Specialty (medicine) - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

A specialty in medicine

Medicine

Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....

is a branch of medical science. After completing medical school

Medical school

A medical school is a tertiary educational institution—or part of such an institution—that teaches medicine. Degree programs offered at medical schools often include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Bachelor/Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, master's degree, or other post-secondary...

, physician

Physician

A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...

s or surgeon

Surgeon

In medicine, a surgeon is a specialist in surgery. Surgery is a broad category of invasive medical treatment that involves the cutting of a body, whether human or animal, for a specific reason such as the removal of diseased tissue or to repair a tear or breakage...

s usually further their medical education

Medical education

Medical education is education related to the practice of being a medical practitioner, either the initial training to become a doctor or additional training thereafter ....

in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple year residency

Residency (medicine)

Residency is a stage of graduate medical training. A resident physician or resident is a person who has received a medical degree , Podiatric degree , Dental Degree and who practices...

to become a medical specialist.

History of medical specialization

To a certain extent, medical practitioners have always been specialized. According to Galen, specialization was common among Roman doctors. The particular system of modern medical specialities evolved gradually during the 19th century. Informal social recognition of medical specialization evolved before the formal legal system. The particular subdivision of the practice of medicine into various specialities varies from country to country, and is somewhat arbitrary.

Classification of medical specialization

Medical specialties can be classified along several axes. These are:

Surgical or internal medicine
Age range of patients
Diagnostic or therapeutic
Organ-based or technique-based

Throughout history, the most important has been the division into surgical and internal medicine specialties. The surgical specialties are the specialties in which an important part of diagnosis and treatment is achieved through major surgical techniques. The internal medicine specialties are the specialties in which the main diagnosis and treatment is never major surgery. Anesthesiology is classified as a surgical discipline, since it is vital in the surgical process, though anesthesiologists never perform major surgery themselves.

Many specialties are organ-based. Many symptoms and diseases come from a particular organ. Others are based mainly around a set of techniques, such as radiology, which was originally based around X-rays.

The age range of patients seen by any given specialist can be quite variable. Pediatricians handle most complaints and diseases in children that do not require surgery, and there are several subspecialties (formally or informally) in pediatrics that mimic the organ-based specialties in adults. Pediatric surgery may or not be a separate specialty that handles some kinds of surgical complaints in children.

A further subdivision is the diagnostic versus therapeutic specialties. While the diagnostic process is of great importance in all specialties, some specialists perform mainly or only diagnostic examinations, such as pathology, clinical neurophysiology, and radiology. This line is becoming somewhat blurred with interventional radiology

Interventional radiology

Interventional radiology is a specialty of radiology, in which image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases across all body systems...

, an evolving field that uses image expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.

Specialties that are common world-wide

Specialty	Can be subspecialty of	Diagnostic (D) or therapeutic (T) specialty	Surgical (S) or internal medicine specialty (I)	Age range of patients	Organ-based (O) or technique-based (T)
Allergy and Immunology	Pediatrics or Internal medicine	Both	I	All	O
Anaesthesiology	None	T	S	All	T
Pathology	None	D	Neither	All	T
Cardiology	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Pediatric cardiology	Pediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Cardiothoracic surgery	General surgery	T	S	Adults	O
Child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy	None	T	I	Pediatric	O
Clinical neurophysiology	Neurology	D	I	All	Both
Dermato-Venereology	None	T	I	All	O
Endocrinology	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Gastroenterology	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Geriatrics	Internal medicine	T	I	Geriatric	Multidisciplinary
Gynaecology and obstetrics	None	T	S	All	O
Health Informatics	None	T & D	Neither	All	Multidisciplinary
Infectious diseases	Internal medicine	T	I	Variable	Neither
Internal Medicine	None	T	I	Adults	Neither
Interventional Radiology Interventional radiology Interventional radiology is a specialty of radiology, in which image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases across all body systems...	Radiology	T	Both	All	Multidisciplinary
Vascular medicine	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Microbiology	None	D	I	All	T
Nephrology	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Neurology	None	T	I	Adults	O
Neurosurgery	None	T	S	All	O
Nuclear medicine	None	D	I	All	T
Occupational medicine	None	T	I	Working age	Multidisciplinary
Ophthalmology	None	T	S	All	O
Orthopaedics	General surgery	T	S	All	O
Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery	Several	T	S	All	O
Otorhinolaryngology	None	T	S	All	O
Paediatrics	None	T	I	Pediatric	Neither
Paediatric allergology	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric endocrinology and diabetes	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric haematology and oncology	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric infectious diseases	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Neonatology	Paediatrics	T	I	Neonatal	Neither
Paediatric Nephrology	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric respiratory medicine	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric rheumatology	Paediatrics	T	I	Pediatric	O
Paediatric surgery	General Surgery	T	S	Pediatric	O
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine	None	T	I	Adults	Multidisciplinary
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery	General surgery	T	S	All	O
Pneumology	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Psychiatry	Internal medicine	T	I	Adults	O
Public Health	None	Neither	Neither	All	T
Radiology	None	D	I	All	T
Neuroradiology	Radiology	D	I	All	Both
Radiotherapy	(unknown)	T	Unknown	Unknown	T
General surgery	None	T	S	Variable	T
Urology	General surgery	T	S	All	O
Vascular surgery	General surgery	T	S	All	O

List of specialties recognized in the European Union and European Economic Area

The European Union publishes a list of specialties recognized in the European Union, and by extension, the European Economic Area. Note that there is substantial overlap between some of the specialties and it is likely that for example "Clinical radiology" and "Radiology" refer to a large degree to the same pattern of practice across Europe.

