification by the Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; practitioners focus on the investigation, preservation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. Birth defects, trauma, infections, tumors and metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system are problems cared for by the orthopaedic surgeon.

Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery

Common Name: Orthopedist

Otologist/Neurotologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Otolaryngology; practitioners are concerned with the ear, its function and its diseases.

Specialty: Otology-Neurotology, Neurotology

Common Name: Ear Doctor

Pain Management Physician

An interdisciplinary subspecialty certification by the Boards of Anesthesiology, Psychiatry & Neurology, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; practitioners provide a high level of care either as a primary physician or consultant for patients experiencing problems with acute or chronic pain in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and coordinate a multidisciplinary approach toward pain management.

Specialty: Pain Management, Pain Medicine

Pediatric Cardiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners provide comprehensive care from fetal life to young adulthood to patients with cardiovascular problems.

Specialty: Pediatric Cardiology

Common Name: Children's Heart Doctor

Pediatric Dermatologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners provide prevention, diagnosis, and comprehensive management of skin disorders in infants, children and adolescents. These subspecialists assure optimal care for pediatric patients with unusual or difficult to treat skin disorders, participate in the management of pediatric patients with multi-system disease, further basic and clinical investigation and instruct medical students and physicians in the skin disorders of this age group.

Specialty: Pediatric Dermatology

Common Name: Children's Skin Doctor

Pediatric Emergency Physician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine; practitioners have special qualifications to manage emergency care for infants and children. Pediatric emergency medicine requires knowledge of the technological advances in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric emergencies, enhanced by the broad understanding of child health and development, which evolves with additional training in pediatric emergencies and experience with children and their families.

Specialty: Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Common Name: Children's ER Doctor

Pediatric Endocrinologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners care for infants, children and adolescents who have diseases that result from an abnormality in the endocrine glands (which secrete hormones). These diseases include but are not limited to diabetes, growth failure, unusual size for age, early or late pubertal development, birth defects, disorders of the thyroid, of the adrenal, and of the pituitary glands.

Specialty: Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Endocrinology

Pediatric Gastroenterology

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners understand disorders of the digestive systems of infants, children and adolescents. S/He has achieved competence in the clinical diagnosis and medical treatment of these disorders and is able to select, perform and evaluate procedures necessary for assessment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Specialty: Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Common Name: Children's GI Doctor

Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners have three interrelated characteristics. First, this physician is educated in the growth and development of normal children from birth to adulthood as well as in the identification and treatment of disease in these age groups. Second, this physician has knowledge and understanding of hematologic (blood disorders) and oncologic (cancerous) diseases. Third, this physician combines his/her knowledge of general pediatrics and of hematology and oncology.

Specialty: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

Common Name: Children's Blood and Cancer Doctor

Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners care for children and spend most of their professional time and skills on treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, as well as provide routine health care. The pediatric infectious disease subspecialist also participates in the process regarding recommendations for inoculations to prevent infectious disease.

Specialty: Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Pediatric Intensivist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners have special competence in advanced life support for children from the term or near term neonate to the adolescent. This competence extends to the management of life threatening organ system failure, and to the support of vital physiological functions. This provider also coordinates the multitude of treatment plans prescribed for the patient by other involved physicians, and has the responsibility to coordinate and order the priority of health care services provided by the Intensive Care Unit.

Specialty: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Pediatric Nephrologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners care for children from fetal life to young adulthood, focusing on the normal and abnormal development of the kidney and the urinary tract. They also deal with the mechanisms by which the kidney can be damaged, the evaluation and treatment of kidney diseases, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, hypertension, and renal replacement therapy.

Specialty: Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology

Common Name: Children's Kidney Doctor

Pediatric Neurologist

A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are trained in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders of the newborn infant, early childhood and adolescence.

Specialty: Pediatric Neurology (Child Neurology), Child Neurology

Common Name: Child Neurologist

Pediatric Pathologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; Practitioners are skilled in the laboratory diagnosis of diseases that occur during fetal growth and infant and childhood development. This specialty requires a strong foundation in general pathology and substantial understanding of normal growth and development, along with extensive knowledge of pediatric medicine. The pediatric pathologist is a consultant to pediatricians and all physicians involved in the care of infants and children.

