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Medical Specialties

A medical specialty is a branch of medical practice that is focused on a defined group of patients, diseases, skills, or philosophy. Examples include those branches of medicine that deal exclusively with children (pediatrics), cancer (oncology), laboratory medicine (pathology), or primary care (family medicine). After completing medical school or other basic training, physicians or surgeons and other clinicians usually further their medical education in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple-year residency to become a specialist.

History of Medical Specialization

To a certain extent, medical practitioners have long been specialized. According to Galen, specialization was common among Roman physicians. The particular system of modern medical specialties 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 specialties varies from country to country, and is somewhat arbitrary.

So what are all of the physician specialties? Below is an ultimate list of medical doctor specialties.

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 those 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. In some countries, 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 may 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, an evolving field that uses image expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.

1. Family Medicine

Family practice physicians are primary care providers who see patients of all ages and provide basic care for a variety of common ailments. They are usually the first to recognize major health problems, order diagnostic tests, and refer patients to specialists when needed. After attending medical school, family medicine physicians attend a family medicine residency program for three to five years. During this time, they will receive hands-on training in pediatric care, emergency medicine, and other areas of general medicine. They are not limited to a single organ, disease, or age range. Family medicine is consistently the least competitive medical specialty to pursue and has one of the lowest salaries at just over $250K.

2. Internal Medicine

General internists provide primary care to adult patients. Internists usually have more hospital-based training than family practitioners. They may have an office-based practice or work as a hospitalist primarily seeing patients in the hospital. These physicians attend medical school followed by an internal medicine residency. Internists may then choose to pursue a fellowship to subspecialize in a variety of other areas, like endocrinology (hormone-related conditions) or cardiology (heart-related issues). The biggest difference between internal and family medicine is Internal medicine doctors only treat adults. Internal medicine is also loaded with subspecialty and fellowship options, which we’ll get to later.

3. Pediatrics

Pediatricians take care of patients from infancy through age 18 or, in some cases, age 21. Pediatricians provide primary health care to children, including vaccinations, general health checkups, school physicals, and treatment of issues like coughs, colds, and stomach flu. If a patient has a more serious illness, their pediatrician may refer them to a pediatric subspecialist (e.g., a pediatric orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in treating young patients with bone and muscle concerns). After they graduate from medical school, pediatricians spend at least three years in a residency program that is focused on pediatric medicine. If they choose to study a pediatric subspecialty, they will then attend a fellowship for that subspecialty. Pediatrics is another one of the least competitive specialties, in part due to its lower average compensation at $250K a year.

4. Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health, including menopause and hormone problems. An obstetrician provides care for people who are pregnant. Obstetricians also are trained to deliver babies. Often, these specialities are combined, in which case the physician is referred to as an OB/GYN. At minimum, OB/GYNs must attend medical school followed by a residency program. Once their residency is complete, some continue their training with a fellowship for a subspecialty. Gynecological oncology—a field that deals with cancer of the female reproductive organs—is just one example.

5. Surgery

Surgery is a medical specialty that uses manual and instrumental techniques to diagnose or treat pathological conditions (e.g., trauma, disease, injury, malignancy), to alter bodily functions (e.g., malabsorption created by bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass), to reconstruct or alter aesthetics and appearance (cosmetic surgery), or to remove unwanted tissues, neoplasms, or foreign bodies.

6. Neurology

Neurologists are doctors who take care of patients with medical conditions that affect the brain, spine, or nerves. They see patients who have complex medical disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy. Neurologists also take care of patients who have common problems such as migraine headaches and dizziness. Like other physicians, neurologists must attend medical school then a residency for neurology. From there, they may pursue fellowship training for a subspecialty, such as pediatric neurology or vascular neurology (related to blood vessels in the brain). Many diseases in neurology are chronic and progressive, but research and new therapies are rapidly evolving.

7. Psychiatry

Psychiatry focuses on understanding and treating mental health disorders and psychological distress through talk therapy and medication. They holistically consider the psychological, socioeconomic, and physiologic causes of their patients’ symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists attend medical school and, up until residency, they complete the same medical training as all other MDs or DOs.

8. Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons are surgeons who specialize in changing a person's appearance. These doctors may perform plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, such as changing the appearance of a person's nose or removing skin under the neck, or because a person requires reconstruction following injury or illness. A plastic surgeon can help improve a person's well-being and ability to function as well as their outward appearance. For example, treating a cleft palate with plastic surgery can improve a person's ability to breathe or speak. Plastic surgery can also help improve the appearance of burns or scars or reduce the signs of aging. Plastic surgeons complete at least five years of graduate medical training including three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is consistently one of the most competitive specialties, in part because it has one of the highest average annual compensations at over $600K.

