MEDICAL
HEALTH
SCIENCE
MEDICINE
MEDICAL SPECIALIST
INTERNAL MEDICINE
SUBSPECIALTIES
SUBSPECIALTIES ABIM
SUBSPECIALTIES ACO
PHYSICIAN
MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
SPECIALTY DEFINITIONS
TYPES OF CARE PROVIDERS
NURSING CARE
DRUG THERAPY
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SPECIALTY CARE
OTHER SPECIALTIES
PRIMARY CARE
NURSES
TYPES OF NURSES
PRENATAL CARE
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)
PARAMEDICS
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOC.
MENTAL HEALTH
HEALTH DICTIONARY ENCYCLOPEDIA
HEALTH CARE LINKS
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SECTION 1
MEDICINE
MEDICINE
Medicine is a branch of health
science and the sector of public
life concerned with maintaining
or restoring human health through
the study, diagnosis, treatment
and possible prevention of disease
and injury.
It is both an area of knowledge a
science of body systems, and their
diseases and treatment and the
applied practice of that knowledge.
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SECTION 2
MEDICAL
SPECIALIST
MEDICAL
SPECIALIST
A medical specialist is someone
who specializes in a particular
field of medicine.
In some jurisdictions they may
also be known as physicians.
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SECTION 3
INTERNAL
MEDICINE
INTERNAL
MEDICINE
Doctors of internal medicine
("internists") are the medical
specialists who focus on adult
medicine and have had special
study and training focusing on
the prevention and treatment
of adult diseases.
At least three of their seven
or more years of medical school
and postgraduate training are
dedicated to learning how to
prevent, diagnose, and treat
diseases that affect adults.
Internists are sometimes referred
to as the "doctor's doctor," because
they are often called upon to act as
consultants to other physicians to
help solve puzzling diagnostic
problems.
Internal medicine subspecialists may
also practice general internal medicine,
but usually focus their practice on their
particular subspecialty.
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SECTION 4
SUBSPECIALTIES
SUBSPECIALTIES
The following are the
subspecialties recognized
by the American Board of
Internal Medicine.
Cardiology,
dealing with disorders of
the heart and blood vessels.
Endocrinology,
dealing with disorders of
the endocrine system and
its specific secretions
called hormones.
Gastroenterology,
concerned with the field
of digestive diseases.
Hematology,
concerned with blood, the
blood-forming organs and
its disorders.
Infectious disease,
concerned with disease
caused by a biological
agent such as by a virus,
bacterium or parasite.
Medical oncology,
dealing with the study
and treatment of cancer.
Nephrology,
dealing with the study
of the function and the
diseases of the kidney.
Pulmonology,
dealing with diseases
of the lungs and the
respiratory tract.
Rheumatology,
devoted to the diagnosis
and treatment of problems
involving the muscles
and/or joints.
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SECTION 4A
SUBSPECIALTIES
SUBSPECIALTIES
The ABIM also recognizes
additional qualifications
in the following areas:
Adolescent medicine,
Clinical cardiac
electrophysiology,
Critical care medicine,
Geriatric medicine,
Interventional cardiology,
Sports medicine,
Transplant hepatology,
Internists may also specialize
in allergy and immunology.
The American Board of Allergy,
Asthma, and Immunology is a
conjoint board between internal
medicine and pediatrics.
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SECTION 4B
SUBSPECIALTIES
The American College of
Osteopathic Internists
recognizes the following
subspecialties.
Allergy/Immunology,
Cardiology,
Critical care medicine,
Endocrinology,
Gastroenterology,
Geriatric medicine,
Hematology/Oncology,
Infectious diseases,
Nuclear medicine,
Nephrology,
Pulmonology,
Rheumatology.
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SECTION 5
PHYSICIAN
PHYSICIAN
A physician working in public
health focuses on diagnosing
and improving the health of
communities.
Such physicians are
dedicated to the
prevention of illness,
injury, and disability,
and to the promotion of
healthy behaviors and
improved quality of life.
They provide special
knowledge, skills, and
especially leadership
to resolve public
health issues.
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SECTION 6
MEDICAL
SPECIALTIES
MEDICAL
SPECIALTIES
Medical specialties
broadly fall into
one of the following
categories.
Anaesthetics,
General practice,
Medicine,
Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Ophthalmology,
Paediatrics,
Pathology,
Psychiatry,
Radiology,
Surgery,
(Including Dental Surgery).
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SECTION 7
SPECIALTY
DEFINITIONS
Specialty Definitions
Types of Doctors:
Addiction Medicine:
The branch of medicine that
concentrates on helping people
overcome repetitive behaviors
that can range from drug and
alcohol dependency to tobacco
use and eating disorders.