Specialty: Pathology: Pediatric, Pediatric Pathology

Pediatric Physiatrist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; practitioners use an interdisciplinary approach toward the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children with inherited and childhood-onset physical impairments, with an understanding of the life course of disability.

Specialty: Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

Common Name: Children's Rehab Doctor

Pediatric Pulmonologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners are dedicated to the prevention and treatment of all respiratory diseases affecting infants, children and young adults.

Specialty: Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Pulmonology

Common Name: Children's Lung Doctor

Pediatric Radiologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners care for children using all manners of radiant energy in medical diagnoses and in therapeutic procedures utilizing radiologic guidance.

Specialty: Radiology: Pediatric, Pediatric Radiology

Pediatric Rheumatologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners treat the infant, child, or adolescent with rheumatic disease (causing painful disability in the muscles, tendons, bones, joints or nerves). He or she also participates in the prevention, understanding, and treatment of the various rheumatic disorders and also promotes understanding of the basic mechanisms of the disease in the interrelated areas of immunology, genetics, inflammation, and infectious diseases.

Specialty: Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Rheumatology

Pediatric Surgeon

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Surgery; practitioners are skilled in the management of surgical conditions in premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents.

Specialty: Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery

Common Name: Children's Surgeon

Pediatric Transplant Hepatologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics, practitioners are trained pediatric gastroenterologists who provide pre-, peri- and post-operative care to liver transplant patients.

Specialty: Pediatric Liver Transplant, Pediatric Transplant Hepatology

Common Name: Pediatric Liver Transplant

Pediatrician

A certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners are concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a wide range of health services, from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The pediatrician understands the constantly changing status of his/her patients due to growth and development, and the consequent changing standards of "normal" for age.

Specialty: Pediatrics, Pediatrics

Common Name: Children's Doctor

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor

A certification by the Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; practitioners focus on diagnosing, evaluating and treating patients with impairments and/or disabilities that involve musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiovascular or other body systems. Their primary concern is maximal restoration of function and the alleviation of pain.

Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Common Name: Rehabilitation Doctor or Rehab Doctor

Plastic Surgeon

A certification by the Board of Plastic Surgery; practitioners deal with the repair and reconstruction of defects of form and function of the skin and its underlying systems, with emphasis on the head and neck, the upper and lower limbs, the breast, and the external genitalia. It includes aesthetic surgery of structures with undesirable form.

Specialty: Plastic Surgery

Podiatrist

A physician specialty; practitioners diagnose and treat the disorders of the foot.

Specialty: Podiatry, Podiatric Medicine

Common Name: Foot Doctor

Preventive Medicine Physician

A certification by the Board of Preventive Medicine; practitioners focus on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability and premature death. In addition to the knowledge and skills common to all physicians, the distinctive components of Preventive Medicine include, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Services Administration, environmental and occupational influences on health, social and behavioral influences on health, measures that prevent the occurrence, progression and disabling effects of disease or injury.

Specialty: Public Health & General Preventive Medicine

Psychiatrist

A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are skilled in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders. He or she is trained to understand the biological, psychological and social components of illness and is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications, as well as to evaluate and treat psychological and interpersonal problems. The psychiatrist is also prepared to intervene with individuals and families who are coping with stress, crises, and other problems in living.

Specialty: Psychiatry, Psychiatry

Psychosomatic Specialist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, practitioners provide treatment and care to medically ill patients in specialized settings like intensive care units, transplant programs, dialysis centers, burn units, and human immunode

Specialty: Psychosomatic Medicine

Common Name: Psychosomatic Medicine

Pulmonologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on diseases of the lungs and airways. The pulmonologist diagnoses and treats pneumonia, cancer, asthma, occupational diseases, sleep disorders, emphysema, and other complex disorders of the lungs. Pulmonologists evaluate lung function, examine the bronchial airways, and prescribe and monitor mechanical ventilation. Many pulmonary disease experts are also expert in critical care.

Specialty: Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Disease

Common Name: Lung Doctor

Radiation Oncologist

A certification by the Board of Radiology; it deals with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and its modifiers and the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors.

