Although there are doctors or physicians who work as general practitioners diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, some doctors pursue a specialized branch of medicine. These specialized doctors are usually differentiated based on the type of medical condition they treat, the type of medical procedure they perform or the type of patient they treat.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are doctors who specialize in anesthesia. During surgeries, they administer the anesthesia, oversee the maintenance of the anesthesia, as well as the patient's vital functions. They also provide their services to other types of patients such as women in labor or people in intensive care units.
Internists
Internists are involved with diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of problems concerning patients' organ systems. There are several types of internists, such as gastroenterologists, who specialize in the digestive system, and nephrologists, who specialize in the kidneys. In broader terms, internists deal with diagnosis, treatment and prevention of adult diseases.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians focus on providing health care to younger patients, specifically those between infancy and early adulthood. Pediatricians are responsible for monitoring patients' health into adulthood, usually up to the age of 21. Some pediatricians choose to become pediatric surgeons, while others concentrate on certain ailments.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Obstetricians and gynecologists are usually grouped together as OB/GYNs because they both specialize in female health care. However, each have their specific roles. Obstetricians are specialized surgeons, trained to oversee the well being of women during pregnancy. Gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, which consists of the uterus, vagina and ovaries. Thus the duties of OB/GYNs overlap, and many gynecologists also happen to be obstetricians.
Psychiatrists
Unlike the aforementioned specialized doctors who focus more on the body of the patient, psychiatrists focus on the mind of the patient. Relying on various methods such as psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, medication, interviewing and counseling, psychiatrists assess and treat mental illnesses.
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