There are approximately one million physicians in the United States. While some doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating the entire body, others focus on a specific part or system, such as the skin or the eyes.
You may encounter the following types of doctors:
- Family practice
- Internal Medicine.
- Obstetricians/gynecologists Pediatricians (OBGYNs)
- Cardiologist
- Oncologist
- Gastroenterologist
- Pulmonologist
- Infectious illness
- Nephrologist
- Endocrinologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Otolaryngologist
- Dermatologist
- Psychiatrist\sNeurologist
- Radiologist
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgeon
- Executive physician
This article goes over each of these 20 common physician specialties in greater detail. It is intended for those who want to know what different doctors do, as well as those considering a career as a physician and the various specialties available.
Family Physicians :
are primary care physicians who see patients of all ages and provide basic care for a wide range of common ailments. They are typically the first to identify major health issues, order diagnostic tests, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. 2
Following medical school, family medicine physicians complete a three to five-year residency programme in family medicine. They will receive hands-on training in paediatric care, emergency medicine, and other areas of general medicine during this time. 3
What Exactly Is a Residency?
Residency is a post-graduate period in which a doctor practises medicine for three to seven years under the supervision of more senior physicians, depending on the specialty.
Internal Medicine:
Adult patients are seen by physician general internists for primary care.
Internists typically have more hospital experience than family practitioners. They may have an office practise or work as a hospitalist, seeing patients primarily in the hospital.
These doctors attend medical school before completing an internal medicine residency.
Internists may then pursue a fellowship to subspecialize in areas such as endocrinology (hormone-related conditions) or cardiology (heart-related issues).
What Exactly Is a Fellow?
A fellow is a doctor who goes through fellowship training. A fellowship is similar to a paid internship in which fellows shadow experts and leaders in their respective fields. Clinical and surgical practise, as well as research, may be part of the training.
Pediatricians:
Care for patients from infancy to the age of 18 or, in some cases, the age of 21.5.
Pediatricians provide primary health care to children, such as vaccinations, general health checkups, school physicals, and treatment for coughs, colds, and stomach flu.
If a child suffers from a more serious illness, their paediatrician may refer them to a paediatric subspecialist (e.g., a paediatric orthopedist is a doctor who specialises in treating young patients with bone and muscle concerns).
Pediatricians must complete a three-year residency programme in paediatric medicine after graduating from medical school. If they decide to pursue a paediatric subspecialty, they will attend a fellowship in that field.
OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist):
A gynaecologist is a doctor who specialises in female reproductive health issues such as menopause and hormone imbalances. Pregnant women are cared for by an obstetrician. Obstetricians are also trained in childbirth.
These specialties are frequently combined, in which case the physician is known as an OB/GYN.6
OB/GYNs must complete medical school followed by a residency programme. After completing their residency, some doctors pursue a fellowship in a subspecialty. One example is gynaecological oncology, which deals with cancer of the female reproductive organs.
Cardiologist:
Cardiologists specialise in the care of the heart and its blood vessels. This can include heart failure management, cardiovascular disease management, and post-operative care. 7
The education required to become a cardiologist is extensive. Following three years of internal medicine residency, prospective cardiologists must complete several years of fellowship training.
Oncologist:
Oncology is a branch of internal medicine that is divided into three subspecialties: medical, surgical, and radiation oncology.
Oncologists treat cancer patients by treating both the disease and the symptoms that it causes.
Oncologists frequently participate in clinical trials involving new and experimental treatments for cancers that are otherwise incurable.
Oncologists complete medical school and then an oncology residency. Fellowships are also available in oncology subspecialties such as paediatric oncology (children's cancer) and radiation oncology (radiation treatment for cancer).
Gastroenterologist:
Gastroenterologists treat digestive system functions and diseases.
This field attracts doctors who enjoy performing procedures as well as seeing patients in an outpatient setting.
Gastroenterology is another internal medicine subspecialty. Gastroenterologists must first complete medical school, followed by an internal medicine residency. Following that, they must complete gastroenterology fellowship training.
Pulmonologist:
Pulmonologists care for the cardio-pulmonary system, which includes the heart, lungs, and respiratory organs.
Furthermore, pulmonologists may work in offices to treat patients with breathing problems, severe allergies, lung problems, and other respiratory diseases. They may also care for patients in the intensive care unit who have pulmonary disease (ICU).
Medical school is followed by an internal medicine residency for aspiring pulmonologists. They then pursue pulmonology fellowship training
What Exactly Is an Intensivist?
An intensivist is a physician who treats critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. These doctors complete a fellowship in critical care medicine in addition to medical school and residency.
Virus Infection Physician:
Infectious disease doctors treat infections that are difficult to diagnose or treat.
They also treat life-threatening infections like swine flu, bird flu, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases.
Following medical school, infectious disease physicians must complete an internal medicine residency followed by infectious disease fellowship training.
Nephrologist:
Nephrologists treat kidney disease and provide dialysis to patients who are in kidney failure.
Following medical school, these doctors enter an internal medicine residency programme. They must then complete nephrology fellowship training.