Specialty: Radiology: Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology

Radiological Physicist

A certification by the Board of Radiology; it includes therapeutic radiological physics, diagnostic radiological physics, and medical nuclear physics; including radiation safety.

Specialty: Radiology: Radiological Physics, Radiological Physics

Rehabilitation Doctor or Rehab Doctor

See Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor

Reproductive Endocrinologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology; practitioners are capable of managing complex problems relating to the hormonal issues of reproduction and infertility.

Specialty: Reproductive Endocrinology

Common Name: Fertility Doctor

Rheumatologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. The rheumatologist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries, etc. The rheumatologist may work closely with other specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists.

Specialty: Rheumatology, Rheumatology

Skin Doctor

See Dermatologist

Skin Pathologist

See Dermatopathologist

Sleep Specialist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are trained in the diagnosis and management of clinical conditions that occur during sleep, that disturb sleep, or that are affected by dis

Specialty: Sleep Medicine

Common Name: Sleep Medicine

Spinal Cord Injury Physician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; practitioners address the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of traumatic spinal cord injury and non-traumatic diseases of the nervous system (such as Multiple Sclerosis), including the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of related disabilities and complications.

Specialty: Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine

Sports Medicine Physician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics; practitioners are responsible for continuous care in sports medicine, not only the enhancement of health and fitness but the prevention of injury and illness. Knowledge about the special areas of medicine such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, physical rehabilitation and epidemiology are essential to the practice of sports medicine.

Specialty: Sports Medicine

Surgeon

A certification by the Board of Surgery; practitioners manage a wide range of surgical conditions affecting almost any area of the body. The surgeon provides the diagnosis and the care to patients before, during and after surgery. The surgeon is usually responsible for the comprehensive management of trauma victims and the critically ill. The surgeon has special knowledge and skills in birth defects, tumors, infections and metabolic problems relating to the head and neck, breast, abdomen, extremities including the hand, and the gastrointestinal, vascular and endocrine systems. A general surgeon is expected to be familiar with the most relevant features of other surgical specialties in order to recognize problems in those areas and to know when to refer a patient to another specialist.

Specialty: Surgery, Surgery

Toxicologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Emergency Medicine and/or Preventive Medicine; practitioners are trained in the monitoring, prevention, evaluation and treatment of injury or illness due to occupational and environmental exposures and pharmaceutical agents, as well as unintentional and intentional poisonings in all age groups.

Specialty: Toxicology (Medical), Medical Toxicology

Transfusion Medicine-Blood Banking Specialist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pathology; responsibilities include monitoring the use of blood within the hospital, tracing the causes of transfusion reactions, testing for determinants of tissue compatibility that permit bone marrow and other transplants, and serving as a consultant to plan appropriate therapy for a wide variety of conditions.

Specialty: Transfusion Medicine-Blood Banking, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine

Transplant Hepatologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine, practitioners are trained gastroenterologists who provide pre-, peri- and post-operative care to liver transplant patients.

Specialty: Liver Transplant, Transplant Hepatology

Common Name: Liver Transplant

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Physician

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Preventive Medicine; practitioners treat decompression illness and diving accident cases, and use hyperbaric (high pressure) oxygen therapy to treat such conditions as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, non-healing wounds, tissue damage from radiation and burns, and bone infections. These specialists also provide consultation to other physicians in all aspects of hyperbaric chamber operations, and assess risks and take measures to prevent disease and disability in divers and other persons working in altered atmospheric conditions.

Specialty: Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine

Urologist

A certification by the Board of Urology; practitioners are competent to manage medical and surgical disorders of the adrenal gland and of the genitourinary system. Urologists have comprehensive knowledge of, and skills in, various surgical techniques for innate and acquired conditions of the reproductive and urinary systems and their related structures.

Specialty: Urology, Urology

Vascular Neurologist

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, practitioners are trained to recognize and treat vascular neurological disorders such as aneurysms, strokes and migraines in adult and pediatric patients.

Specialty: Vascular Neurology

Common Name: Vascular Neurology

Vascular Surgeon

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Surgery; practitioners are skilled in the management of surgical disorders of those blood vessels not immediately adjacent to the heart, lungs or brain.

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Common Name: Blood Vessel Surgeon