9. Otolaryngology

Otolaryngologists are more commonly referred to as ENTs, or ear/nose/throat doctors. Otolaryngology is a field that entails a combination of surgical skills and office-based medicine and treatment. They are required to attend medical school in addition to residency for otolaryngology. ENTs handle a lot of issues, including sinus problems, allergies, head and neck cancers, and more. Because of this, many ENTs attend fellowships for a subspecialty of otolaryngology, such as rhinology, which focuses on issues related to the nose and sinuses. ENT is also one of the most competitive specialties you can pursue. For more information Otolaryngologist

10. Urology

Urology (from Greek οὖρον ouron "urine" and -λογία -logia "study of"), also known as genitourinary surgery, is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the urinary system and the reproductive organs. Organs under the domain of urology include the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymides, vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis).

11. Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologists are trained to manage patient pain and vital signs during surgery. They also often manage medical emergencies in the hospital, such as cardiac arrest and sudden breathing problems. Aspiring anesthesiologists must attend medical school followed by a residency program for anesthesiology. There are numerous subspecialties of anesthesiology they may attend fellowships for, including anesthesia for patients with chronic pain or for patients in the ICU.

12. Radiology

Diagnostic radiology uses machines to visualize what is occurring inside the body. Radiologists interpret these images and leverage the power of machines to both diagnose and treat disease. While most diagnostic radiologists spend their time in reading rooms, interventional radiologists can perform several procedures, such as ablating cancers with radiation-infused particles.

13. Pathology

Pathologists specialize in investigating the cause and effect of disease and injury. These physicians are trained to evaluate tissue, blood, and body fluids to help diagnose and treat illnesses. Some pathologists also examine bodies to help find the cause of death. Clinical pathologists work with blood and other body fluids in a laboratory setting, while anatomical pathologists may examine whole organs and tissues during an autopsy. Pathologists are usually trained in both clinical and anatomical pathology and may specialize in areas such as chemical pathology (including toxicology), hematology (the study of diseases of the blood), or forensic pathology. In the United States, pathologists complete medical school followed by three years of residency training. They are certified by the American Board of Pathology.

14. Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine physicians treat patients with urgent healthcare needs, from acute conditions like heart attacks to exacerbations of chronic health conditions to stabilizing patients involved in trauma. EM doctors need to know a little bit about everything, making them the jack of all trades, master of one—emergencies.

15. Critical Care

Critical care physicians, also known as Intensivist, treat patients with life-threatening injuries and illnesses in the ICU. While similar to emergency medicine, critical care focuses on the long-term, 24-hour care of a dangerously ill patient, as opposed to emergency medicine cases that require immediate evaluation and stabilization.

16. Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine doctors apply their expertise in medicine, as well as the social, economic, and behavioral sciences, to show how changes to a patient’s lifestyle can be an effective form of treatment and prevent illnesses before they occur. Preventive medicine physicians have one of the lowest annual salaries at around $250K.

17. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as a PM&R, is the jack-of-all-trades specialty focusing on the management of non-operative orthopedics and neuro-rehabilitation. Physiatrists are the primary physicians for certain nervous system or non-surgical orthopedic disorders, offering both medical and procedural treatments.

18. Orthopedics

An orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues. These physicians see patients with injuries such as sprains, joint injuries, and broken bones. They also specialize in chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, dysplasia, and osteoporosis. Orthopedists diagnose and treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system, monitor patient rehabilitation, and perform surgery when necessary. Orthopedic surgeons complete a five-year residency program with the option to complete fellowship training. Orthopedic surgeons are one of the highest paid specialists, close to plastic surgeons at around $575K a year.

19. Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who treat diseases or disorders of the eyes, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Vision correction that cannot be handled by an optometrist may be treated by an ophthalmologist. When necessary, ophthalmologists will also perform eye surgery. Ophthalmologists attend medical school followed by a residency for ophthalmology. They are not required to take a fellowship, although many choose to attend fellowship training for specific eye diseases or surgical procedures.

20. Dermatology

Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect the hair, skin, and nails. This may include treating rashes or acne, diagnosing melanoma (skin cancer), and much more. In addition to this, dermatologists also perform many aesthetic procedures that are paid for out of pocket rather than by insurance. Such procedures include Botox injections, laser skin treatments, and more. After medical school, dermatologists must attend dermatology residency. Fellowships are not required, but some dermatologists may attend them if they choose to subspecialize in a particular aspect of dermatology. Dermatology is a very competitive field for physicians. One reason for this is that dermatologists are very well compensated. Typically, only the top medical students are accepted into dermatology residency programs. A dermatologist’s higher salary coupled with the better-than-average work/life balance it provides make it a highly competitive specialty.

