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Specialties Glossary
Having trouble deciphering what a medical term means? Find out its definition here, with our Specialties Glossary.
A | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V
Or, browse by Age, Internal Body Systems, Problem Area, Type of Medicine, or Type of Surgery.
A
Allergy and Immunology
Branch of medicine dealing with allergic conditions and diseases of the immune system.
Find an allergy and immunology doctor
Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study of changes occurring in organs and tissues as a result of disease, with specific relation to patient care.
Find an anatomic and clinical pathologist
Anatomic Pathology
The study of the structural and compositional changes that occur in organs and tissues as a result of disease.
Find an anatomic pathologist
Anatomic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Anesthesiology
The branch of medicine concerned primarily with procedures for rendering patients insensitive to pain, and for supporting life systems under the strains of anesthesia and surgery.
Find
an anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology
The branch of medicine concerned primarily with procedures for rendering patients insensitive to pain, and for supporting life systems under the strains of anesthesia and surgery.
Find an anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology - Pain Medicine
The branch of medicine concerned primarily with procedures for rendering patients insensitive to pain, and for supporting life systems under the strains of anesthesia and surgery, specifically dealing with the relief of pain.
Find
an anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management
B
There are no entries under B at this time.
C
Cardiology/Cardiovascular Disease
The medical study of the structure, function, and disorders of the heart.
Find a cardiologist
Cardiothoracic Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the heart by using operative procedures.
Find a cardiothoracic surgeon
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders, specifically in children.
Find a child and adolescent psychiatrist
Child/Adolescent Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it, specifically relating to children.
Find a child and adolescent neurologist
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
The branch of science dealing with the electrical conduction system of the heart, and concerned with the normal and abnormal transmission of impulses from the cardiac pacemaker (the tissue that controls heartbeat).
Find a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Surgeries dealing with the colon (the middle section of the intestines) and the rectum (the outermost part of the intestines).
Find a colon and rectal surgeon
Cytopathology
Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level.
Find a cytopathologist
D
Dentistry
Dentistry is the practical application of knowledge of dental science, the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth and their supporting bones and soft tissues, to human beings.
Find a dentist
Dermatology
Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases, as well as its appendages (nails, hair, sweat glands).
Find a dermatologist
Diagnostic Radiology
The process by which doctors evaluate an area of the subject's body that is not normally visible.
Find
a diagnostic radiologist
E
Emergency Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with evaluation and initial treatment of medical conditions caused by trauma or sudden illness.
Find an emergency medicine doctor
Emergency Medicine - Pediatric Emergency Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with evaluation and initial treatment of medical conditions caused by trauma or sudden illness, specifically dealing with children.
Find
an emergency medicine pediatrician
Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes.
Find an endocrinoloist specializing in diabetes and metabolism
F
Family Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family.
Find
a family practitioner
Family Medicine - Addiction Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family, specifically dealing in addiction medicine, however.
Find
a family practitioner who specializes in addiction medicine
Family Medicine - Geriatric Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family, specifically dealing with seniors, however.
Find
a family practitioner who specializes in geriatric medicine
Family Medicine - Sports Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family, specifically dealing with athletes.
Find
a family practitioner who specializes in sports medicine
Forensic Psychiatry
The branch of psychiatry that makes determinations regarding a person's fitness to stand trial, the need for commitment, or responsibility for criminal behavior, in a court of law.
Find a forensic psychiatrist
G
Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study of disorders affecting the stomach, intestines, and associated organs.
Find a gastroenterologist
Geriatric Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders, specifically in seniors.
Find a geriatric psychiatrist
Gynecologic Oncology
Branch of medicine dealing with gynecological tumors and cancer, including study of their development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Find a gynecologic oncologist
Gynecology
Branch of medicine dealing with women's health care, especially the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive organs.
Find a gynecologist
H
Hematology and Medical Oncology
Branch of medicine dealing with the treatment of diseases and disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues, and the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancer.
Find a hematology and medical oncologist
I
Infectious Disease
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases caused by the growth of organisms in the body. Some of these diseases may be contagious.
Find an infectious disease doctor
Internal Medicine
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, especially in adults.
Find an internal medicine doctor
Internal Medicine - Critical Care Medicine
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, especially in adults, specifically dealing with emergency care.
Find an internal medicine doctor who specializes in critical care medicine
Internal Medicine - Geriatric Medicine
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, specifically dealing with seniors.
Find an internal medicine doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine
Internal Medicine - Hematology
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, especially in adults, specifically dealing with blood and blood-producing organs.
Find an internal medicine doctor who specializes in hematology
Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology is a branch of the medical specialty of cardiology that deals specifically with the mechanical treatment of heart diseases.
Find an interventional cardiologist
J
There are no entries under J at this time.
K
There are no entries under K at this time.
L
There are no entries under L at this time.
M
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the growth, development, care, and treatment of the fetus and its' environment.
Find a maternal and fetal medicine doctor
N
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Treatment and care of premature and/or high-risk newborn babies.
Find a neonatal-perinatal medicine doctor
Nephrology
The science that deals with the kidneys, especially their functions or diseases.
Find a nephrologist
Neurological Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the brain by using operative procedures.
Find a neurological surgeon
Neurology
The medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it.
Find a neurologist
Neurology
with a Special Qualification In Child Neurology
The medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it, specifically in children.
Find a neurologist who specializes in child neurology
Neuroradiology
The branch of radiology that deals with the nervous system.