Adolescent Medicine:
The specialty of physicians with
the experience and training to
help young people meet the medical,
psychological and social challenges
that occur during the transition
from childhood to adulthood.
AIDS/HIV Care:
A multidisciplinary effort that’s
often led by primary-care physicians
working in cooperation with case
managers, registered nurses,
nutritionists, physical and
occupational therapists, and
others.
The goal:
Improve the health and comfort of
AIDS/ HIV patients by addressing
their physical and emotional needs.
Anesthesiology:
The science of applying anesthetics
and managing pain during medical
procedures.
Anesthesiologists are physicians
who are primarily concerned with
administering the various drugs
that keep patients from feeling
pain during surgery and other
procedures and childbirth.
Asthma, Allergy
& Immunology:
The study and treatment of the
body's reaction to foreign
substances.
The ailments treated by immunologists
include hay fever, asthma, hives and
other abnormal responses to allergens
that range from dust and food to
animals and chemicals.
Breast-Cancer Surgery:
Surgeons specializing in cancer of
the breast are skilled in a number
of surgical options, ranging from
mastectomies to sentinel-node
biopsies.
They also work with a multidisciplinary
team that may include oncologists,
radiologists, pharmacists and others to
determine the best strategy for follow-up
treatment and care.
Cardiac Surgery:
Highly trained and certified cardiac
surgeons correct and repair multiple
heart conditions, including coronary
artery disease and congenital heart
disease.
Many cardiac surgeons specialize in
minimally invasive surgeries that are
performed through a small incision and
require less recovery time and improve
patient safety and comfort.
Cardiology:
The study of the heart. Cardiologists
often specialize in a particular area,
but collectively they diagnose and treat
patients suffering from diseases of the
heart, lungs and blood vessels; perform
heart surgeries; and educate patients on
preventing heart problems and living a
heart-healthy lifestyle.
Colorectal Surgery:
The treatment of diseases of the
intestinal tract, anus and rectum
through surgery.
Colorectal surgeons not only operate
to remove malignancies, they strongly
encourage the testing that can lead to
early detection.
If caught early, colorectal cancer can
be cured.
Colorectal surgeons also deal with
hemorrhoids, polyps and other ailments.
Critical Care:
Emergency departments and special-care
units offer the services of highly
trained physicians and nurses to provide
minute-to-minute care to critically ill
patients and patients whose lives are in
danger.
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Dermatology:
The medical field devoted to the
study and treatment of disorders
and diseases of the skin.
Dermatologists help patients deal
with a range of concerns, from
warts to acne to skin cancers.
Diabetes:
Specialists in this field of medicine
provide education in diabetes management,
along with other tools to help patients
take control of their diabetes and prevent
it from interfering with active, healthy
lives.
Emergency Medicine:
Emergency medicine specialists provide
urgently needed treatment for injured
and ill patients to prevent a worsening
of the condition, disability or death.
This treatment and care usually takes
place in a hospital emergency room.
Endocrinology:
This branch of medicine focuses on the
body’s “ductless” glands and how they
function. Endocrinologists are concerned
with the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal
glands, among others, as well as many
nutritional disorders, sexual disorders,
and problems such as diabetes and
hypertension.
Epilepsy:
Neurologists specializing in this field
of care help patients living with epilepsy
and other seizure disorders live full and
active lives.
Treatment can involve surgery or medications,
or can be a combination of both.
Family Medicine:
Family medicine physicians provide
comprehensive medical care with an
emphasis on caring for all members
of the family.
Family medicine builds upon a core
of knowledge derived from other
disciplines, primarily pediatrics,
internal medicine, OB/GYN, geriatrics,
surgery and psychiatry.
The family medicine physician plays
the role of personal physician.
Gastroenterology:
The study and treatment of conditions
of the digestive system.
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and
treats disorders of the stomach,
intestines, bowels and other structures,
such as the liver, gall bladder, pancreas
and esophagus. Gastroenterologists focus
on maladies that include ulcers, jaundice,
hepatitis and cancer.
General Surgery:
The study and practice of all types of
surgical operations.
General surgeons perform a number of
procedures aimed at treating a range
of diseases and conditions, including
cancer, appendicitis, tonsillitis and
hernia.
Geriatrics:
The study of aging and the treatment
of problems in the elderly.
Geriatric-care specialists consider
a range of illnesses and conditions
as they specifically affect the aged.
These physicians frequently address
the psychological and social aspects
of aging, in addition to the physical
aspects.
Gynecologic Oncology:
The study, diagnosis and treatment of
tumors and cancers in the female
reproductive system, including breast
care.
Gynecology:
The study and care of the female
reproductive system, including
breast care.