Anesthesiology	Clinical chemistry	Tropical medicine
General surgery	Clinical biology	Child psychiatry
Neurosurgery	*Immunology	Geriatrics
Obsetrics and gynecology	Plastic surgery	Nephrology
Internal medicine	Thoracic surgery	Infectious diseases
**Ophthalmology	Pediatric surgery	Public health
Otorhinolaryngology	Vascular surgery	Pharmacology
Pediatrics	Cardiology	Occupational medicine
Respiratory medicine	Gastroenterology	Allergology
Urology	Rheumatology	Gastro-enterologic surgery
Orthopaedics	General hematology	Nuclear medicine
Pathology	Endocrinology	Accident and emergency medicine
Neurology	Physical medicine and rehabilitation	Clinical neurophysiology
Psychiatry	Stomatology	Maxillo-facial surgery
Clinical radiology	Neuro-psychiatry	Dental, oral and maxillo-facial surgery
Radiotherapy	Dermato-venerology
Laboratory medicine	Dermatology
Biological hematology	Venerology
Microbiology	Radiology

List of North American medical specialties and others

In this table, as in many healthcare arenas, medical specialties are organized into the following groups:

Surgical
Surgery
Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...

specialties focus on manually operative and instrumental techniques to treat disease.
Medical
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....

specialties that focus on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of disease.

Diagnostic specialties focus more purely on diagnosis of disorders.

