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Health

Do you know your nephrologist from your gerontologist?

Do You Actually Know Which Doctor Does What?

[Rheumatology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341398/rheumatology_-internal_medicine.html) is a sub-specialty of internal medicine that deals with a group of complex musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons called "rheumatic diseases." They treat both acute and chronic conditions and you'd see them for things like arthritis, lupus, tendonitis, or gout.

Rheumatologists treat joint and autoimmune diseases.

What would a rheumatologist treat?

[Nephrology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341236/nephrology_-internal_medicine.html) is a sub-specialty of internal medicine that focuses on the kidney and kidney diseases. Specialists usually treat people with renal (kidney) failure from diabetes or hypertension who need dialysis, and they facilitate kidney transplants.

A nephrologist focuses on the kidneys.

Which organ does a nephrologist focus on?

[Hepatology](http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/service-areas/liver-diseases) is a sub-specialty of internal medicine or gastroenterology that deals with the liver and the biliary tract. Specialists treat diseases like cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C, and they also treat patients who need liver transplants.

Hepatologists specialize in disorders of the liver.

A hepatologist specializes in diseases affecting what?

[Geriatrics](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/do/346684/geriatricmedicine.html) is the branch of medicine that deals with the health of elderly people. Gerontologists have special knowledge of the aging process and skills in therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive medicine for elderly patients.

Gerontologists treat elderly people.

Who does a gerontologist normally treat?

[Oncologists](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341270/oncology_-internal_medicine.html) are specialized in the treatment of malignant tumors and cancers. An oncologist may [further specialize](http://www.cancer.net/) in a specific treatment method such as medical chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation or a certain type of cancer such as gynecologic or pediatric.

You'd see an oncologist to treat cancer.

Why would you go see an oncologist?

[Immunologists](http://www.aaaai.org/about-aaaai/allergist-immunologists-specialized-skills) or "allergists" specialize in the immune system and issues like allergies and autoimmune disorders. They manage conditions like eczema, food and drug allergies, rhinitis, and immunodeficiency.

Immunology deals with allergies.

The branch of immunology deals with what?

[Gastroenterology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341136/gastroenterology_-internal_medicine.html) is the branch of medicine that focuses on the function and disorders of the digestive organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bowels. Specialists treat issues like ulcers, IBS, and stomach cancer.

Gastroenterologists deal with the digestive system.

You'd see a gastroenterologist to check out which system?

[Hematologists](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341372/hematology_-internal_medicine.html) focus on the function and diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs such as the vascular system, lymphatic system, bone marrow, or spleen. They treat things like hemophilia, lymphoma, or sickle-cell anemia.

Hematology deals with diseases of the blood!

Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ .

[Radiologists](http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Radiology-Safety/Patient-Resources/About-Radiology) diagnose and treat diseases using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and ultrasounds. They are specialized in the safety of radiation in medicine and interpreting medical imaging results, which means they work with many different doctors.

A radiologist diagnoses diseases using X-rays, PET scans, and MRIs.

What does a radiologist do?

[Otorhinolaryngology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/336856/otolaryngology.html), commonly shortened to "otolaryngology," deals with treating diseases and conditions that affect the ears, nose, and throat, as well as the related structures of the head and neck. The doctors (ENTs) treat things like ear infections, sinus issues, or throat and tonsil problems.

A doctor specialized in otorhinolaryngology focuses on the ear, nose, and throat!

What would a doctor treat if they specialize in otorhinolaryngology?

[Proctologists](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/340844/colon_and_rectal_surgery.html), more recently called colon and rectal surgeons, focus on treating disorders of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area. They provide colonoscopies, treat hemorrhoids, and treat colon and rectal cancers.

Proctologists treat disorders of the colon and rectum!

What does a proctologist treat?

[Neurotologists](http://www.nyee.edu/patient-care/otolaryngology/otology-neurotology) specialize in treating neurological disorders of the inner ear, which affect balance and hearing. They treat things like deafness, vertigo, chronic dizziness, and facial nerve disorders.