Gynecologists provide routine care
for women and treat a full spectrum
of illnesses that particularly affect
women.
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Hand Surgery:
Surgeons in this specialty are trained
to diagnose and repair damaged and
injured hands.
The conditions they treat range from
carpal tunnel syndrome to sport-related
injuries and the reattachment of severed
fingers.
Head and Neck Surgery:
Surgeons who are trained in head
and neck surgery generally have
subspecialties in areas that
include otology (diseases of the
ear), rhinology (diseases of the
nose) and/or laryngology (diseases
of the throat and larynx).
Headache:
Neurologists who specialize in
treating victims of chronic
headaches and migraines and
offer their patients multiple
treatment options, including
the latest medications, physical
therapy, biofeedback and
psychological counseling.
Hematology:
The medical specialty concerned
with blood and the blood system.
A hematologist treats blood diseases
such as cancer, lymphoma, serious
anemia and sickle cell disease.
Infectious Diseases:
Diseases, often communicable, that
are caused by the growth of various
microorganisms, including bacteria
and viruses.
A specialist in infectious diseases
diagnoses and treats patients affected
by illnesses ranging from pneumonia to
salmonella to AIDS.
Infertility Medicine:
A field of treatment and research aimed
at helping individuals and couples who
want children but are having fertility
problems or are otherwise having trouble
conceiving.
Procedures might include artificial
insemination or in vitro fertilization,
where an egg is removed from a woman’s
ovary, fertilized in a lab and then
placed in the woman’s uterus.
Internal Medicine:
A broad-based medical field in which
physicians rely on their knowledge
of major organs to diagnose and treat
patients. Internists treat a variety
of afflictions, from colds and heart
problems to infectious diseases.
Internists often serve as a patient's
primary doctor, coordinating all that
person's health care.
Midwife (CNM):
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a
registered nurse who has completed an
advanced course of study and is then
certified by the American College of
Nurse-Midwives.
A midwife is trained to care for women
during pregnancy, labor and the postnatal
period; conduct normal deliveries; and to
care for newborn babies under normal
circumstances.
Movement Disorders:
Neurologists specializing in movement
disorders are trained to diagnose and
treat conditions of the nerves and
muscles that may prevent such simple
functions as walking across a room
with ease or drinking a glass of water
without spilling.
These disorders include tremors,
Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s
chorea and Tourrette’s syndrome.
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Neonatology:
A field of medicine devoted to
the care and treatment of infants
up to six weeks old.
Neonatologists concentrate on the
full spectrum of medical problems
that can affect newborn babies.
Nephrology:
The study and care of the kidneys
and urinary system.
Nephrologists treat kidney disorders,
diabetes, renal failure and other
illnesses.
Treatments can range from dialysis
to kidney transplants.
Neurology:
The study and treatment of diseases
of the nervous system.
A neurologist assists patients who
have stroke complications, head
injuries, epilepsy, Alzheimer's
disease, and other afflictions of
the brain and spinal cord.
Neuro-ophthalmology:
Specialists in this branch of medicine
offer the experience and the resources
to help people with their brain-related
visual problems as well as eye-movement
problems, find hope for improved eyesight.
Therapies range from botulinum toxin
injection to nonsurgical treatment for
facial spasms and excessive blinking.
Neurosurgery:
Neurosurgeons specialize in surgically
treating diseases and disorders of the
nervous system.
The nervous system consists of the brain
and the spinal cord (central nervous system),
along with the nerves of the brain and spinal
cord (peripheral nervous system).
Nuclear Medicine:
A specialty that uses radioactive
substances and sophisticated diagnostic
equipment to determine a variety of
conditions and diseases.
The equipment used in nuclear medicine
including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
and PET (positron emission tomography)
reveals the inner workings of the body and
its organs.
Obstetrics and
Gynecology (OB/GYN):
OB/GYN is the field of medicine devoted
to conditions specific to women.
Obstetrics is the care of a woman during
pregnancy and during and after childbirth.
Gynecology is the study and care of
the female reproductive system.
An OB/GYN specialist combines these two
disciplines to provide comprehensive
care for women.
Oncology – Medical:
Medical oncologists are specialists in
using various medications to treat and
manage patients with cancer.
This includes the use of chemotherapy
to kill cancer cells, painkillers to
manage cancer pain, and drugs that
will eliminate or reduce the side
effects of cancer treatment.
Oncology – Radiation:
Radiation oncology is the field of
medicine that uses therapeutic
applications of radiation to manage
cancer and other diseases.
Radiation oncologists determine the
type of radiation that will be used,
as well as the amount or dose, and
the number and length of treatments.
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Ophthalmology:
The medical specialty devoted to
care of the eye and the treatment
of diseases that affect eyes and
vision.