Specialty	Code	Group	Subspecialties	Focus
Allergy Allergy An Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid... and Immunology Immunology Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. It deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and diseases; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders ; the...				Allergic reactions, asthma, and the immune system
Anesthesiology	AN, PAN	Surgery	Paediatrics, Pain management Pain management Pain management is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with pain. The typical pain management team includes medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,... , Intensive Care, Critical Care Critical care Critical care may refer to:* Critical care medicine or intensive-care medicine, a branch of medicine concerned with life support for critically ill patients* "Critical Care" , an episode of the TV series... , Obstetrics and gynaecology Obstetrics and gynaecology Obstetrics and gynaecology are the two surgical–medical specialties dealing with the female reproductive organs in their pregnant and non-pregnant state, respectively, and as such are often combined to form a single medical specialty and postgraduate training programme... , Cardiothoracic anesthesiology Cardiothoracic anesthesiology Cardiothoracic anesthesiology is a subspeciality of the medical practice of anesthesiology devoted to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and related invasive procedures... , Trauma Care, Pre- and Post-Operative Assessment and Care, Generalist (covers all the sub-specialties)	Anesthesia Anesthesia Anesthesia, or anaesthesia , traditionally meant the condition of having sensation blocked or temporarily taken away...
Cardiology Cardiology Cardiology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the heart . The field includes diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology...		Medicine Medicine Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....		Disease of the cardiovascular system
Cardiovascular surgery		Surgery Surgery Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...		The operation of heart Heart The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions... and major blood vessel Blood vessel The blood vessels are the part of the circulatory system that transports blood throughout the body. There are three major types of blood vessels: the arteries, which carry the blood away from the heart; the capillaries, which enable the actual exchange of water and chemicals between the blood and... s of the chest Chest The chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:... .
Clinical laboratory sciences		Diagnostic	Transfusion medicine Transfusion medicine Transfusion medicine is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the transfusion of blood and blood components. The blood bank is the section of the clinical laboratory where medical technologists process and distribute blood products under the supervision of a medical director, often... is concerned with the transfusion of blood Blood Blood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.... and blood component, including the maintenance of a "blood bank Blood bank A blood bank is a cache or bank of blood or blood components, gathered as a result of blood donation, stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusion. The term "blood bank" typically refers to a division of a hospital laboratory where the storage of blood product occurs and where proper... ". Cellular pathology is concerned with diagnosis using samples from patients taken as tissues and cells using histology Histology Histology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals. It is performed by examining cells and tissues commonly by sectioning and staining; followed by examination under a light microscope or electron microscope... and cytology Cytopathology Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level. The discipline was founded by Rudolf Virchow in 1858. A common application of cytopathology is the Pap smear, used as a screening tool, to detect precancerous cervical lesions and prevent cervical... . Clinical chemistry is concerned with diagnosis by making biochemical analysis of blood, body fluids, and tissues. Hematology Hematology Hematology, also spelled haematology , is the branch of biology physiology, internal medicine, pathology, clinical laboratory work, and pediatrics that is concerned with the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases... is concerned with diagnosis by looking at changes in the cellular composition of the blood Blood Blood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.... and bone marrow Bone marrow Bone marrow is the flexible tissue found in the interior of bones. In humans, bone marrow in large bones produces new blood cells. On average, bone marrow constitutes 4% of the total body mass of humans; in adults weighing 65 kg , bone marrow accounts for approximately 2.6 kg... as well as the coagulation system in the blood. Clinical microbiology is concerned with the in vitro In vitro In vitro refers to studies in experimental biology that are conducted using components of an organism that have been isolated from their usual biological context in order to permit a more detailed or more convenient analysis than can be done with whole organisms. Colloquially, these experiments... diagnosis of diseases caused by bacteria, virus Virus A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea... es, fungi Fungus A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria... , and parasites. Clinical immunology is concerned with disorders of the immune system Immune system An immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. It detects a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and needs to distinguish them from the organism's own... and related body defenses. It also deals with diagnosis of allergy Allergy An Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid... .	Application of diagnostic techniques in medical laboratories such as assay Assay An assay is a procedure in molecular biology for testing or measuring the activity of a drug or biochemical in an organism or organic sample. A quantitative assay may also measure the amount of a substance in a sample. Bioassays and immunoassays are among the many varieties of specialized... s, microscope Microscope A microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy... analysis.
Dermatology Dermatology Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails....	D, DS	Medicine	Dermatopathology, Mohs Surgery Mohs surgery Mohs surgery, also known as chemosurgery, created by a general surgeon, Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer. It is one of the many methods of obtaining complete margin control during removal of a skin cancer using frozen section...	Skin Skin -Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat... and its appendages (hair Hair Hair is a filamentous biomaterial, that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Found exclusively in mammals, hair is one of the defining characteristics of the mammalian class.... , nails, sweat gland Sweat gland Sweat glands, or sudoriferous glands, are small tubular structures of the skin that produce sweat. There are two kinds of sweat glands:... s etc.).
Dietetics				Food and nutrition
Emergency medicine Emergency medicine Emergency medicine is a medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, emergency medicine physicians diagnose a variety of illnesses and undertake acute...	EM	Medicine	Emergency Medical Services Hospice and palliative medicine Medical toxicology Pediatric emergency medicine Sports medicine Undersea and hyperbaric medicine	The initial management of emergent medical conditions, often in hospital Hospital A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays.... emergency departments or the field.
Endocrinology Endocrinology Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions called hormones, the integration of developmental events such as proliferation, growth, and differentiation and the coordination of...		Medicine		The endocrine system Endocrine system In physiology, the endocrine system is a system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone directly into the bloodstream to regulate the body. The endocrine system is in contrast to the exocrine system, which secretes its chemicals using ducts. It derives from the Greek words "endo"... (i.e., endocrine glands and hormone Hormone A hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism. Only a small amount of hormone is required to alter cell metabolism. In essence, it is a chemical messenger that transports a signal from one... s) and its diseases, including diabetes and thyroid Thyroid The thyroid gland or simply, the thyroid , in vertebrate anatomy, is one of the largest endocrine glands. The thyroid gland is found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage... diseases.
Family Medicine Family medicine Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. It is a division of primary care that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family across all ages, sexes, diseases, and parts of the body...	FM	Medicine	Adolescent Medicine Geriatric Medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine Sleep Medicine Sports Medicine	Continuing, comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family, integrating the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences to treat patients of all ages, sexes, organ systems, and diseases.
Forensic Medicine		Medicine
