Physician Compare lists physicians of many different specialties. Each specialty focuses on the care of different parts of the body, periods of the life, or diseases.
Adolescent Medicine - A Family Physician or Pediatrician who specializes in Adolescent Medicine is a multidisciplinary health care specialist trained in the unique physical, psychological and social characteristics of adolescents and their health care problems and needs.
Allergy and Immunology - An Allergist-Immunologist diagnoses and manages disorders involving immune system conditions such as asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis and eczema as well as adverse reactions to drugs, foods and insect stings; also immune deficiency diseases and problems related to autoimmune disease, organ transplantation or malignancies of the immune system.
Anesthesiology - An Anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief prior to, during and after surgical, obstetrical and other medical procedures while monitoring and maintaining the patient’s stable condition. The Anesthesiologist also diagnoses and treats acute, chronic and/or cancer pain problems as well as provide medical management for patients with critical illnesses, severe injuries and direct resuscitation needs.
Cardiology and Vascular Medicine - A Cardiologist is an Internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions, such as heart attacks and life-threatening, abnormal heartbeat rhythms.
Chiropractic Medicine - A Chiropractor specializes in the adjustment of specific areas of the body (often of the spine) to prevent and treat disease and nerve function.
Critical Care Medicine (Intensive Care) - A Critical Care specialist is an Internist with expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and support of critically ill and injured patients, particularly trauma victims and patients with multiple organ dysfunction. This physician also coordinates patient care among the primary physician, critical care staff, and other specialists.
Dentistry - A Dentist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases concerning the teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures.
Dermatology - A Dermatologist diagnoses and treats all aspects of healthy and diseased skin in adults and children, including conditions such as skin cancer, melanomas, moles, dermatitis, acne, hair loss, scars, sexually transmitted diseases, and the skin changes associated with aging.
Emergency Medicine - A physician who specializes in Emergency Medicine focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. This specialist provides immediate recognition, evaluation, care, and stabilization of adult and pediatric patients in response to acute illness and injury.
Endocrinology - An Endocrinologist is an Internist who concentrates on disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. This specialist also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, obesity, pituitary diseases, and menstrual and sexual problems.
Family Practice - See Primary Care, General Practice, and Family Practice.
Gastroenterology - A Gastroenterologist is an Internist who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive organs including the stomach, bowels, liver, and gallbladder. This specialist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice, and performs complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using endoscopes to see internal organs.
General Practice - See Primary Care, General Practice, and Family Practice.
Geriatric Medicine - A Family Physician or Internist with special knowledge of the aging process and special skills in the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitative aspects of illness in the elderly. This specialist cares for geriatric patients in the patient’s home, the office, long-term care settings such as nursing homes, and the hospital.
Hematology - A Hematologist is an Internist who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, clotting disorders, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Hospice and Palliative Care - A Hospice and Palliative Care specialist may be an Anesthesiologist, Emergency Medicine Physician, Family Physician, Internist, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Pediatrician, Physiatrists, Diagnostic Radiologist, Radiation Oncologist, or Surgeon with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family throughout the course of the disease, including through the dying process and subsequent family grieving. This care can occur within or outside a formal hospice. This specialist has expertise in assessing patients with advanced disease and catastrophic injury; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse settings; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of life care.
Infectious Disease Medicine - An Infectious Disease specialist is an internist who deals with infectious diseases of all types and in all organ systems. Conditions requiring selective use of antibiotics call for this special skill. This physician often diagnoses and treats AIDS patients and patients with fevers which have not been explained. Infectious disease specialists may also have expertise in preventive medicine and travel medicine.
Internal Medicine - An Internist is a personal physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and in the hospital, managing illnesses of adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and the digestive, respiratory, and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health, and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system, and reproductive organs.
Medical Toxicology - Medical Toxicologists are physicians who specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment and monitoring of injury and illness from exposures to drugs and chemicals, as well as biological and radiological agents. Important areas of Medical Toxicology include acute drug poisoning; adverse drug events; drug abuse, addiction and withdrawal; chemicals and hazardous materials; terrorism preparedness; venomous bites and stings; and environmental and workplace exposures.
Nephrology - A Nephrologist is an Internist who treats disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral balance, and dialysis of body wastes when the kidneys do not function. This specialist consults with surgeons about kidney transplantation.
