Key Medical Terms: Doctors and Disciplines
Here is a list of general terms that refer to medical experts and various disciplines. If you have any questions about medical terms during the time of your care, be sure to ask your doctor or a member of hospital staff for an explanation.
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)
APNs have education and clinical experience beyond the basic training and licensing
required of all RNs
Anesthesiology
Anesthesia, either general or spinal block for surgeries and some forms of pain
control
Cardiac Surgeon
Special training and skills to perform delicate operations on the heart, blood
vessels, and lungs
Cardiology
Special training and skill in finding, treating, and preventing diseases of
the heart and blood vessels
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
CNAs perform the most basic needs for patients and work under the supervision of a nurse. CNAs might also be referred to as Home Health Aides, Personal Care Assistants, Nurse's Aides or Patient Care Technicians.
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
RNs with graduate training in women's health care needs, including prenatal,
labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
RNs with graduate training in the field of anesthesia. RNs with graduate training
in the field of anesthesia.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
RNs have graduate training in a specialized clinical field such as cardiac,
psychiatric, or community health.
Dermatology
Skin disorders
Endocrinology
Hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes
Gastroenterology
Digestive system disorders
General surgery
Common surgeries involving any part of the body
Gynecology/obstetrics
Pregnancy (normal or problematic), women's reproductive tract disorders
Immunology
Disorders of the immune system and allergies
Infectious disease
Infections affecting the tissues of any body system
Medical Doctor
Generalist; family practice, internal medicine
Medical oncologist
Treats cancer with medicine or chemotherapy
Nephrology
Kidney disorders
Neurology
Nervous system disorders
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurses (RNs) with graduate training in primary care
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
RNs with graduate training in primary care. In some states NPs can prescribe
medications.
OB/GYN
Specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, including well women's health care
and prenatal care. Routine health maintenance and screenings (such as a Pap
smear) and family planning
Oncology
Cancer and some other diseases that resist treatment
Ophthalmology
Eye disorders and surgery
Orthopedics
Bone and connective tissue disorders
Osteopathic Medicine
Generalist; family practice, internal medicine- can be a D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine or a M.D., Doctor of Medicine
Otorhinolaryngology
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders
Pediatric Cardiologist
Deals with infants, children, and teenagers. In some cases begins diagnosis
and treatment in the fetus and continues into adulthood
Periodontist
Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease
Physical and rehabilitative medicine
Coordinate return to optimal functioning in individuals with musculoskeletal
and neurological disorders (such as low back injury, spinal cord injuries, and
stroke)
Physician Assistant (PA)
Trained in the family practice model for a primary care role.
Plastic surgeon
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons
Podiatrist
Foot and ankle specialist
Psychiatry
Emotional or mental disorders
Pulmonary (lung)
Respiratory tract disorders
Radiation oncologist
Specialize in treating cancer with therapeutic radiation.
Radiology
X-rays and related procedures (such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI)
Registered Nurses (RN)
Graduates from nursing program, passed state board examinations, licensed by
the state
Surgical oncologist
Specialize in the surgical aspects of cancer including biopsy, staging, and
surgical resection of tumors
Urology
Disorders of the male reproductive and urinary tracts and the female urinary
tract
The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. These tips are from doctors, nurses and people who have shared their real life advice; always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes.