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine whereby the digestive system and its disorders are studied. The name is a combination of three Ancient Greek words gaster , enteron , and logos...	GI	Medicine		The alimentary tract
General surgery General surgery General surgery, despite its name, is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal organs, e.g., intestines including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland . They also deal with diseases involving the skin, breast, soft...	GS	Surgery	Colorectal surgery Gastrointestinal surgery Transplant surgery Trauma surgery
Geriatrics Geriatrics Geriatrics is a sub-specialty of internal medicine and family medicine that focuses on health care of elderly people. It aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults. There is no set age at which patients may be under the care of a geriatrician, or...	IMG	Medicine		Elderly patients
Gynecology				Female reproductive health
Hepatology Hepatology Hepatology is the branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders. Etymologically the word Hepatology is formed of ancient Greek hepar or hepato- meaning ' liver' and suffix -logia meaning 'word' or 'speech'...		Medicine		The liver Liver The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion... and biliary tract, usually a part of gastroenterology.
Infectious disease Infectious disease Infectious diseases, also known as communicable diseases, contagious diseases or transmissible diseases comprise clinically evident illness resulting from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biological agents in an individual host organism...	ID	Medicine		Diseases caused by biological agents
Intensive care medicine Intensive care medicine Intensive-care medicine or critical-care medicine is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and management of life threatening conditions requiring sophisticated organ support and invasive monitoring.- Overview :...		Medicine		Life support Life support Life support, in medicine is a broad term that applies to any therapy used to sustain a patient's life while they are critically ill or injured. There are many therapies and techniques that may be used by clinicians to achieve the goal of sustaining life... and management of critically ill patients, often in an ICU Intensive Care Unit thumb\|220px\|ICU roomAn intensive-care unit , critical-care unit , intensive-therapy unit/intensive-treatment unit is a specialized department in a hospital that provides intensive-care medicine... .
Maxillofacial surgery	Maxfacs, OMFS	Surgery	Craniofacial surgery (Head and neck) Facial cosmetic surgery Craniomaxillofacial trauma	Disease of the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Medical research			Anatomy Anatomy Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy... , Biochemistry Biochemistry Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes... , Embryology Embryology Embryology is a science which is about the development of an embryo from the fertilization of the ovum to the fetus stage... , Genetics Genetics Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.... , Pharmacology Pharmacology Pharmacology is the branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug action. More specifically, it is the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism and chemicals that affect normal or abnormal biochemical function... , Toxicology Toxicology Toxicology is a branch of biology, chemistry, and medicine concerned with the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms...
Nephrology Nephrology Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine and pediatrics dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney.-Scope of the specialty:...		Medicine		Kidney diseases
Neurology Neurology Neurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue,...	N	Medicine	Behavioral Neurology Behavioral neurology Behavioral neurology is a subspecialty of neurology that studies the neurological basis of behavior, memory, and cognition, the impact of neurological damage and disease upon these functions, and the treatment thereof. Two fields associated with behavioral neurology are neuropsychiatry and... Clinical Neurophysiology Clinical neurophysiology Clinical neurophysiology is a medical specialty that studies the central and peripheral nervous systems through the recording of bioelectrical activity, whether spontaneous or stimulated.... Geriatric Neurology Geriatric neurology Geriatric neurology is the branch of medicine that studies neurologic disorders in elderly.- Origin :In 1991 Advanced Fellowship Program in Geriatric Neurology was started by the Department of Veterans Affairs... Headache Medicine Neuromuscular Medicine Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Neuro-oncology Neuroradiology Neuroradiology Neuroradiology is a subspecialty of radiology focusing on the diagnosis and characterization of abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, spine, and head and neck. Primary imaging modalities include computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging... Vascular Neurology Hospice and Palliative Medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine is a formal subspecialty of medicine in the United States that focuses on symptom management, relief of suffering and end-of-life care... Pain Medicine Sleep Medicine Sleep medicine Sleep medicine is a medical specialty or subspecialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders. From the middle of the 20th century, research has provided increasing knowledge and answered many questions about sleep-wake functioning. The rapidly evolving field has...	Diseases involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems
Neurosurgery Neurosurgery Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spine, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.-In the United States:In...	NS	Surgery	Cerebrovascular Neurosurgical Oncology Stereotactic and Functional Spine Spine -Medicine:Vertebral column, commonly known as the backbone or spine, so named for its spinous processesLumbar puncture, a colloquial term for which is a spinal tap*Spinal anaesthesia, a type of regional anaesthetic... Neurotrauma Skull Base Peripheral Nerve Pediatric Neurosurgery	Disease of the central nervous system Central nervous system The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish... , peripheral nervous system Peripheral nervous system The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. Unlike the CNS, the PNS is not protected by the bone of spine and skull, or by the blood–brain... , and spinal column.
Obstetrics and gynecology	OB/GYN	Surgery	Maternal-fetal medicine Maternal-fetal medicine Maternal-Fetal medicine is the branch of obstetrics that focuses on the medical and surgical management of high-risk pregnancies. Management includes monitoring and treatment including comprehensive ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, genetic amniocentesis, and fetal surgery or treatment.... Reproductive medicine Reproductive medicine Reproductive medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with prevention, diagnosis and management of reproductive problems; goals include improving or maintaining reproductive health and allowing people to have children at a time of their choosing... Fertility medicine Gynecologic Oncology Gynecologic Oncology Gynecologic Oncology is a peer-reviewed medical journal covering all aspects of gynecologic oncology. The journal covers investigations relating to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of female cancers, as well as research from any of the disciplines related to this field of interest.-...
Oncology Oncology Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...	ON	Medicine	Radiation oncology – pertains to the use of radiation therapy Radiation therapy Radiation therapy , radiation oncology, or radiotherapy , sometimes abbreviated to XRT or DXT, is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control... (the medical Medicine Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness.... use of ionizing radiation Ionizing radiation Ionizing radiation is radiation composed of particles that individually have sufficient energy to remove an electron from an atom or molecule. This ionization produces free radicals, which are atoms or molecules containing unpaired electrons... ) as part of cancer Cancer Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the... treatment Oncology Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer... to control malignant Malignant Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis... cell Cell (biology) The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos.... s (not to be confused with radiology Radiology Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases... ).	Cancer Cancer Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the... and other malignant diseases, often grouped with hematology.
Ophthalmology Ophthalmology Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems...	OPH	Surgery	Retina, Cornea	Diseases of the visual pathways, including the eyes, brain, etc.
Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system...	ORS	Surgery	hand surgery Hand surgery The field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity including injury and infection. Hand surgery may be practiced by graduates of general surgery, orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery... , surgical sports medicine, adult reconstruction, spine surgery, foot and ankle, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopaedic trauma surgery, paediatric orthopedic surgery	Injury and disease of the musculoskeletal system Musculoskeletal system A musculoskeletal system is an organ system that gives animals the ability to move using the muscular and skeletal systems... .