21. Cardiology

Cardiology is the most competitive and highest paying of all of the internal medicine fellowships. Cardiologists treat diseases of the heart and vascular system, many of which are quite common, like heart failure, hypertension, and heart attacks. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. Cardiologists focus on treatment of the heart and its blood vessels. This can include the management of heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and post-operative care. Training to become a cardiologist is fairly extensive. After completing three years of internal medicine residency, aspiring cardiologists need to attend several more years of fellowship training.

22. Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology involves everything in the gastrointestinal tract, ranging from the mouth to internal organs like the liver and pancreas to the anus. They deal with a wide variety of diseases, including heartburn, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatitis. Gastroenterologists treat the functions and diseases of the digestive system. This field attracts physicians who enjoy doing procedures, but who also like seeing patients in an outpatient setting. Gastroenterology is another subspecialty of internal medicine. At minimum, gastroenterologists attend medical school followed by an internal medicine residency. From there, they need to attend fellowship training for gastroenterology.

23. Pulmonology

Pulmonologists treat the cardio-pulmonary system, which consists of the heart, lungs, and organs involved in the respiratory process. In addition, Pulmonologists may work in office settings to treat patients with breathing disorders, severe allergies, lung problems, and other respiratory diseases. They may also treat patients with pulmonary disease who are in the intensive care unit (ICU). Aspiring Pulmonologists attend medical school followed by an internal medicine residency. They then attend fellowship training for Pulmonology.

24. Hematology

Hematologists specialize in diseases of the blood, including cancers of the blood such as leukemia and lymphoma. Hematologists also treat non-cancerous conditions like hemophilia and anemia. Hematologists work directly with patients, while hematopathologists help diagnose blood-related diseases in a laboratory. American Society of Hematology. Resources for medical students and residents. Hematologists complete four years of medical school followed by a three-year residency in a specialty such as pediatrics or internal medicine. They are also required to complete a two- to four-year fellowship in a subspecialty such as pediatric hematology/oncology or pathology.

25. Oncology

Oncology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that has three main areas: medical, surgical, or radiation oncology. Oncologists take care of patients who have cancer by treating the disease itself, as well as the symptoms it causes. Often, oncologists take part in clinical trials using new and experimental treatments for cancers that are otherwise incurable. Oncologists attend medical school followed by an oncology residency. There are also fellowships for subspecialties of oncology, like pediatric oncology (children's cancer) and radiation oncology (radiation treatment for cancer).

26. Rheumatology

Rheumatologists treat rheumatic diseases, or autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The most common condition a rheumatologist treats is arthritis including osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition). They also treat other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma. A rheumatologist may also treat chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and related conditions. After medical school, rheumatologists complete a three-year basic internal medicine residency followed by a rheumatology fellowship. Rheumatologists are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

27. Endocrinology

Endocrinology focuses on diseases of metabolism and the endocrine system, which is made up of the pancreas, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, hormones, and more. They commonly see diseases like diabetes, hyper and hypothyroidism, and obesity, as well as cancers related to the endocrine system. Endocrinologists treat the endocrine system—the glands that produce and secrete hormones that control and regulate nearly all of the body's functions. People with diabetes or thyroid disease are often treated by an endocrinologist. Like other internal medicine physicians, endocrinologists attend medical school followed by an internal medicine residency. They are then required to attend fellowship training for endocrinology.

28. Nephrology

Nephrology focuses solely on the kidneys, which are responsible for many vital and complex functions in the body, such as regulating our electrolytes and fluids. Nephrologists see a wide range of clinical diseases, including renal failure, acid-base disorders, and hypertension. After medical school, these physicians attend an internal medicine residency program. They are then required to attend fellowship training for nephrology.

29. Infectious Diseases

The infectious disease specialty focuses on microorganisms that infect humans, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the importance of infectious disease specialists. Infectious disease physicians deal with infections that are hard to diagnose or treat. They also treat serious infections such as the swine flu, bird flu, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. After medical school, infectious disease physicians must attend an internal medicine residency followed by fellowship training for infectious diseases.

30. Allergy/Immunology

Allergy and immunology, often referred to as AI, is sometimes lumped together with infectious diseases. An allergist/immunologist cares for patients who have misbehaving immune systems, including people with allergies, respiratory diseases like asthma, immune deficiencies, and certain types of autoimmune conditions. A doctor who specializes in treating allergies and immunologic disorders is called an allergist/immunologist, though sometimes this specialty will simply be referred to as an allergist or immunologist. These doctors treat people with allergies and asthma as well as people with primary immunodeficiency disease. Allergists/immunologists complete three years of training in internal medicine or pediatrics and an additional two-year fellowship in an allergy/immunology training program

31. Trauma Surgery

Trauma surgery is a branch of surgical medicine that deals with the immediate and critical care of patients suffering from traumatic injuries. These injuries can result from various incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and violent acts such as stabbings or gunshot wounds. The primary goal of trauma surgery is to stabilize the patient, prevent further injury, and initiate the healing process through surgical intervention when necessary

32. Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery encompasses surgical interventions on the heart, lungs, chest, and esophagus. This specialty is crucial for treating conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, lung cancer, and other thoracic diseases. Cardiothoracic surgeons are trained to perform complex procedures that can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

33. Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery involves surgical procedures to treat diseases and conditions affecting the vascular system. This includes the management of diseases such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), aneurysms, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Vascular surgeons are trained to perform both open surgical procedures and minimally invasive techniques, such as endovascular surgery.