Neurotology deals with hearing and balance disorders!

What does a neurotologist focus on?

[Pathology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/336858/pathology-anatomic_and_clinical.html) is basically the scientific foundation of medicine. A pathologist applies physical, biological, and chemical sciences in the laboratory to understand and treat disease. They provide other doctors with information from microscopic exams, tests on body fluids, and other laboratory analyses so they can better treat diseases.

Pathologists apply laboratory science to diagnose and treat disease!

What does the branch of pathology deal with?

[Endocrinology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341320/endocrinology-_diabetes-_and_metabolism_-internal_medicine.html) is the branch of medicine that deals with the endocrine system, which produces hormones. It focuses on the treatment of disorders affecting the adrenal and thyroid glands, gonads, metabolism, diabetes mellitus, and more. Specialists also treat growth and puberty issues and conditions like PCOS.

Endocrinologists specialize in hormones!

Endocrinologists specialize in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

[Urology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/336876/urology.html) is the branch of medicine focused on the urinary tract in males and females, male genitals and reproductive health, and disorders of the bladder, kidneys, ureter, prostate, and adrenal glands. Specialists treat things like urinary tract obstructions, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction.

A urologist treats all of the above!

What does a urologist treat?

[Neurologists](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/336846/neurology.html) are specialized in the diseases or impaired function of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and muscles. They treat a range neurological disorders like headaches, seizures, Alzheimer's, and strokes.

Neurology deals with the brain and spinal cord!

Neurology deals with disorders of the \_\_\_\_\_\_ .

[Periodontics](https://www.perio.org/consumer/periodontist2.htm) is a sub-specialty of dentistry that focuses on preventing and treating periodontal (gum) disease, and facilitating dental implants. Specialists treat cases of severe gum disease and receding gums, and perform surgeries to repair dental implants or gum injury.

You'd see a periodontist for gum disease!

Why would you see a periodontist?

[Orthopedic surgery](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/336854/orthopaedic_surgery.html) is the branch of medicine that deals with the care and treatment of disorders affecting the spine, extremities, bones, and muscles. Specialists treat injuries like broken bones, skeletal deformities, and degenerative problems with the spine, knees, hips, etc.

Orthopedic surgeons treats injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

An orthopedic surgeon treats diseases and injuries to the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ .

[Pulmonology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/341304/pulmonary_disease_and_critical_care_medicine_-internal_medicine.html) is a branch of internal medicine that focuses on disorders of the lungs, upper respiratory tract, airways, and chest cavity. Specialists treat infectious disorders like asthma, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis, and also manage patients on respirators in intensive care units (ICUs).

Doctors specializing in pulmonology focus on the lungs.

Doctors who specialize in pulmonology focus on the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ .

[Opthamology](https://www.aamc.org/cim/specialty/exploreoptions/list/us/336852/ophthalmology.html) is a branch of medicine that focuses on the function and disorders of the eyes and visual system. Specialists treat problems with the entire eye, eyelids, and visual pathways using both medical and surgical interventions.

Ophthalmologists treat the eyes.

An ophthalmologist treats which part of the body?

So you aren't super clear about which doctor treats what, but it's okay — nobody's perfect! We hope this quiz at least taught you a little more about the different medical specialties and inspired you to study! Keep it up and you'll know about all the different branches of medicine in no time!

You are pretty clueless when it comes to medical specialties!

Great job! You definitely know a thing or two about the different branches of medicine. But you might want to brush up on your knowledge so you can be familiar with all the different kinds of doctors. If you keep studying, you'll be an expert in no time!

You're pretty familiar with the specialties of medicine!

Are you in med school? Are you a doctor? Do you literally live in a hospital? Whatever you do, give yourself a pat on the back for being an expert in the branches of medicine! And really we hope your friends go to you when they aren't sure which doctor to see for a problem. Keep spreading that medical specialty knowledge!

Congrats! You're an expert on medical specialties!

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Do You Actually Know Which Doctor Does What?

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