Otolaryngology Otolaryngology Otolaryngology or ENT is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders.... , or ENT	ORL, ENT	Surgery	Head and neck, facial cosmetic surgery, Neurotology Neurotology Neurotology or neuro-otology is a branch of clinical medicine which studies and treats neurological disorders of the ear. It is a subspecialty of otolaryngology, and is closely related to otology. Neurotologists are physicians who have specialised in otolaryngology, but who have further... , Laryngology	Treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders. The term head and neck surgery defines a closely related specialty that is concerned mainly with the surgical management of cancer Surgical oncology Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery which focuses on the surgical management of cancer.The specialty of surgical oncology has evolved in steps similar to medical oncology, which grew out of hematology, and radiation oncology, which grew out of radiology... of the same anatomical structures.
Palliative care Palliative care Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients...	PLM	Medicine		A relatively modern branch of clinical medicine that deals with pain and symptom relief and emotional support in patients with terminal illness Terminal illness Terminal illness is a medical term popularized in the 20th century to describe a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and that is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as... es including cancer Cancer Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the... and heart failure.
Pathology Pathology as a medical specialty Pathologists are physicians who diagnose and characterize disease in living patients by examining biopsies or bodily fluid. Pathologists may also conduct autopsies to investigate causes of death. Pathology is a core discipline of medical school and many pathologists are also instructors...	PTH	Diagnostic		Understanding disease Disease A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune... through examination of molecule Molecule A molecule is an electrically neutral group of at least two atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their electrical charge... s, cells Cell (biology) The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos.... , tissue Tissue (biology) Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning... s and organ Organ (anatomy) In biology, an organ is a collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function. Usually there is a main tissue and sporadic tissues . The main tissue is the one that is unique for the specific organ. For example, main tissue in the heart is the myocardium, while sporadic are... s. The term encompasses both the medical specialty that uses tissues and body fluids to obtain clinically useful information and the related scientific Science Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe... study of disease processes.
Pediatrics Pediatrics Pediatrics or paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician or paediatrician...	PD	Medicine	Children. Like internal medicine, pediatrics has many subspecialities for specific age ranges, organ systems, disease classes, and sites of care delivery. Most subspecialities of adult medicine have a pediatric equivalent such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric endocrinology Pediatric endocrinology Pediatric endocrinology is a medical subspecialty dealing with variations of physical growth and sexual development in childhood, as well as diabetes and other disorders of the endocrine glands.... , pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric hematology, pediatric oncology, pediatric ophthalmology Pediatric ophthalmology Pediatric ophthalmology is a sub-speciality of ophthalmology concerned with eye diseases, visual development, and vision care in children.-Training:... , and neonatology Neonatology Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn infant. It is a hospital-based specialty, and is usually practiced in neonatal intensive care units... .	deals with the medical care of infant Infant A newborn or baby is the very young offspring of a human or other mammal. A newborn is an infant who is within hours, days, or up to a few weeks from birth. In medical contexts, newborn or neonate refers to an infant in the first 28 days after birth... s, child Child Biologically, a child is generally a human between the stages of birth and puberty. Some vernacular definitions of a child include the fetus, as being an unborn child. The legal definition of "child" generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority... ren, and adolescents (from newborn to age 16-21, depending on the country).
Pediatric surgery Pediatric surgery Pediatric surgery or paediatric surgery is a subspecialty of surgery involving the surgery of fetuses, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults...		Surgery	Treats a wide variety of thoracic Chest The chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:... and abdominal (and sometimes urologic Urology Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological... ) diseases of childhood.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation Physical medicine and rehabilitation Physical medicine and rehabilitation , physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. A physician having completed training in this field is referred to as a... Or Physiatry	PM&R	Medicine		Concerned with functional improvement after injury, illness, or congenital disorder Congenital disorder A congenital disorder, or congenital disease, is a condition existing at birth and often before birth, or that develops during the first month of life , regardless of causation... s.
Plastic surgery Plastic surgery Plastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the best-known kind of plastic surgery, most plastic surgery is not cosmetic: plastic surgery includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand...	PS	Surgery	Cosmetic surgery Burn Microsurgery Hand surgery Craniofacial surgery	Elective cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive surgery after traumatic or operative mutilation.
Proctology Proctology Colorectal surgery is a field in medicine, dealing with disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. The field is also known as proctology, but the term is outdated in the more traditional areas of medicine...	PRO	Medicine		(or Colorectal Surgery) Treats disease in the rectum Rectum The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others, terminating in the anus. The human rectum is about 12 cm long... , anus Anus The anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to control the expulsion of feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest,... , and colon Colon (anatomy) The colon is the last part of the digestive system in most vertebrates; it extracts water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body, and is the site in which flora-aided fermentation of unabsorbed material occurs. Unlike the small intestine, the colon does not play a... .
Psychiatry Psychiatry Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities...	P	Medicine	Child and adolescent psychiatry focuses on the care of children and adolescents with mental, emotional, and learning problems including ADHD, autism Autism Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their... , and family conflicts. Geriatric psychiatry Geriatric psychiatry Geriatric psychiatry, also known as geropsychiatry, psychogeriatrics or psychiatry of old age, is a subspecialty of psychiatry dealing with the study, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in humans with old age. After a 4 year residency in psychiatry, a psychiatrist can complete a one year... focuses on the care of elderly people with mental illnesses including dementia Dementia Dementia is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging... s, post-stroke cognitive changes, and depression. Addiction psychiatry Addiction psychiatry Addiction psychiatry is a subspecialty within psychiatry that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of people who are suffering from one or more disorders related to addiction... focuses on substance abuse and its treatment. Forensic psychiatry Forensic psychiatry Forensic psychiatry is a sub-speciality of psychiatry and an auxiliar science of criminology. It encompasses the interface between law and psychiatry... focuses on the interface of psychiatry and law. Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychiatry is the branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders attributable to diseases of the nervous system. It preceded the current disciplines of psychiatry and neurology, in as much as psychiatrists and neurologists had a common training.... focuses on affective, cognitive and behavioral disorders attributable to diseases of the nervous system Sleep medicine Sleep medicine Sleep medicine is a medical specialty or subspecialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders. From the middle of the 20th century, research has provided increasing knowledge and answered many questions about sleep-wake functioning. The rapidly evolving field has... focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Psychosomatic medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine is a formal subspecialty of medicine in the United States that focuses on symptom management, relief of suffering and end-of-life care... Pain medicine	The bio-psycho-social study of the etiology Etiology Etiology is the study of causation, or origination. The word is derived from the Greek , aitiologia, "giving a reason for" .... , diagnosis Diagnosis Diagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of anything. Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines with variations in the use of logics, analytics, and experience to determine the cause and effect relationships... , treatment and prevention Preventive medicine Preventive medicine or preventive care refers to measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than curing them or treating their symptoms... of cognitive, perceptual, emotional and behavioral disorders. Related non-medical fields include psychotherapy Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a general term referring to any form of therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a client or patient; family, couple or group... and clinical psychology Clinical psychology Clinical psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development... .
