et’s say that
you feel sharp pains
in your back. So you
call your doctor for
an appointment.
Once you’re there, he
or she asks about your
symptoms, gives you a
brief physical exam and
maybe orders a test. Ten
your doctor says to you,
“I think you should see a
nephrologist.”
And you say, “A who?”
That’s a ver y good
question.
Your doctor is referring
you to a specialist—in
this case, a kidney spe-
cialist. Nephrology is just
one of the many areas of
expertise that, while rec-
ognized by the American
Board of Medical Special-
ties (ABMS), are still a
mystery to most of us.
Who are these special-
ists, and what do they do?
This chart may help
explain. It’s not a complete
list of every specialty and
subspecialty for which a
doctor can be certified.
(Tere are more than 145.)
But it includes some of the
most common ones.
For a more compre-
hensive guide to medi-
cal specialties, visit the
ABMS website at www
.certifcationmatters
.org.
A doctor
just for you
You could choose a
doctor by throwing
a dart at the phone
book listings.
Or you could pick
a name—any name—
from your insurance
company’s roster of
preferred providers.
But medical ex-
perts suggest a more
methodical approach.
After all, a doctor is
someone you’ll be
entrusting with your
health. You want to
fnd a doctor who’s
competent, for sure—
but also someone you
feel comfortable talk-
ing with.
Here are some tips
for fnding the right
doctor for you:
Seek recommen-
dations. Ask friends,
co-workers and, if ap-
propriate, your current
doctor for referrals.
Do a little dig-
ging. You have a list
of names. Call the
offces to make sure
the doctor takes your
insurance. Ask about
offce hours and after-
hours care.
Set up an inter-
view. Visit the offce
and talk with the
doctor face-to-face.
Bring a list of topics
that are important to
you for discussion.
(You may need to pay
for this meeting.)
Some good questions
to ask: What hospitals
does he or she use?
Can someone on staff
answer common ques-
tions over the phone?
You might also
want to fnd out if you
can communicate with
the offce online to
make appointments,
schedule tests or refll
prescriptions.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality; American
Academy of Family Physicians;
American Board of Medical
Specialties
TYPE OF SPECIALIST TYPE OF CARE
Cardiologist
Focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood ves-
sels. Cardiologists often treat heart attacks, heart failure and heart rhythm disorders.
Dermatologist
Treats a variety of skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, scars, moles and skin cancer.
Endocrinologist
Often an internist who specializes in disorders involving hormones and the glands
and organs that secrete them. Examples include diabetes, metabolic disorders and
thyroid disease.
ENT doctor
Also called an otolaryngologist. Treats disorders of the ears, nose and throat (ENT),
as well as related areas of the head and neck.
Family physician Delivers a wide range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care. Offers routine
checkups, immunizations and health management for people of all ages.
Gastroenterologist An internist who specializes in diseases of the digestive system. May also perform
procedures like colonoscopy and endoscopy.
General surgeon
Performs many types of surgery, including those related to critical illness or injury.
Frequently treats conditions like appendicitis, hernias and gallstones.
Geriatrician
Often a family doctor or internist who specializes in the care of older adults and
health conditions related to aging.
Hospitalist
Manages care of patients in a hospital. May have residency training in internal medi-
cine, pediatrics or family medicine.
Internist
Provides long-term, comprehensive care for both common and complex illnesses for
adults.
Nephrologist
An internist who focuses on disorders of the kidney and urinary tract.
Neurologist
Evaluates and treats health issues of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Examples include stroke, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Obstetrician/
gynecologist
An OB/GYN focuses on women’s health—particularly their reproductive systems—
before, during and after childbearing years.
Oncologist
An internist who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Subspecialties in-
clude surgical and radiation oncology.
Orthopedic surgeon Performs surgery on the musculoskeletal system, mostly the extremities and spine.
Can fx broken bones or replace worn-out joints, such as hips or knees.
Pediatrician
A primary care doctor who specializes in the health and development of children.
Psychiatrist
Evaluates and treats mental and emotional disorders, such as schizophrenia, depres-
sion, and addiction or substance abuse.
Pulmonologist
An internist concerned with diseases of the lungs and bronchial tubes, such as pneu-
monia, emphysema and tuberculosis.
Radiologist
Uses imaging tools like x-rays, CT and ultrasound to diagnose and sometimes treat
disease.
Rheumatologist
An internist who focuses on diseases of the joints, muscles, bones and tendons.
Examples include arthritis, back pain, gout and lupus.
Urologist
Also called a genitourinary surgeon. Diagnoses and treats disorders of the female
and male urinary tract, as well as the male reproductive system.
Additional sources: American Academy of Otolaryngology; American College of Cardiology; American College of Physicians; Society of Hospital Medicine
A guide to common medical specialists
DOCTORS
W H O D O E S W H A T ?
Need a doctor? Go to
www.shannonhealth.com/fndadoctor.aspx
.
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H E A L T H B E A T