34. Gender Surgery

Gender surgery is the controversial field of medicine concerned with alleviating gender dysphoria through surgical procedures. Any surgical procedure designed to help alleviate gender dysphoria can be considered gender surgery, including masculinization and feminization of the face and chest, tracheal shaves, voice modification, and even limb lengthening and shortening procedures.

35. Interventional Cardiology

An interventional cardiologist is a cardiologist who has completed additional training in minimally invasive procedures of the heart. Unlike surgery, these procedures are typically performed in a cardiac cath lab instead of an operating room and involve live x-rays, contrast dye, and specialized equipment.

36. Reproductive Endocrinology

Reproductive endocrinology and infertility, or REI, is focused on helping people get pregnant who are unable to do so on their own. REI physicians are experts in all things related to conception and reproduction and are adept at managing any issues that may be preventing patients from becoming pregnant.

37. Neonatology

Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that focuses on the medical care of newborn infants, particularly those who are ill or premature. Neonatologists are healthcare providers who manage the care of these high-risk newborns, addressing complex health conditions that may arise at birth. Neonatology is typically practiced in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where specialized care is provided to ensure the health and well-being of vulnerable infants.

38. Pediatric Intensivist

Pediatric intensivists focus on the treatment of seriously ill patients from birth to 18 years of age and beyond. They perform intubations for children needing ventilatory support, place arterial catheters for children needing blood pressure monitoring, insert venous catheters for the safe delivery of certain medications, and more.

39. Podiatry

A podiatrist is a doctor who treats problems with the foot, ankle, and lower leg, such as osteoarthritis in the ankle, diabetic foot disorders, foot and ankle injuries, skin and nail conditions of the foot, and foot deformities like flat feet and hammertoe. Podiatrists must complete four years of education in a specialized podiatric medical school. They must also complete a two-year residency that provides experience in additional areas such as surgery, ER, and pediatrics.

40. Sports Medicine Doctor

A sports medicine doctor specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly for athletes. They educate both athletes and non-athletes on injury prevention, nutrition, and safe exercise practices. Sports medicine doctors can come from various medical backgrounds, including orthopedics, emergency medicine, pediatrics, or rehabilitation. Their primary goal is to enhance physical performance and ensure safe participation in sports and physical activities. They can provide a full spectrum of care for anyone who wants to be active.

41. Military Doctor

Military doctors provide the same services as any other physician. The primary difference is they serve the United States Armed Forces as opposed to working for a civilian company or hospital. As such, military doctors diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and injuries. Military physicians must be specialists in their field while being competent and flexible generalists when deployed. For example, while deployed, a general surgeon may be asked to do cases more typically reserved for a neurosurgeon, otolaryngologist, or urologist.

42. Global Health Doctor

Global health doctors help spread medicine and surgery to developing countries and underserved populations. There are five billion people in the world who don’t have access to safe and affordable surgical care. Global health aims to decrease this health gap by partnering with local physicians and advocates to empower those populations.

43. Neurosurgery

First up is neurosurgery, which deals with the surgical treatment of disorders that affect any part of the nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. It is an extremely difficult career path due to its competitiveness, long hours, and poor work-life balance. Note that neurosurgery can be further broken down into endovascular neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery, and more, but we’ll save those for another video.

44. Orthopedic surgery

Next, orthopedic surgery deals with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, spine diseases, infections, tumors, degenerative diseases, and congenital disorders. Orthopedic surgery can also be broken down into further subspecialties, such as spine, foot and ankle, and more, but we’ll save those for another video too.

45. Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery encompasses a variety of operations performed in the thorax (chest), addressing conditions related to the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, and other structures within the chest cavity. Common procedures include heart valve repairs, lung tumor removals, and aneurysm repairs.

46. Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery refers to surgical procedures that address various disorders of the lower digestive tract. This includes conditions such as colon cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. The surgery can be performed using different techniques, including laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgery.

47. Endocrine Surgery

Endocrine surgeries treat disorders that affect glands in your endocrine system. The surgeries mostly focus on diseases that affect your thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Glands are organs that release hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones send messages to tissues that tell them what to do to keep your body healthy. You may need endocrine surgery if a gland stops working correctly. The gland may send out too much hormone or not enough.

48. Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery

Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery, or HPB surgery is a specialized field that focuses on complex surgical procedures related to the liver, pancreas, and biliary system. These surgeries are among the most challenging in general surgery and require a high level of expertise and skill from the surgical team. HPB surgeons are trained to handle a variety of conditions, including cancers and other diseases affecting these organs.

49. Transplant Surgeon

Transplant surgeons are medical surgeons that specialize in organ transplants in patients. They can perform surgeries to transplant a heart, liver, kidney, or even parts of the brain to a patient who is suffering terminal illness from a defective or damaged organ. Most transplant surgeons specialize in transplants of a specific organ and only perform those surgeries, but almost all transplant surgeons work in various fields of transplants before deciding on one specific field to practice. A transplant surgeon is a surgeon who performs organ transplants. Among the many organs that can be transplanted are: kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, the pancreas, the intestine (especially the small intestine), and recently, faces, tracheal (windpipe) tissue, and penises.

50. Female Urologist

Female urologists bring specialized expertise in addressing the unique urological needs of women, including UTIs, overactive bladder, and pelvic floor dysfunction. They offer personalized care while considering psychosocial and cultural factors, fostering inclusive environments for discussions and treatment. Additionally, they contribute to research, driving innovation for better diagnosis and treatment modalities. By recognizing urology’s significance beyond gender stereotypes, we promote inclusivity and access to quality care for all individuals, ensuring their urological health needs are met effectively.

51. Pediatric Surgery

A pediatric surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgery for children. Pediatric surgeons diagnose and treat children of all ages. They may operate on a developing fetus, your newborn, infant, child, teenager or a young adult. They work closely with other specialists and help manage your child’s care before and after surgery. Children aren’t just small adults. Pediatric surgeons know your child is still growing and developing. They know children have unique medical needs. Some health conditions only affect children. Others affect children in different ways than adults. Many surgical techniques and tools are designed specifically for children. Pediatric surgeons have extensive training and experience working with kids. They know how to make your child feel safe and comfortable. They also understand that hearing your child needs surgery can be scary and overwhelming. They’ll be there for you to answer your questions and reassure you that your child is in good hands.

52. Fetal Surgery

Fetal surgery, also known as in-utero or prenatal surgery, involves operating on a fetus while it is still in the uterus. This type of surgery is typically performed to address serious congenital abnormalities that could threaten the fetus's life or lead to significant disabilities after birth. Conditions such as spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome are commonly treated through fetal surgery.

53. Surgical Oncology

Surgical oncology is a branch of medicine that uses surgical procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage cancer. Surgical oncologists are specially trained to perform operations that remove tumors and surrounding tissues that may contain cancer cells. They play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, often collaborating with medical and radiation oncologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients.

54. Breast Oncology

Breast oncology is the treatment of breast cancer. It is classified as a surgical subspecialty for treatment that may involve the surgical removal of breast tumors, lymph nodes, or entire breasts, also known as mastectomies. Breast oncology does not cover reconstructive surgery, only any necessary removal.

55. Hair Transplant Surgeon

A hair transplant surgeon is a medical professional, typically a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who specializes in performing hair restoration procedures to treat hair loss. Hair transplant surgery focuses on restoring someone’s hair by taking follicles from parts of the scalp where hair is growing and grafting it to areas that are thinning or bald.

56. Microsurgery

Microsurgery focuses on operating on and repairing nerves, small blood vessels, and tubes using microscopic technology. Procedures include free tissue transfer, replantation, and nerve grafts or transplants. Microsurgery is the stuff of science fiction, as these physicians intricately move nerves and tissues using sophisticated microscopes for procedures like reanimating a face with Bell’s Palsy.

57. Hand Surgery

Hand surgery is focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hand injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as pathological disorders or trauma that affect the hand and wrist. Most of the time, hand surgery is a fellowship that follows orthopedics or plastics. However, occasionally, hand surgery follows general surgery. The orthopedics path focuses on the bones, while the plastics path focuses on the soft tissue, although neither does so exclusively.

58. Craniofacial Surgery

Craniofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses congenital and acquired deformities of the skull and face. It involves reconstructing the missing or damaged skeleton, correcting deformities, and rebuilding facial features. Common conditions treated include cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial anomalies. Centers like the Cleft-Craniofacial Center at UI Health and the RUSH Craniofacial Center provide comprehensive care for patients with these conditions.

59. Aesthetic Surgery

Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery is focused on improving a patient’s appearance through elective procedures such as face lifts, breast augmentation, and liposuction. It’s important to note a board-certified plastic surgeon will have thorough and complete training, whereas a board-certified “cosmetic surgeon” likely specialized in something unrelated and chose a cosmetic surgery certification after.

60. Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is performed to restore the look of the breast after surgery for breast cancer. This can be done immediately following a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). The decision to undergo reconstruction is personal and can depend on various factors, including emotional well-being and physical health.

61. Forensic Pathology

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor who investigates unexpected, suspicious, unnatural and/or violent deaths. They usually do this by performing autopsies (a medical exam of a body after death). Their work involves both medical and legal matters. Pathology is the branch of medicine that involves the laboratory examination of samples of body tissues for diagnostic or forensic purposes. “Forensic” means “related to scientific methods of solving crimes.” But not all deaths that forensic pathologists investigate are criminal.

62. Genetic Pathology

Genetic pathology, particularly in the context of molecular genetic pathology, involves the application of molecular biology and genetics to diagnose and confirm clinical conditions. This includes Mendelian genetic disorders, developmental disorders, immunologic conditions, infectious diseases, and malignancies. The field combines principles from pathology and molecular biology to study diseases at a molecular level, which is crucial for the advancement of precision medicine. They often deal with rare conditions and must answer complex medical questions.

63. Molecular Pathology

Molecular pathology is an emerging discipline within pathology that examines molecules within organs, tissues, or bodily fluids to diagnose diseases. It combines aspects of anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, making it a crossover discipline. This field is particularly significant in understanding the sub-microscopic aspects of diseases, allowing for more accurate diagnoses when combined with traditional morphological assessments.

64. Neuropathology

Neuropathology is the study of diseases affecting the nervous system tissue, typically involving small surgical biopsies or whole-body autopsies. Neuropathologists work closely with clinical disciplines such as neurology and neurosurgery to provide diagnoses. This field encompasses the analysis of various neurological diseases, including brain tumors and neurodegenerative conditions, focusing on the molecular and cellular basis of these diseases. Additionally, neuropathology plays a crucial role in advancing research into human neurological diseases and enhancing diagnostic methods.

65. Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on using various imaging technologies to determine the internal condition of a patient. The primary goal is to diagnose illnesses and injuries through non-invasive methods, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the body's structures and functions without the need for surgical procedures.

66. Interventional Radiology (IR)

Interventional radiology (IR) is a way to diagnose and treat cancer and other conditions without major surgery. With IR, your doctor looks inside your body with imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Then they use small tools, like needles and tubes, to do a procedure or give treatment right where you need it. During these procedures, your doctor can put tools into your body through tiny cuts that can be as small as a pinhole.

67. Nuclear Radiology

A nuclear radiologist, also known as a nuclear medicine physician, is a doctor who specializes in testing and treating people using radioactive materials. With this technology, they can examine muscle tissue, organs, and blood and treat problems in those areas. Nuclear radiology uses substances called radiopharmaceuticals. The radiation in them can treat certain types of illnesses or illuminate a part of the body during a scan with a special camera. The nuclear radiologist analyzes the resulting images of where and how the substances were absorbed in the body to diagnose a medical condition.

68. Child Psychiatry

Child and adolescent psychiatry (or pediatric psychiatry) is a branch of psychiatry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and their families. It investigates the biopsychosocial factors that influence the development and course of psychiatric disorders and treatment responses to various interventions. Child and adolescent psychiatrists primarily use psychotherapy and/or medication to treat mental disorders in the pediatric population.

69. Geriatric Psychiatry

Geriatric psychiatry, also known as geropsychiatry, psychogeriatrics or psychiatry of old age, is a branch of medicine and a subspecialty of psychiatry dealing with the study, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative, cognitive impairment, and mental disorders in people of old age. Geriatric psychiatry as a subspecialty has significant overlap with the specialties of geriatric medicine, behavioural neurology, neuropsychiatry, neurology, and general psychiatry. Geriatric psychiatry has become an official subspecialty of psychiatry with a defined curriculum of study and core competencies.

70. Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry and is related to criminology. It encompasses the interface between law and psychiatry. According to the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, it is defined as "a subspecialty of psychiatry in which scientific and clinical expertise is applied in legal contexts involving civil, criminal, correctional, regulatory, or legislative matters, and in specialized clinical consultations in areas such as risk assessment or employment." A forensic psychiatrist provides services – such as determination of competency to stand trial – to a court of law to facilitate the adjudicative process and provide treatment, such as medications and psychotherapy, to criminals.

