MEDICAL SPECIALTIES

Medical Specialties

Medical Specialties

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a general umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders involving the heart and blood circulation systems (Frasure-Smith & Lesperance, 1999), such as hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and coronary heart disease.

Dermatology

A dermatologist is said to be a medical expert of our skin (Egan, 2005), mouth, genitalia, hair, and nails. Dermatologists have been leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the structure, function, and diseases of the digestive system (Hungin & Rubin, 2000). The gastrointestinal tract breaks down food as it is digested to provide energy for the human body to function.

Neurology

A neurologist is a physician involved in neurology, the treatment of disorders of the nervous system. Neurologists' task is to provide diagnosis, treatment, and management for patients who suffer from neurological disorders (DeMyer, 2003). Neurology is the branch of medicine responsible for studying, diagnosing, and treating patients with disorders of the nervous system (Daube, 2002).

Otolaryngology

An otolaryngologist, more commonly known as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon, is a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the head and neck of both children and adults (Iserson, 2003). Otolaryngologists are trained to treat all of the important cranial nerves involved in the control of vision, hearing, smell, and muscles of mastication (chewing) as well as muscles of facial expression.

Pathology

Pathology is a both a science and the branch of conventional medicine that seeks to correctly understand and diagnose diseases (Klatt & Kumar, 2005).

Pediatrics

Pediatrics is the medical specialty concerned with the health of infants, children, and adolescents; their growth and development; and their opportunity to achieve full potential as adults. (Clinic, 2006)

Psychiatry

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine (Szasz, 1963) that refers to the prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental disorders in people (Brizer, 1993). The major change in the treatment of psychiatric patients is that nowadays many people are dealt with as outpatients, and hospitalization, if required, is generally for a few weeks, with only a very small number having long-term hospitalization.

Cardiovascular Disease

Coronary heart disease refers to the narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries by a gradual build-up of cholesterol within the artery wall (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Coronary heart diseases include myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. Over 64 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease; coronary heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for more than 40% of all deaths. Cardiovascular diseases also lead to high levels of premature and permanent disability.

Symptoms

Cardiovascular disease encompasses a broad range of specific disorders (Cardiovascular Disease Facts, Disease Prevention and Treatment Strategies), and symptom presentations vary widely across these disorders. Among the most common cardiovascular diseases, some can be asymptomatic (e.g., hypertension) while others can cause acute pain and disability (e.g., angina pectoris, myocardial infarction). Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can include chest pain or radiating ...