Endocrinologist:
Endocrinologists specialise in the endocrine system, which includes the glands that produce and secrete hormones that control and regulate nearly every bodily function. Endocrinologists frequently treat people with diabetes or thyroid disease.
Endocrinologists, like other internal medicine physicians, attend medical school followed by an internal medicine residency. They must then complete endocrinology fellowship training.
Physician Availability and Demand:
According to the American Association of Medical Colleges' 2020 report, there will be a shortage of up to 55,200 primary care physicians and up to 86,700 specialty physicians by 2033. This is due to an ageing population as well as physicians retiring earlier. It is also based on current access levels. If more people have access to health care in the coming years, up to 145,500 more physicians may be required.
Ophthalmologist:
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of eye diseases and disorders such as cataracts and glaucoma.
An ophthalmologist can treat vision correction issues that an optometrist cannot. Ophthalmologists will also perform eye surgery if necessary.
Ophthalmologists attend medical school before completing an ophthalmology residency. They are not required to take a fellowship, but many choose to do so for specific eye diseases or surgical procedures.
Otolaryngologist:
Otolaryngologists are also known as ENTs, or ear, nose, and throat specialists.
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that combines surgical skills with office-based medicine and treatment. They must complete medical school as well as an otolaryngology residency.
ENTs treat a wide range of conditions, including sinus problems, allergies, head and neck cancers, and more. As a result, many ENTs pursue fellowships in a subspecialty of otolaryngology, such as rhinology, which focuses on nose and sinus issues.
Dermatologist:
Dermatologists diagnose and treat problems with the hair, skin, and nails. This may include treating rashes or acne, diagnosing melanoma (skin cancer), and a variety of other services.
In addition, dermatoligists perform a variety of aesthetic procedures that are paid for out of pocket rather than through insurance. Botox injections, laser skin treatments, and other procedures fall into this category.
Dermatologists must complete a dermatology residency after graduating from medical school. Fellowships are not required, but some dermatologists may choose to attend them if they want to specialise in a specific area of dermatology.
Dermatology is a highly competitive field for doctors. One reason for this is that dermatologists are extremely well paid. 17 Dermatology residency programmes typically accept only the top medical students.
Psychiatrist:
A psychiatrist is an expert in mental health. They use a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, medication, and hospitalisation to treat emotional and behavioural issues. 18 Their work may be done in an office, a hospital, or a combination of the two.
Following medical school and residency in psychiatry, some psychiatrists pursue subspecialty fellowships. Psychiatry has several subspecialties, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction medicine, and eating disorders.
Psychoanalysis vs. psychotherapy:
Talk therapy is used by psychotherapists to assist people in resolving emotional or mental health issues. Psychoanalysts assist people in bringing unconscious conflicts or repressed memories to the surface so that they can be worked through consciously.
Neurologist:
Neurologists are physicians who treat patients who have medical conditions affecting the brain, spine, or nerves.
Patients with complex medical disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy are seen by them. Patients with common problems such as migraine headaches and dizziness are also seen by neurologists.
Neurologists, like all other physicians, must complete medical school followed by a residency in neurology. Following that, they may pursue fellowship training in a subspecialty, such as paediatric or vascular neurology (related to blood vessels in the brain).
Radiologist:
A radiologist is a doctor who has received special training in viewing and interpreting diagnostic tests.
Frequently, the treating physician must also interpret test results. The radiologist's analysis may provide additional information or recommendations for additional testing.
A radiologist must first complete medical school and a radiology residency before becoming licenced. Following that, they may choose to pursue fellowship training in a radiology subspecialty focused on a specific aspect of radiology or area of the body.
Anesthesiologist:
During surgery, anesthesiologists are trained to manage patient pain and vital signs.
In addition, they frequently manage medical emergencies in hospitals, such as cardiac arrest and sudden breathing problems.
Aspiring anesthesiologists must first complete medical school, followed by an anesthesiology residency programme. They can pursue fellowships in a variety of anesthesiology subspecialties, such as anaesthesia for patients with chronic pain or ICU patients.
Surgeon:
Surgeons devote time to planning a surgical procedure, performing it in the operating room, and then following up to identify any complications and confirm that the procedure was successful.
Surgeons can be trained in general surgery or more specialised fields such as hand surgery, paediatric surgery, or vascular surgery (related to blood flow problems).
Training to become a surgeon typically takes several years longer than training to become a primary care physician. Following medical school, general surgeons must complete a three to five-year residency programme. Following board certification, they will pursue a fellowship or internship in a surgical department.
Executive Physician:
Some doctors do not practise medicine at all. Instead, they take on leadership positions in health care policy, pharmaceutical research, and health insurance companies. 23
Non-clinical doctors must typically have completed medical school and residency. They must also keep their medical licence current.
Summary of Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Medical Jobs:
Knowing the various types of physician specialties allows you to know who to contact when you require medical attention. It also aids those considering a career in medicine in determining what they want to do on a daily basis.
You can search a database of over 135 specialties and subspecialties maintained by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It will assist you in learning more about the type of provider you require—or wish to become.
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