Neurology - A Neurologist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of all types of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles and autonomic nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. These disorders include: stroke, brain and spinal tumors, muscular dystrophy, headache and other pain, meningitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, multiple sclerosis and effects of systemic diseases, like high blood pressure and diabetes, on the nervous system.
Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetricians and Gynecologists focus on the health of women before, during, and after childbearing years, diagnosing and treating conditions of the reproductive system, and associated disorders.
Oncology - An Oncologist is an Internist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. This specialist decides on and administers therapy for these malignancies, as well as consults with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatments for cancer.
Ophthalmology - Ophthalmologists focus on the medical and surgical care of the eyes. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, dispense medications, diagnose and treat eye conditions and diseases and perform surgeries.
Optometry - An Optometrist performs examinations of the eye for defects and faults of refraction, prescribing correctional lenses, diagnosing diseases of the eye and treating diseases by non-surgical means.
Orthopedics - Orthopedists and Orthopedic Surgeons are educated in the preservation, investigation, and restoration of the form and function of the arms and legs, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical, and physical means. These specialists are involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries, and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow in children and adults. These specialists are also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat) - An Otolaryngologist or Head and Neck Surgeon provides medical or surgical therapy for the prevention of diseases, allergies, deformities, disorders and injuries of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, respiratory and upper alimentary systems, face, jaws ,and the other head and neck systems. Head and neck oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the treatment of disorders of hearing and voice are fundamental areas of expertise.
Pain Management - Pain Management specialists may be Anesthesiologists or Neurologists who diagnoses and treat patients experiencing problems with acute, chronic, or cancer pain in both hospital and outpatient settings, and coordinates patient care needs with other specialists.
Pathology - A Pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical, and physical sciences. This specialist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion and monitoring of disease.
Pediatrics - A physician specializing in Pediatrics is concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Their care encompasses many health services, ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The Pediatrician deals with biological, social, and environmental influences on the developing child and with the impact of disease and dysfunction on development.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are concerned with evaluating and treating patients with short or long-term physical and/or cognitive impairments and disability that result from musculoskeletal conditions (such as neck or back pain, or sports or work injuries), neurological conditions (such as stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury), or medical conditions. Physicians have expertise in therapeutic exercise, medications, and injections for management of pain and spasms, electrodiagnosis, prostheses (artificial limbs), orthoses (braces), and other equipment to assist daily activities, and coordinate treatment to help patients improve their physical, psychological, social, and vocational function.
Podiatry - Podiatrists focus on the care and treatment of the foot and its diseases.
Preventative Medicine - A Preventive Medicine specialist focuses on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability, and premature death.
Primary Care, General Practice, and Family Practice - Primary Care Physicians, General Practitioners, and Family Physicians deliver a range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical care services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization, and screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Family physicians also manage chronic illness, often coordinating care provided by other subspecialists.
Psychiatry - A Psychiatrist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders such as: psychotic, mood, anxiety, substance-related, sexual and gender identity, and adjustment disorders.
Pulmonary Medicine - A Pulmonologist treats diseases of the lungs and airways. They diagnose and treat cancer, pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma, occupational and environmental diseases, bronchitis, sleep disorders, emphysema, and other disorders of the lungs.
Radiology - A Radiologist is a physician who uses different kinds of imaging (like x-ray, CT, and MRI) to diagnose and manage patients, and provide therapeutic options. Physicians practicing in the field of Radiology specialize in Diagnostic Radiology or Radiation Oncology.
Rheumatology - A Rheumatologist is an Internist who treats diseases of joints, muscle, bones, and tendons. This specialist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and collagen diseases.
Sports Medicine - A Sports Medicine specialist is an Emergency Medicine Physician, Family Physician, Internist, Pediatrician, or Physiatrist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to participating in sports and/or exercise. In addition to the study of those fields that focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of injuries, Sports Medicine also deals with illnesses and diseases that might have effects on health and physical performance.
Surgery - A General Surgeon has expertise in the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin and blood vessels. A General Surgeon is also trained in the care of pediatric and cancer patients and in the treatment of patients who are injured or critically ill. Some General Surgeons pursue additional training and specialize in the fields of Trauma Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery and others.
Urology - A Urologist, also known as a Genitourinary Surgeon, focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. These specialists manage non-surgical problems, such as urinary tract infections, as well as surgical problems such as the surgical management of cancers, the correction of congenital abnormalities, and correcting stress incontinence.