What do doctors do?
Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries. There are many types of doctors, each specializing in a particular field of medicine. Some common specialties include:
- FAMILY MEDICINE: Family doctors provide primary care to patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, including sore throats, ear infections, and the flu. They also provide preventive care, such as physicals and immunizations.
- INTERNAL MEDICINE: Internal medicine doctors diagnose and treat diseases that affect the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. They often provide care to hospitalized patients.
- PEDIATRICS: Pediatricians provide primary care to children from birth to adolescence. They diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, such as asthma, allergies, and ear infections. They also provide preventive care, such as physicals and immunizations.
- OBSTETRICS and GYNECOLOGY (OB/GYN): OB/GYNs provide care to women during pregnancy and childbirth. They also diagnose and treat diseases of the female reproductive system, such as menstrual disorders and breast cancer.
- SURGERY: Surgeons perform operations to repair injuries or remove diseased tissue. There are many different types of surgeons, including general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and neurosurgeons.
- EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Emergency room physicians diagnose and treat patients who are brought to the hospital with acute illnesses or injuries. They provide life-saving care, such as CPR and airway management.
- PSYCHIATRY: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They use a variety of treatments, including medication, psychotherapy, and hospitalization.
- DERMATOLOGY: Dermatologists diagnose and treat diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. They treat conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
- OPHTHALMOLOGY: Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat diseases of the eye. They treat conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
- OTOLARYNGOLOGY (ENT): Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. They treat conditions such as ear infections, sinusitis, and throat cancer.