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and
treats abnormalities of the eye
and performs surgery on the eye.
Ophthalmologists are medical
doctors and are different from
optometrists (who test vision
and prescribe corrective lenses)
and opticians (who make or sell
corrective eyewear).
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery:
The branch of dentistry that
focuses on the diagnosis and
surgical treatment of diseases,
injuries and deformities of the
teeth, mouth and jaw.
An oral surgeon removes wisdom
teeth, repairs broken jaws and
treats a range of other conditions.
Specialists in this field are also
called dental surgeons.
Orthopedic Surgery:
The medical field concerned with
the prevention and correction of
muscular or skeletal injuries and
abnormalities.
Orthopedic surgeons treat complex
conditions and injuries as well as
broken bones, severe muscle sprains,
and knee and other joint injuries.
They also perform joint replacements.
Otolaryngology (ENT):
A division of medical science that
focuses on the ears, nose and throat
(ENT).
Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat
disorders from the shoulders up, with
the exception of the eyes and brain.
Conditions they may deal with include
hearing loss, tonsillitis and nasal
obstructions.
Otology:
An otologist is a specialist in the
anatomy and structure of the ear,
and how to treat diseases of the ear.
Pain Management:
Physicians and other pain experts
choose from an extensive series of
diagnostic tests to precisely
identify the source of a patient’s
pain.
Treatment and management possibilities
are wide ranging and include physical
therapy, behavioral therapy, biofeedback
and pain-relieving devices that are
implanted under the skin.
Pathology:
The study of the nature and causes of
disease.
A pathologist examines body tissues to
diagnose of diseases, and to determine
the cause of various conditions,
including death.
There are several subspecialties in
pathology, including chemical pathology,
forensic pathology, hematology pathology
and neuropathology.
Pediatrics:
The field of medicine dedicated to the
care of infants, children and teenagers.
Doctors in this field are called
pediatricians.
They are often the first doctors children
see, and they concentrate on preventing
illness and treating children for a variety
of conditions, including sore throats,
earaches and infectious diseases.
Pediatric Specialties:
Usually, a family physician or pediatrician
will address the health problems of children.
However, when there is a serious illness or
injury, a child may need care from a pediatric
specialist – a physician with advanced training
and expertise in a particular area of medicine.
Board-certified pediatric specialists provide
medical services in areas ranging from cardiology
and infectious diseases to neurology, orthopedics
and surgery.
Perinatology:
A branch of medicine dealing with medical
and biological issues that affect the birth
of a child.
Perinatology combines obstetrics, gynecology
and neonatology, and includes treatment of a
fetus or a newborn and the mother.
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Physiatry:
A physiatrist is a physician who
specializes in physical medicine,
which is the curing of injuries
and disease by natural methods.
Measures that are used include
physical therapy, massage, exercise,
light and heat.
Physical Rehabilitation:
Physicians and therapists who specialize
in physical rehabilitation help patients
who’ve had a stroke or serious injury
return to home, work or school.
The goal of therapy is to restore lost
function through hands-on treatment,
exercise and patient education.
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery:
The repair, restoration or reconstruction
of different parts of the body.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons not
only perform elective cosmetic surgery
to improve appearance, they also repair
and reconstruct the facial features and
bodies of patients with conditions caused
by burns, injuries, diseases and congenital
deformities.
Podiatry:
The study, prevention and treatment
of problems of the foot.
A podiatrist may prescribe corrective
devices and medication, or recommend
physical therapy.
Podiatrists attend colleges of podiatric
medicine and graduates are doctors of
podiatric medicine (DPM).
Podiatrits with advanced training also
do various types of foot surgery.
Prostate Care:
Cancer or other conditions affecting
the prostate may be treated by surgeons,
cancer specialists and/or urologists
using a wide range of therapies.
Depending on the specific problem, a
course of treatment can involve
everything from surgery and medications
to high-dose radiation.
Psychiatry:
The diagnosis, treatment and prevention
of mental, emotional and behavioral
disorders.
Psychiatrists are physicians who prescribe
appropriate medication and do therapy to
treat of a variety of conditions, from
depression to schizophrenia.
Psychology:
Psychologists deal with mental processes
both normal and abnormal and their effects
upon human behavior.
Psychologists typically have a doctorate
degree, but are not medical doctors and
do not prescribe medications.
Pulmonary Medicine:
The field of medicine devoted to the
study and treatment of diseases of the
respiratory system.
Pulmonary specialists called pulmonologists
treat pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema,
asthma, cancer and other disorders of the
lungs and respiratory system.
Radiology:
The use of radioactive equipment, including
X-ray machines, to diagnose and treat
diseases and injuries.
Specialists in this field are called
radiologists.