Pulmonology Pulmonology In medicine, pulmonology is the specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory disease. It is called chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas...		Medicine		The lungs and respiratory system Respiratory system The respiratory system is the anatomical system of an organism that introduces respiratory gases to the interior and performs gas exchange. In humans and other mammals, the anatomical features of the respiratory system include airways, lungs, and the respiratory muscles... . Pulmonology is generally considered a branch of internal medicine Internal medicine Internal medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians specializing in internal medicine are called internists. They are especially skilled in the management of patients who have undifferentiated or multi-system disease processes... , although it is closely related to intensive care medicine Intensive care medicine Intensive-care medicine or critical-care medicine is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and management of life threatening conditions requiring sophisticated organ support and invasive monitoring.- Overview :... when dealing with patients requiring mechanical ventilation Mechanical ventilation In medicine, mechanical ventilation is a method to mechanically assist or replace spontaneous breathing. This may involve a machine called a ventilator or the breathing may be assisted by a physician, respiratory therapist or other suitable person compressing a bag or set of bellows... .
Radiology Radiology Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases...	R, DR	Diagnostic and Therapeutic	Interventional radiology Interventional radiology Interventional radiology is a specialty of radiology, in which image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases across all body systems... is concerned with using expert imaging of the human body, usually via CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed... , or MRI to perform a breadth of intravascular procedures (angioplasty, arterial stenting, thrombolysis, uterine fibroid embolization), biopsies Biopsy A biopsy is a medical test involving sampling of cells or tissues for examination. It is the medical removal of tissue from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist, and can also be analyzed chemically... and minimally invasive oncologic procedures (radiofrequency and cryoablation of tumors & transarterial chemoembolization) Nuclear Medicine Nuclear medicine In nuclear medicine procedures, elemental radionuclides are combined with other elements to form chemical compounds, or else combined with existing pharmaceutical compounds, to form radiopharmaceuticals. These radiopharmaceuticals, once administered to the patient, can localize to specific organs... uses radioactive Radioactive decay Radioactive decay is the process by which an atomic nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionizing particles . The emission is spontaneous, in that the atom decays without any physical interaction with another particle from outside the atom... substances for in vivo In vivo In vivo is experimentation using a whole, living organism as opposed to a partial or dead organism, or an in vitro controlled environment. Animal testing and clinical trials are two forms of in vivo research... and in vitro In vitro In vitro refers to studies in experimental biology that are conducted using components of an organism that have been isolated from their usual biological context in order to permit a more detailed or more convenient analysis than can be done with whole organisms. Colloquially, these experiments... diagnosis either using imaging of the location of radioactive substances placed into a patient or using in vitro diagnostic tests utilizing radioactive substances.	The use of expertise in radiation in the context of medical imaging Medical imaging Medical imaging is the technique and process used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science... for diagnosis Diagnosis Diagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of anything. Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines with variations in the use of logics, analytics, and experience to determine the cause and effect relationships... or image guided minimally invasive therapy. X-rays Radiography Radiography is the use of X-rays to view a non-uniformly composed material such as the human body. By using the physical properties of the ray an image can be developed which displays areas of different density and composition.... , etc.
Rheumatology Rheumatology Rheumatology is a sub-specialty in internal medicine and pediatrics, devoted to diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Clinicians who specialize in rheumatology are called rheumatologists...	RHU	Medicine		Autoimmune Autoimmunity Autoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, which allows an immune response against its own cells and tissues. Any disease that results from such an aberrant immune response is termed an autoimmune disease... and inflammatory diseases of the joint Joint A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:... s and other organ systems, such as arthritis Arthritis Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints.... and other rheumatic diseases.
Stomatology Stomatology Stomatology is the branch of medicine and dentistry relating to the mouth and mouth disease. It was practiced by physicians as a medical specialty in the early 20th century in the United States but these concerns are now largely handled by dentists....			Dentistry Dentistry Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...	Diseases of the mouth
Surgical oncology Surgical oncology Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery which focuses on the surgical management of cancer.The specialty of surgical oncology has evolved in steps similar to medical oncology, which grew out of hematology, and radiation oncology, which grew out of radiology...	SO	Surgery		Curative and palliative surgical approaches to cancer Cancer Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the... treatment.
Thoracic surgery Thoracic surgery Thoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the thorax . Generally treatment of conditions of the lungs, chest wall, and diaphragm....	TS	Surgery		Surgery of the organs of the thoracic cavity Thoracic cavity The thoracic cavity is the chamber of the human body that is protected by the thoracic wall .... : the heart, lungs, and great vessels.
Transplant surgery	TTS	Surgery		Transplantation of organs Organ (anatomy) In biology, an organ is a collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function. Usually there is a main tissue and sporadic tissues . The main tissue is the one that is unique for the specific organ. For example, main tissue in the heart is the myocardium, while sporadic are... from one body to another
Urgent Care Medicine	UCM	Medicine		Immediate medical care offering outpatient care for the treatment of acute and chronic illness and injury
Urology Urology Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...	U	Surgery		Urinary tracts of males and females, and the male reproductive system. It is often practiced together with andrology Andrology Andrology is the medical specialty that deals with male health, particularly relating to the problems of the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men. It is the counterpart to gynaecology, which deals with medical issues which are specific to the female reproductive... ("men's health").
Vascular surgery Vascular surgery Vascular surgery is a specialty of surgery in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction. The specialty evolved from general and cardiac surgery...	VS	Surgery		The peripheral blood vessels—those outside of the chest Chest The chest is a part of the anatomy of humans and various other animals. It is sometimes referred to as the thorax or the bosom.-Chest anatomy - Humans and other hominids:... (usually operated on by cardiovascular surgeons) and of the central nervous system Central nervous system The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish... (treated by neurosurgery Neurosurgery Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spine, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.-In the United States:In... )