71. Addiction Psychiatry

Addiction psychiatry is a medical subspecialty within psychiatry that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of people who have one or more disorders related to addiction. This may include disorders involving legal and illegal drugs, gambling, sex, food, and other impulse control disorders. Addiction psychiatrists are substance use disorder experts. Growing amounts of scientific knowledge, such as the health effects and treatments for substance use disorders, have led to advancements in the field of addiction psychiatry. These advancements in understanding the neurobiology of rewarding behavior, along with federal funding, has allowed for ample opportunity for research in the discipline of addiction psychiatry. Addiction psychiatry is an expanding field, and currently there is a high demand for substance use disorder experts in both the private and public sector.

72. Military Psychiatry

Military psychiatry covers special aspects of psychiatry and mental disorders within the military context. The aim of military psychiatry is to keep as many serving personnel as possible fit for duty and to treat those disabled by psychiatric conditions. Military psychiatry encompasses counseling individuals and families on a variety of life issues, often from the standpoint of life strategy counseling, as well as counseling for mental health issues, substance abuse prevention and substance abuse treatment; and where called for, medical treatment for biologically based mental illness, among other elements. A military psychiatrist is a psychiatrist—whether uniformed officer or civilian consultant—specializing in the treatment of military personnel and military family members suffering from mental disorders that occur within the statistical norm for any population, as well as those disorders consequent to warfare and also stresses associated with military life.

73. Critical Care Medicine

Critical care medicine deals with patients who are critically ill and require intensive monitoring and treatment. This branch of medicine is essential for managing severe illnesses that threaten life, such as organ failure, severe infections, and complications from major surgeries. Patients in critical care often require constant monitoring, life support, and advanced medical interventions to stabilize their conditions. This often includes trauma victims and those who have multiple organ dysfunction.

74. Hospice and Palliative Medicine

A hospice and palliative medicine specialist helps patients who have serious illnesses or are at the end of life. This type of doctor does not focus on treating or curing the illness itself but instead helps manage pain and improve quality of life. A palliative medicine specialist may work in a hospital, in a hospice center, in an outpatient setting, or in other facilities that provide end-of-life care or treat and support people with serious illnesses. After finishing medical school, a person training to be a hospice and palliative medicine specialist completes a three- to seven-year residency program in a specialty such as family medicine, pediatrics, or psychiatry. After residency, they must complete a one-year specialized training fellowship.

75. Geriatric Medicine

Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is a medical specialty focused on addressing the unique health needs of older adults. The term geriatrics originates from the Greek γέρων geron meaning "old man", and ιατρός iatros meaning "healer". It aims to promote health by preventing, diagnosing and treating disease in older adults. Older adults may be healthy, but they're more likely to have chronic health concerns and require more medical care. There is not a defined age at which patients may be under the care of a geriatrician, or geriatric physician, a physician who specializes in the care of older people. Rather, this decision is guided by individual patient needs and the caregiving structures available to them. This care may benefit those who are managing multiple chronic conditions or experiencing significant age-related complications that threaten quality of daily life. Geriatric care may be indicated if caregiving responsibilities become increasingly stressful or medically complex for family and caregivers to manage independently. There is a distinction between geriatrics and gerontology. Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging process, defined as the decline in organ function over time in the absence of injury, illness, environmental risks or behavioral risk factors. However, geriatrics is sometimes called medical gerontology. This is a growing medical career path because of the increasing aging population in the US.

76. Medical Toxicology

Medical toxicology is a subspecialty of medicine focusing on toxicology and providing the diagnosis, management, and prevention of poisoning and other adverse effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxicants, and biological agents. Medical toxicologists are involved in the assessment and treatment of a wide variety of problems, including acute or chronic poisoning, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug overdoses, envenomations, substance abuse, industrial accidents, and other chemical exposures. Medical toxicology is officially recognized as a medical subspecialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Its practitioners are physicians, whose primary specialization is generally in emergency medicine, occupational medicine, or pediatrics. Medical toxicology is closely related to clinical toxicology, with the latter discipline encompassing non-physicians as well (generally pharmacists or scientists).

77. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine

Undersea and hyperbaric medicine is a subspecialty that deals with the prevention of injury and illness due to exposure to increased ambient pressure, such as during diving or in hyperbaric chambers. It also involves the therapeutic use of high environmental pressure and the delivery of oxygen under pressure to treat various diseases. This field emphasizes the occupational, environmental, safety, and clinical aspects of diving and hyperbaric chamber operations.

78. Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that uses radiation therapy to treat cancer by focusing high-energy waves on the body to kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists are specialists who determine the appropriate treatment based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. This field encompasses various aspects of cancer treatment, including collaboration with medical oncologists and surgeons to provide comprehensive care.

79. Cancer Immunology

Cancer immunology (immuno-oncology) is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and a sub-discipline of immunology that is concerned with understanding the role of the immune system in the progression and development of cancer; the most well known application is cancer immunotherapy, which utilises the immune system as a treatment for cancer. Cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting are based on protection against development of tumors in animal systems and (ii) identification of targets for immune recognition of human cancer.