Rheumatology:
The study and care of the joints and the
muscular and skeletal systems.
Rheumatologists treat a range of conditions,
from athletic injuries to arthritis, lupus
and rheumatic fever.
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Sleep Disorders:
The field of medicine devoted to
the study and treatment of disruptions
in sleeping patterns.
Specialists in this field work with
patients to overcome such conditions
as insomnia, narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
Sports Medicine:
The field of medicine devoted to athletic
injuries. Doctors specializing in sports
medicine help patients prevent and recover
from a range of injuries from sprained
knees and back strains to broken bones and
torn ligaments suffered while engaging in
sports activities.
Many sports medicine doctors also help
design athletic training equipment and
training methods.
Thoracic Surgery:
The study and practice of surgery on the
chest cavity and rib cage, including the
heart, lungs and esophagus.
Thoracic surgeons treat patients with
lung cancer, coronary diseases, aneurysms
and heart diseases.
Transplant:
Surgeons specializing in organ transplants
take a multidisciplinary approach to surgery
and follow-up care that addresses all of
patient’s physical and psychological needs.
Patients receive an extensive orientation
prior to transplantation, which can involved
the kidneys, liver, heart and other organs.
Urology:
The study and treatment of the male and
female urinary tracts and the male genital
tract.
Urologists diagnose and treat disorders
of the urinary tract, prostate and bladder.
Vascular Surgery:
The focus is on surgical solutions to
diseases of the body’s blood vessels,
including the heart and lymph systems.
Vascular surgeons treat patients for
lymphatic diseases, strokes, aneurysms,
varicose veins and other conditions.
Swedish Medical Center
http://www.swedish.org/
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SECTION 8
TYPES
OF
HEALTH
CARE
PROVIDERS
PRIMARY CARE
A primary care provider (PCP)
is a person you may see first
for checkups and health problems.
If you have a health care plan,
find out what type of practitioner
can serve as your PCP.
GENERALIST
The term "generalist" often refers
to medical doctors (MDs) and doctors
of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who
specialize in internal medicine,
family practice, or pediatrics.
OB/GYN
OB/GYNs are doctors who specialize
in obstetrics and gynecology,
including women's health care,
wellness, and prenatal care.
Many women use an OB/GYN as
their primary care provider.
NURSE PRACTITIONS,NPS
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are
nurses with graduate training.
They can serve as a primary care
provider in family medicine (FNP),
pediatrics (PNP), adult care (ANP),
or geriatrics (GNP).
Others are trained to address
women's health care (common
concerns and routine screenings)
and family planning.
In some states NPs can
prescribe medications.
PHYSICIAN,PA
A physician assistant (PA) can
provide a wide range of services
in collaboration with a Doctor of
Medicine (MD) or Osteopathy (DO).
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SECTION 8A
NURSING
CARE
REGISTERED NURSES,RN
Registered nurses (RNs) have
graduated from a nursing program,
have passed a state board
examination, and are licensed
by the state.
LICENSED PRATICAL
NURSES,LPN
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
are state-licensed caregivers who
have been trained to care for the
sick.
ADVANCED PRACTICE
NURSES
Advanced practice nurses have
education and experience beyond
the basic training and licensing
required of all RNs.
This includes nurse practitioners
(NPs) and the following:
CLINICAL NURSES
SPECIALISTS,CNS
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
have training in a field such as
cardiac, psychiatric, or community
health.
CERTIFIED NURSE
MIDWIVES,CNM
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs)
have training in women's health
care needs, including prenatal
care, labor and delivery, and
care of a woman who has given
birth.
CERTIFIED REGISTERED
NURSE ANESTHETISTS,CRNA
Certified registered nurse anesthetists
(CRNAs) have training in the field of
anesthesia. Anesthesia is the process
of putting a patient into a painless
sleep, and keeping the patient's body
working, so surgeries or special tests
can be done.
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SECTION 8B
DRUG
THERAPY
Licensed pharmacists have
graduate training from a
college of pharmacy.
DRUG
THERAPY
Your pharmacist prepares and
processes drug prescriptions
that were written by your
primary or specialty care
provider.
Pharmacists provide information
to patients about medications,
while also consulting with
health care providers about
dosages, interactions, and
side effects of medicines.
Your pharmacist may also follow
your progress to check the safe
and effective use of your
medication.
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SECTION 9
SPECIALTY
CARE
SPECIALTY
CARE
Your primary care provider may
refer you to professionals in
various specialties when
necessary, such as:
Allergy and asthma,
Anesthesiology,
general anesthesia or spinal
block for surgeries and some
forms of pain control.
Cardiology,
heart disorders.
Dermatology,
skin disorders.
Endocrinology,
hormonal and metabolic disorders,
including diabetes.