Future Medical Specialties

Due to the large decline in men's use of healthcare services and facilities, there may be a future in creating a specialty dedicated exclusively to men's health and well being. It would be a conterpart to gynecology and would be most aptly named andrology.

Physician compensation

The mean annual salary of a medical specialist is $175,011 in the US, and $272,000 for surgeons. However, because of commodity inflation

Inflation

In economics, inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. Consequently, inflation also reflects an erosion in the purchasing power of money – a...

, increasing negligent costs, steep price rise of rental, the annual salary range of a medical specialist varies and is not rising as fast as other professional pay.

The table below details the average range of salaries for physicians of selected specialties as of July 2010. Also given in the average number of hours worked per week for full-time physicians (numbers are from 2003).

Specialty	Median salary (USD)	Average hours work/week	Average salary/hour (USD)
Anesthesiology	331,000 to $423,507	61
Dermatology Dermatology Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails....	313,100 to $480,088	45.5	103
Emergency medicine Emergency medicine Emergency medicine is a medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, emergency medicine physicians diagnose a variety of illnesses and undertake acute...	239,000 to $316,296	46	87
Cardiac Surgery Cardiac surgery Cardiovascular surgery is surgery on the heart or great vessels performed by cardiac surgeons. Frequently, it is done to treat complications of ischemic heart disease , correct congenital heart disease, or treat valvular heart disease from various causes including endocarditis, rheumatic heart...	218,684 to $500,000	55
Family practice	175,000 to $220,196	52.5	58
Internal medicine Internal medicine Internal medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians specializing in internal medicine are called internists. They are especially skilled in the management of patients who have undifferentiated or multi-system disease processes...	184,200 to $231,691	57	58
Neurology Neurology Neurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue,...	213,000 to $301,327	55.5	93
Obstetrics and Gynecology	251,500 to $326,924	61	83
Ophthalmology Ophthalmology Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems...	150,000 to $351,000	47
Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgery Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system...	397,879 to $600,000	58
Otolaryngology Otolaryngology Otolaryngology or ENT is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders....	191,000 to $393,000	53.5
Pathology Pathology Pathology is the precise study and diagnosis of disease. The word pathology is from Ancient Greek , pathos, "feeling, suffering"; and , -logia, "the study of". Pathologization, to pathologize, refers to the process of defining a condition or behavior as pathological, e.g. pathological gambling....	239,000 to $331,842	45.5
Pediatrics Pediatrics Pediatrics or paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician or paediatrician...	160,111 to $228,750	54	69
Psychiatry Psychiatry Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities...	173,800 to $248,198	48	72
Radiology Radiology Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases... (diagnostic)	377,300 to $478,000	58
Surgery Surgery Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical... (general)	284,642 to $383,333	60
Urology Urology Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological...	331,192 to $443,518	60.5
Neurological surgery	350,000 to $705,000		132
Plastic surgery Plastic surgery Plastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the best-known kind of plastic surgery, most plastic surgery is not cosmetic: plastic surgery includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand...	265,000 to $500,000		114
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine whereby the digestive system and its disorders are studied. The name is a combination of three Ancient Greek words gaster , enteron , and logos...	251,026 to $396,450		93
Pulmonology Pulmonology In medicine, pulmonology is the specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory disease. It is called chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas...	165,000 to $365,875		72

Australia and New Zealand

Specialty training in Australia and New Zealand is overseen by the specialty colleges:

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is the body responsible for training and examining surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. The head office of the College is in Melbourne, Australia....
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians, or RACP, is the organisation responsible for training, educating, and representing over 9,000 physicians and paediatricians in Australia and New Zealand. It was founded in 1938....