80. Longevity Medicine

Longevity medicine focuses on helping patients optimize their health and wellbeing as they age to achieve a greater healthspan—the number of healthy years you have left—rather than lifespan alone. They also help prevent or minimize the impact of age-related diseases. Longevity medicine is a new and emerging profession that’s grown in popularity over recent years with the rise of medical and science celebrities like doctors David Sinclair, Peter Attia, and Andrew Huberman.

81. Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine aims to prevent the occurrence of any health concern or disease. It’s often practiced by primary care doctors who work directly with patients on prevention methods, such as improving diet, sleep quality, and stress levels, implementing adequate physical activity, and watching for early warning signs of health concerns through fitness monitoring, blood tests, and screenings. There’s a lot of overlap between longevity and preventive medicine as they share similar goals.

82. Medical Scientist

A biomedical scientist is a scientist trained in biology, particularly in the context of medical laboratory sciences or laboratory medicine. These scientists work to gain knowledge on the main principles of how the human body works and to find new ways to cure or treat disease by developing advanced diagnostic tools or new therapeutic strategies. The research of biomedical scientists is referred to as biomedical research.

83. Sleep Medicine

A sleep medicine specialist treats sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia. Sleep medicine is considered multidisciplinary, which means there is a broad range of specialties within it. For example, a psychiatrist who specializes in sleep disorders may treat people with insomnia while a pediatrician may work with children who sleep talk, sleepwalk, or have night terrors. Sleep specialists first complete a residency in another specialty such as internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, or neurology. A one-year fellowship is required after the residency is completed. Internists complete a three-year fellowship in pulmonary/critical care before completing sleep medicine training

84. Aerospace Medicine

Aerospace medicine, also known as aviation medicine, is a branch of preventive or occupational medicine that deals with the health-related issues of aircrew, astronauts, and passengers. This specialty aims to treat and prevent conditions to which aircrew are particularly susceptible, applying knowledge of human factors in aviation to enhance safety and performance in extreme environments

Salaries

According to the 2022 Medscape Physician Compensation Report, physicians on average earn $339K annually. Primary care physicians earn $260K annually while specialists earned $368K annually.

The table below details the average range of salaries for physicians in the US of medical specialties:

Specialty	Average salary (USD)	Average hours work/week	Average salary/hour (USD)
Allergy and Immunology	$298K
Anesthesiology	$405K	59
Dermatology	$438K	44	$103
Emergency medicine	$373K	44	$180
Endocrinology	$257K
Cardiac surgery	$218,684 - $500,000
Cardiology	$490K	55
Critical care	$369K
Infectious disease	$260K
Internal medicine	$264K	55	$58
Family medicine	$255K	51	$58
Nephrology	$329K
Neurology	$301K	54	$93
Obstetrics and gynecology	$336K	59	$83
Oncology	$411K
Ophthalmology	$417K	45
Orthopedic surgery	$557K	56
Otolaryngology	$469K	52
Oral and maxillofacial surgery	$360,000 - $625,210	53
Pathology	$334K	44
Pediatrics	$244K	52	$69
Rheumatology	$289K
Physical medicine and rehabilitation	$322K
Preventative medicine	$243K
Pulmonary medicine	$353K	55
Psychiatry	$287K	46	$72
Radiology	$437K	56
General surgery	$402K	58
Urology	$461K	59
Neurosurgery	$350,000 - $705,000		$132
Plastic surgery	$576K		$114
Gastroenterology	$453K	55	$93

There are three agencies or organizations in the United States that collectively oversee physician board certification of MD and DO physicians in the United States in the 26 approved medical specialties recognized in the country. These organizations are the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA); the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS) and the American Osteopathic Association; the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) and the American Association of Physician Specialists (AAPS). 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
ABPS	AAPS	MD and DO
AOABOS	AOA	DO only

All boards of certification now require that medical practitioners 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.

In the United States there are hierarchies of medical specialties in the cities of a region. Small towns and cities have primary care, middle sized cities offer secondary care, and metropolitan cities have tertiary care. Income, size of population, population demographics, distance to the doctor, all influence the numbers and kinds of specialists and physicians located in a city.

One Final Note..

The medical field is vast, with numerous specialties and subspecialties tailored to meet the diverse health needs of the population. Each specialty requires specific training and education, typically involving several years of residency and fellowship after medical school.

Being familiar with the different types of physician specialties helps you know who to call when you need medical care. It also helps those planning a career in medicine, as they think through what they'd like to do on a day-by-day basis.

The Association of American Medical Colleges maintains a database of more than 135 specialties and subspecialties that you can explore. It will help you to understand more about the type of provider you need—or want to become.

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Most recent revision October 14, 2025 10:09:06 AM

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