Gastroenterology,
digestive system disorders.
General surgery,
common surgeries involving any
part of the body.
Hematology,
blood disorders,
Immunology.
disorders of the
immune system.
Infectious disease,
infections affecting the
tissues of any part of
the body.
Nephrology,
kidney disorders.
Neurology,
nervous system disorders.
Obstetrics/gynecology,
pregnancy and women's
reproductive disorders.
Oncology,
cancer treatment.
Ophthalmology,
eye disorders and surgery.
Orthopedics,
bone and connective
tissue disorders.
Otorhinolaryngology,
ear, nose, and throat
(ENT) disorders.
Physical therapy and
rehabilitative medicine,
for disorders such as low
back injury, spinal cord
injuries, and stroke.
Psychiatry,
emotional or mental disorders.
Pulmonary (lung),
respiratory tract disorders.
Radiology,
X-rays and related procedures
(such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI).
Rheumatology,
pain and other symptoms related
to joints and other parts of the
musculoskeletal system.
Urology,
disorders of the male reproductive
and urinary tracts and the female
urinary tract.
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SECTION 10
OTHER
SPECIALTIES
Acupuncture and Acupressure,
Allergy Medicine,
Anti-aging Medicine,
Applied Kinesiology,
Auriculotherapy,
Ayurvedic Medicine,
Bariatrics,
Bio-oxidative Medicine,
Biofeedback,
Biological and Mercury Free Dentistry,
Chelation Therapy,
Chiropractic,
Colon Therapy,
Craniosacral Therapy,
Detoxification,
Diet Therapy,
Endocrinology,
Energy Medicine,
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation,
Environmental Medicine,
Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization,
Enzyme Therapy,
Herbal Medicine,
High Resolution Blood
Cell Morphology and
SanPharma Remedies,
Holistic Medicine,
Homeopathy,
Hydrotherapy,
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy,
Hyperthermia,
Hypnotherapy,
Juice Fasting Therapy,
Magnetic Field Therapy,
Meditation,
Metabolic Medicine,
Mind / Body Medicine,
Natural Cancer Therapies,
Naturopathy,
Neural Therapy,
Nutritional Medicine,
Orthomolecular Medicine,
Osteopathic Medicine,
Photoluminescent Therapy,
Preventive Medicine,
Prolotherapy,
Reflexology,
Sclerotherapy ,
Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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SECTION 11
PRIMARY
CARE
Generalists
Generalists include both medical
doctors (MDs) and doctors of
osteopathic medicine (DOs).
These professionals usually
specialize in family practice
or internal medicine.
Specialists
Specialists who are frequently
sought directly by women for
general primary care needs
include the following:
OB/GYNs
OB/GYNs are physicians who
specialize in obstetrics
and gynecology, including
well women's health care
and prenatal care.
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
may be prepared in programs
specific to women's health
care including common
gynecological concerns,
routine health maintenance
and screenings (such as a
Pap smear), and family
planning.
Registered nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses (RNs)
have graduated from a
nursing program, have
passed state board
examinations, and are
licensed by the state.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
Licensed practical nurses
(LPNs) are state-licensed
caregivers who have been
trained to care for the
sick.
Advanced practice nurses
Advanced practice nurses
have education and the
clinical experience
beyond the basic training
and licensing required of
all RNs:
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
are RNs with graduate
training in primary care.
The profession includes:
family (FNP),
pediatric (PNP),
adult (ANP),
geriatric (GNP)
specialties.
In some states NPs can
prescribe medications.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
Clinical nurse specialists
(CNSs) are RNs who have
graduate training in a
specialized clinical
field such as:
cardiac,
psychiatric,
community health.
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs)
Certified nurse midwives
(CNMs) are RNs with
graduate training in
women's health care
needs, including:
prenatal,
labor,
delivery,
postpartum care.
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)
Certified registered nurse
anesthetists (CRNAs) are
RNs with graduate training
in the field of anesthesia.
Physician assistant (PA)
A physician assistant (PA)
is trained in the family
practice model for a
primary care role.
The Doctors' Medical Library
http://www.medical-library.net/
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SECTION 12
NURSES
A nurse is a health care
professional who is engaged
in the practice of nursing.
Nurses are responsible
along with other health
care professionals for
the treatment, safety,
and recovery of acutely
or chronically ill or
injured people, health
maintenance of the
healthy, and treatment
of life-threatening
emergencies in a wide
range of health care
settings.
Nurses may also be involved
in medical and nursing
research and perform a wide
range of non-clinical
functions necessary to the
delivery of health care.
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SECTION 12A
TYPES
OF
NURSES
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
usually have eighteen months to
two years of training in anatomy
and physiology, medications, and
practical patient care.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)
is a title used in some states
which is roughly equivalent to
Licensed practical nurse.