Canada

Specialty training in Canada is overseen by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada ' , French: Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada, is a national, private, nonprofit organization established in 1929 by a special Act of Parliament to oversee the medical education of specialists in Canada...

India

Specialty training in India is overseen by the Medical Council of India

Medical Council of India

The Medical Council of India was the statutory body for maintenance of uniform and high standards of medical education in India. The Council grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical colleges, grants registration to medical practitioners, and monitors medical...

, which is responsible for recognition of post graduate training and by the National Board of Examinations

National Board of Examinations

National Board of Examinations is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health, Government of India, and established in 1975 at New Delhi to standardizing postgraduate medical education and examination in India.-Overview:...

. And education of Ayurveda

Ayurveda

Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...

in overseen by Central Council of Indian Medicine

Central Council of Indian Medicine

Central Council of Indian Medicine is a statutory body under Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy , Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, set up in 1971 under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, which was passed in 1970...

(CCIM), the council conducts u.g and p.g courses all over India, while Central Council of Homoeopathy

Central Council of Homoeopathy

Central Council of Homoeopathy is a statutory apex body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Deptt. of Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy...

does the same in the field of Homeopathy.

United States

There are three agencies or organizations in the United States that collectively oversee physician board certification of MD and DO (allopathic and osteopathic) physicians in the United States

Physicians in the United States

Physicians in the United States include both ones trained by medical education in the United States and ones that are international medical graduates who have progressed through the necessary steps to acquire a medical license to practice in a state...

in the 26 approved medical specialties recognized in the country. These organizations are the American Board of Medical Specialties

American Board of Medical Specialties

The American Board of Medical Specialties is a non-profit physician-led umbrella organization for 24 of the 26 approved medical specialty boards in the United States...

(ABMS) and the American Medical Association

American Medical Association

The American Medical Association , founded in 1847 and incorporated in 1897, is the largest association of medical doctors and medical students in the United States.-Scope and operations:...

; the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists

American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists

The American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists is a non-profit umbrella organization for 18 medical specialty boards in the United States. It is one of three leading entities overseeing physician certification in the United States...

(AOABOS) and the American Osteopathic Association

American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association is the representative member organization for the over 78,000 osteopathic medical physicians in the United States...

; the American Board of Physician Specialties

American Board of Physician Specialties

The American Board of Physician Specialties , the official certifying body for the American Association of Physician Specialists is a non-profit umbrella organization for sixteen medical specialty boards that certifies and re-certifies physicians in fourteen medical specialties in the United...

(ABPS) and the American Association of Physician Specialists

American Association of Physician Specialists

The American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. founded 1950, incorporated 1952 is a 501 not-for-profit organization whose executive offices are located in Tampa, Florida...

. Each of these agencies and their associated national medical organization functions as its various specialty academies, colleges and societies.

Certifying Board	National Organization	Physician Type
ABMS	AMA	MD and DO
AOA-BOS	AOA	DO Only
ABPS	AAPS	MD and DO

All boards of certification now require that medical practitioners

Physician

demonstrate, by examination, continuing mastery of the core knowledge and skills for a chosen specialty. Recertification varies by particular specialty between every seven and every ten years.

Other uses

In the U.S. Army, the term "medical specialist" refers to occupational therapists, physical therapists, dietitians and physician assistants, also known as allied health professionals. Also included in the term "medical specialist", but not in the term "allied health professional" are EMT/combat medics.

Satisfaction

A survey of physicians in the United States

Physicians in the United States

came to the result that dermatologists are most satisfied with their choice of specialty, followed by orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and gastroenterologists. In contrast, primary care physician

Primary care physician

A primary care physician, or PCP, is a physician/medical doctor who provides both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis....

s were the least satisfied, followed by nephrologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, and pulmonologists.

Specialty	Overall satisfaction	Feeling of enough compensation	Would have chosen same specialty again
Dermatologist	80%	71%	93%
Radiologist	72%	69%	82%
Oncologist	70%	55%	79%
Gastroenterologist	69%	52%	80%
Ophthalmologist	67%	55%	79%
Infectious disease/HIV physician	66%	54%	73%
Plastic surgeon	66%	53%	82%
Anesthesiologist	65%	63%	70%
Orthopedic surgeon	65%	47%	83%
Psychiatrist	65%	58%	67%
Rheumatologist	65%	53%	66%
Emergency medicine physician	63%	65%	56%
Urologist	63%	47%	78%
Cardiologist	62%	46%	75%
Paediatrician	62%	51%	61%
Diabetes specialist/Endocrinologist	61%	45%	68%
Neurologist	60%	49%	63%
General surgeon	58%	44%	60%
Nephrologist	57%	45%	55%
Obstetrician/Gynecologist	57%	50%	53%
Pulmonologist	57%	45%	52%
Primary care physician	54%	48%	43%

History of medical specialization

Classification of medical specialization

Specialties that are common world-wide

List of specialties recognized in the European Union and European Economic Area

List of North American medical specialties and others

Future Medical Specialties

Physician compensation

Australia and New Zealand

Canada

India

United States

Other uses

Satisfaction

See also