Medical specialities

Medical Specialties are branches of medicine that focus on particular areas of patient care, disease management, types of diseases, and methods of treatment. They are recognized by professional medical associations and certification boards.

Overview

Medical Specialties are often defined by the medical education and training received by the physician. After completing medical school, physicians or surgeons usually further their medical education in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple-year residency to become a medical specialist.

Types of Medical Specialties

There are numerous medical specialties, each with its own set of requirements, skills, and focus areas. Some of the most common medical specialties include:

• Internal Medicine: This specialty focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of adult diseases.
• Surgery: Surgeons are specialized in performing operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities.
• Pediatrics: Pediatricians specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
• Psychiatry: Psychiatrists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and disorders.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology: These specialists focus on women's health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
• Radiology: Radiologists use imaging technology to diagnose and treat diseases.
• Anesthesiology: Anesthesiologists specialize in providing pain relief and maintaining or restoring stability during and immediately following an operation.
• Dermatology: Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.
• Emergency Medicine: These specialists focus on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability.

Training and Certification

In order to become a specialist, a physician must complete additional training after medical school through a residency program. This can take anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. After completing a residency, physicians may choose to become board certified in their specialty by passing an exam.

See Also

• List of medical specialties
• Medical education
• Medical school
• Residency (medicine)

References

Medical specialities Resources
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