Registered nurses (RNs)
are professional nurses who often
supervise the tasks performed by
LPNs, orderlies, and nursing
assistants.
They provide direct care and
make decisions regarding plans
of care for individuals and
groups of healthy, ill, and
injured people.
RNs are the largest healthcare
occupation in the U.S.
Advanced practice nurses (APNs)
are registered nurses with
advanced education, knowledge,
skills, and scope of practice.
They perform primary health care,
provide mental health services,
diagnose and prescribe, carry out
research, and educate the public
and other professionals.
Nursing assistants,
orderlies,
auxiliary nurses,
healthcare assistants.
These types of healthcare
workers work both in acute
and primary settings, under
the supervision of registered
nurses or licensed practical
nurses (in the US).
They assist nurses by:
giving basic care,
taking vital signs,
administering hygienic care,
assisting with feeding,
giving basic psychosocial care,
housekeeping,
and similar duties.
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NURSES
LINKS
American Academy of
Nurse Practitioners
http://www.aanp.org/
American Association of
Colleges of Nursing
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/
American Association of
Nurse Anesthetists
http://www.aana.com/
American Nurses Association
http://www.nursingworld.org/
Cool Nurse
http://www.coolnurse.com/
Minority Nurse
http://www.minoritynurse.com/
National Association
of School Nurses
http://www.nasn.org/
National League
for Nursing
http://www.nln.org/
Nursing Center
http://www.nursingcenter.com/
Nurse.com
http://www.nurse.com/
Nurse.Org
http://www.nurse.org/
Nurse Zone.com
http://www.nursezone.com/
Nursing School 411
http://www.nursingschool411.com/
Nursing Schools 4U
http://www.nursingschools4u.com/
U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/
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SECTION 13
PRENATAL
CARE
PRENATAL
CARE
Prenatal care refers to the
medical care recommended for
women before and during
pregnancy.
The aim of good prenatal care
is to detect any potential
problems early, to prevent
them if possible through:
recommendations on
adequate nutrition,
exercise,
vitamin intake etc),
and to direct the woman to
appropriate specialists,
hospitals, etc. if necessary.
The availability of routine
prenatal care has played a
part in reducing maternal
death rates and miscarriages
as well as birth defects,
low birth weight, and other
preventable infant problems
in the developed world.
Prenatal care
generally consists of:
monthly visits during
the first two trimesters
(from week 1-28),
biweekly from
28 to week 36
of pregnancy,
weekly after
week 36
(delivery at week 38-40)
Physical examinations
generally consist of:
collection of mother's
medical history,
checking mother's
blood pressure,
mother's
height and weight,
pelvic exam,
mother's
blood and urine tests,
discussion
with caregiver.
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PRENATAL
CARE
LINKS
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/
Obstetric Ultrasound
http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/
Prenatal care
http://www.makewayforbaby.com/
U S Department of Health
and Human Services
http://www.4woman.gov/
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SECTION 14
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL
TECHNICIANS
EMT
Emergency medical technicians,
paramedics, ambulance, medical,
emergency responder, services.
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
is a highly trained emergency responder
trained to provide emergency medical
services to the critically ill and
injured.
Once thought of as an
"ambulance driver
or attendant,"
the modern EMT performs many more
duties than in the past, and the
responds to many types of emergency
calls, including:
medical emergencies,
hazardous materials exposure,
childbirth,
child abuse,
fires,
rescues,
injuries,
trauma,
psychiatric crises.
As National Fire Protection
Association regulations state
that Rescuers be medically
certified, many EMT's are
also part of Technical Rescue
teams, such as:
Extrication,
Rope Rescue,
Water Rescue, etc.
They may be
part of an:
EMS,
Fire,
independent rescue team.
The US Department of
Transportation recognizes
four levels of EMTs:
EMT-B (Basic)
EMT-I/85 (Intermediate)
EMT-I/99 (Intermediate)
EMT-P (Paramedic)
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SECTION 15
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL
TECHNICIAN
AND
PARAMEDICS
People’s lives often depend on
the quick reaction and competent
care of the emergency medical
technicians (EMTs) and the
paramedics—EMTs with additional
advanced training to perform more
difficult prehospital medical
procedures.
Incidents as varied as:
automobile accidents,
heart attacks,
drownings,
childbirth,
gunshot wounds,
all require immediate
medical attention.
EMTs and paramedics provide this
vital attention as they care for
and transport the sick or injured
to a medical facility.
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SECTION 16
NATIONAL
FIRE
PROTECTION
ASSOCIATION
The National Fire Protection
Association was established
in 1896.