Find a neuroradiologist
Nuclear Medicine
The branch of medicine that uses radioactive materials either to image a patient's body or to destroy diseased cells.
Find a nuclear medicine doctor
O
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The combined medicine fields of obstetrics (dealing with women's health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period following delivery) and gynecology (dealing with women's health and the female reproductive organs).
Find an OB-GYN doctor
Occupational Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries occurring at work or in specific occupations.
Find an occupational medicine doctor
Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, functions, pathology, and treatment of the eye.
Find an ophthalmologist
Oral and Maxiofacial Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the mouth by using operative procedures.
Find
an oral and maxiofacial surgeon
Orthopedic Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the muscles and joints by using operative procedures.
Find an orthopedic surgeon
Orthopedic Surgery - Hand Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the muscles and joints in the hand by using operative procedures.
Find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery
Otolaryngology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
Find an otolaryngologist
Otorhinolaryngology and Orofacial Plastic Surgery
The branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, and plastic surgery of the ear, nose, and throat.
Find an otorhinolaryngology and orofacial plastic surgeon
P
Pathology
The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
Find a pathologist
Pathology - Dermatopathology
The branch of medicine dealing with skin diseases.
Find a pathologist who specializes in dermatopathology
Pediatric - Endocrinology
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes, specifically in infants and children.
Find
a pediatrician who specializes in endocrinology
Pediatric - Allergy and Immunology
Branch of medicine dealing with allergic conditions and diseases of the immune system, specifically in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in allergies and immunology
Pediatric - Cardiology
The medical study of the structure, function, and disorders of the heart, specifically in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in cardiology
Pediatric - Critical Care Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the critical and emergency care of infants and children and the treatment of their diseases.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in critical care medicine
Pediatric - Dentistry
The practical application of knowledge of dental science, the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth and their supporting bones and soft tissues, to human beings, specifically children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in dentistry
Pediatric - Emergency Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with evaluation and initial treatment of medical conditions caused by trauma or sudden illness in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in emergency medicine
Pediatric - Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study of disorders affecting the stomach, intestines, and associated organs, specifically in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in gastroenterology
Pediatric - Hematology Oncology
The branch of medicine dealing with the medical study of the blood and blood-producing organs, specifically related to cancer in infants and children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in hematology oncology
Pediatric - Infectious Disease
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases caused by the growth of organisms in the body, specifically relating to children. Some of these diseases may be contagious.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in infectious disease
Pediatric - Nephrology
The science that deals with the kidneys, especially their functions or diseases, relating specifically to children and infants.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in nephrology
Pediatric - Otolaryngology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, specifically relating to children and infants.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in otolaryngology
Pediatric - Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease, specifically relating to children and infants.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in radiology
Pediatric - Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries in children by using operative procedures.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in surgery
Pediatrics
The branch of medicine that deals with the care of infants and children and the treatment of their diseases.
Find a pediatrician
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Branch of medicine that provides treatment for sports and occupational injuries including acute and chronic pain disorders.
Find a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Surgical treatment for restoration of function or for cosmetic purposes.
Find a plastic and reconstructive surgeon
Plastic Surgery
Surgical treatment for restoration of function or for cosmetic purposes.
Find a plastic surgeon
Plastic Surgery - Surgery of the Hand
Surgical treatment for restoration of function or for cosmetic purposes. This branch specifically deals with plastic surgery of the hand.
Find a plastic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery
Podiatric Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the foot by using operative procedures.
Find a podiatric surgeon
Podiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the foot.
Find a podiatrist
Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
Find a psychiatrist
Pulmonary Medicine
Branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the respiratory system.
Find
a doctor who specializes in pulmonary medicine
Q
There are no entries under Q at this time.
R
Radiation Oncology
The branch of medicine dealing specifically with radiation as a form of cancer treatment.
Find a radiation oncologist
Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Find a radiologist
Reproductive Endocrinology
The branch of medicine dealing with the reproductive glands and hormones of the body and their related disorders.
Find a reproductive endocrinologist
Rheumatology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of muscles, tendons or joints.
Find a rheumatologist
S
Sleep Medicine
The branch of medicine dealing with sleep health and sleep disorders.
Find a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine
Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats disease or injury by using operative procedures.
Find a surgeon
Surgery - Surgery of the Hand
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the hand by using operative procedures.
Find a surgeon who specializes in hand surgery
T
Therapeutic Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease, specifically in relation to its uses for therapy.
Find a therapeutic radiologist
U
Urology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract.
Find a urologist
V
Vascular and Interventional Radiology
The branch of radiology dealing with minimally invasive procedures performed using image guidance for diagnostic purposes and treatments, specifically dealing with the vascular system.
Find a vascular and interventional radiologist
Vascular Surgery
The branch of surgery dealing with surgery on arteries and veins.
Find a vascular surgeon
W
There are no entires under W at this time.
X
There are no entires under X at this time.
Y
There are no entires under Y at this time.
Z
There are no entires under Z at this time.
Resources
The following resources were used to gather the information used in this glossary.
Answers.com
www.answers.com
AskJeeves
www.ask.com
Dictionary.com
www.dictionary.com
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Hahnemann Campus
281 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Tel: 1-(508)-334-1000
www.umassmemorial.org
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Postal Square Building
2 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20212
Tel: 1-(202)-691-5200
www.bls.gov
Wikipedia.org
www.wikipedia.org