The Association is an independent,
voluntary-membership, nonprofit
(tax-exempt) organization.
NFPA’s mission is to reduce the
worldwide burden of fire and other
hazards on the quality of life by
providing and advocating many
scientifically-based consensus
codes and standards, research,
training, and education.
The National Fire
Protection Association
http://www.nfpa.org/
BACK TO TOP
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL
TECHNICIANS
EMT
LINKS
Evaluation, Management,
Training EMT:
http://www.emt.org/
National Registry of Emergency
Medical Technicians (NREMT)
http://www.nremt.org/
National Association of Emergency
Medical Technicians - NAEMT
http://www.naemt.org/
National Highway Traffic
Safety Agency
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Office of Occupational Statistics
and Employment Projections
http://www.bls.gov/oco/
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SECTION 17
MENTAL
HEALTH
Human individual's
emotional, psychological,
state of well-being.
MENTAL
HEALTH
Mental health is a concept that
refers to a human individual's
emotional and psychological
well-being.
Merriam-Webster defines
mental health as:
"A state of emotional and psychological
well-being in which an individual is
able to use his or her cognitive and
emotional capabilities, function in
society, and meet the ordinary demands
of everyday life."
According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), there is no one "official" definition
of mental health.
Cultural differences, subjective assessments,
and competing professional theories all affect
how "mental health" is defined.
In general, most experts agree that
"mental health"
and
"mental illness"
are not opposites.
In other words, the absence of a recognized
mental disorder is not necessarily an indicator
of mental health.
One way to think about mental health is by
looking at how effectively and successfully
a person functions.
Feeling capable
and competent;
being able to handle normal
levels of stress,
maintain satisfying
relationships,
lead an independent life;
being able to
"bounce back,"
or recover from
difficult situations,
are all signs
of mental health.
BACK TO TOP
MENTAL
HEALTH
LINKS
HEALING MINDS
http://www.healingminds.org/
Internet Mental Health
http://www.mentalhealth.com/
Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.org/
Mental Health Foundation
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Mental Health Matters
http://www.mental-health-matters.com/
National Mental
Health Consumers
http://www.mhselfhelp.org/
National Mental Health
Information Center
http://www.mentalhealth.org/
National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
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SECTION 18
MEDICAL
DICTIONARY
ENCYCLOPEDIA
ASK DR. WALKER
http://www.askdrwalker.com/
Health A to Z
http://www.healthatoz.com/
KID INFO
http://www.kidinfo.com/
Medicine Net
http://www.medicinenet.com/
Medical Student
http://www.medicalstudent.com/
Medical Zone
http://www.medical-zone.com/
Medscape
http://www.medscape.com/
Merck Source
http://www.mercksource.com/
Nursing Encyclopedia
http://www.rtstudents.com/
Symptoms.net
http://www.symptoms.net/
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SECTION 19
HEALTH
SCIENCE
LINKS
American Association Anatomists
http://www.anatomy.org/
The American Board
Of Internal Medicine
http://www.abim.org
The American College of
Osteopathic Internists
http://www.acoi.org/
American College of Physicians
http://www.acponline.org/
American Medical Association,
http://www.ama-assn.org/
American Association of Anatomists
http://www.anatomy.org/
Anatomy Atlases
http://www.anatomyatlases.org/
Anatomy of the Human
Body by Henry Gray
http://www.bartleby.com/
BACK TO TOP
Bio Ed Online
http://www.bioedonline.org/
Clinical Exam.com
http://www.clinicalexam.com/
CRNA Schools and Degrees
http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/vocational-trade-school/crna/
Doctors for Adults.com
http://www.doctorsforadults.com
Education World
http://www.educationworld.com/
Educypedia
http://www.educypedia.be/
Enchanted Learning.com
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
EZedia
http://www.ezedia.com/
BACK TO TOP
Get Body Smart
http://www.getbodysmart.com/
Human Anatomy Online
http://www.innerbody.com/
Instant Anatomy
http://www.instantanatomy.net/
Free online anatomy atlas
http://www.innerbody.com/
KID INFO
http://www.kidinfo.com/
MAMAS HEALTH
http://www.mamashealth.com/
Medical Mnemonics .com
http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/
Medicine Net.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/
Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Neuroanatomy
http://www.neuroanatomy.org/
The NPAC Visible
Human Viewer
http://www.npac.syr.edu/
Online Radiology
Anatomy Resources
http://www.rtstudents.com/
Pro Teacher
http://www.proteacher.com/
The Society for General
Internal Medicine
http://www.sgim.org/
The Teaching Multicultural Students Guidebook
http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/education-teaching-degree/multicultural-students/
Teach-nology.com
http://www.teach-nology.com/
BACK TO TOP
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