Specialties Glossary

Having trouble deciphering what a medical term means? Find out its definition here, with our Specialties Glossary.

A | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V

Or, browse by Age, Internal Body Systems, Problem Area, Type of Medicine, or Type of Surgery.

A

 

Allergy and Immunology
Branch of medicine dealing with allergic conditions and diseases of the immune system.
Find an allergy and immunology doctor

Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study of changes occurring in organs and tissues as a result of disease, with specific relation to patient care.
Find an anatomic and clinical pathologist

Anatomic Pathology
The study of the structural and compositional changes that occur in organs and tissues as a result of disease.
Find an anatomic pathologist

Anatomic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Anesthesiology
The branch of medicine concerned primarily with procedures for rendering patients insensitive to pain, and for supporting life systems under the strains of anesthesia and surgery.
Find an anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine anesthesiologist

Anesthesiology
The branch of medicine concerned primarily with procedures for rendering patients insensitive to pain, and for supporting life systems under the strains of anesthesia and surgery.
Find an anesthesiologist

Anesthesiology - Pain Medicine
The branch of medicine concerned primarily with procedures for rendering patients insensitive to pain, and for supporting life systems under the strains of anesthesia and surgery, specifically dealing with the relief of pain.
Find an anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management

B

There are no entries under B at this time.

C

Cardiology/Cardiovascular Disease
The medical study of the structure, function, and disorders of the heart.
Find a cardiologist

Cardiothoracic Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the heart by using operative procedures.
Find a cardiothoracic surgeon

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders, specifically in children.
Find a child and adolescent psychiatrist

Child/Adolescent Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it, specifically relating to children.
Find a child and adolescent neurologist

Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
The branch of science dealing with the electrical conduction system of the heart, and concerned with the normal and abnormal transmission of impulses from the cardiac pacemaker (the tissue that controls heartbeat).
Find a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist

Colon and Rectal Surgery
Surgeries dealing with the colon (the middle section of the intestines) and the rectum (the outermost part of the intestines).
Find a colon and rectal surgeon

Cytopathology
Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level.
Find a cytopathologist

D

Dentistry
Dentistry is the practical application of knowledge of dental science, the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth and their supporting bones and soft tissues, to human beings.
Find a dentist

Dermatology
Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases, as well as its appendages (nails, hair, sweat glands).
Find a dermatologist

Diagnostic Radiology
The process by which doctors evaluate an area of the subject's body that is not normally visible.
Find a diagnostic radiologist

E

Emergency Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with evaluation and initial treatment of medical conditions caused by trauma or sudden illness.
Find an emergency medicine doctor

Emergency Medicine - Pediatric Emergency Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with evaluation and initial treatment of medical conditions caused by trauma or sudden illness, specifically dealing with children.
Find an emergency medicine pediatrician

Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes.
Find an endocrinoloist specializing in diabetes and metabolism

F

Family Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family.
Find a family practitioner

Family Medicine - Addiction Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family, specifically dealing in addiction medicine, however.
Find a family practitioner who specializes in addiction medicine

Family Medicine - Geriatric Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family, specifically dealing with seniors, however.
Find a family practitioner who specializes in geriatric medicine

Family Medicine - Sports Medicine
A practice that covers medical problems in patients of all ages, in other words, for the entire family, specifically dealing with athletes.
Find a family practitioner who specializes in sports medicine

Forensic Psychiatry
The branch of psychiatry that makes determinations regarding a person's fitness to stand trial, the need for commitment, or responsibility for criminal behavior, in a court of law.
Find a forensic psychiatrist

G

Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study of disorders affecting the stomach, intestines, and associated organs.
Find a gastroenterologist

Geriatric Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders, specifically in seniors.
Find a geriatric psychiatrist

Gynecologic Oncology
Branch of medicine dealing with gynecological tumors and cancer, including study of their development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Find a gynecologic oncologist

Gynecology
Branch of medicine dealing with women's health care, especially the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive organs.
Find a gynecologist

H

Hematology and Medical Oncology
Branch of medicine dealing with the treatment of diseases and disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues, and the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancer.
Find a hematology and medical oncologist

I

Infectious Disease
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases caused by the growth of organisms in the body. Some of these diseases may be contagious.
Find an infectious disease doctor

Internal Medicine
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, especially in adults.
Find an internal medicine doctor

Internal Medicine - Critical Care Medicine
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, especially in adults, specifically dealing with emergency care.
Find an internal medicine doctor who specializes in critical care medicine

Internal Medicine - Geriatric Medicine
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, specifically dealing with seniors.
Find an internal medicine doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine

Internal Medicine - Hematology
Branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body, especially in adults, specifically dealing with blood and blood-producing organs.
Find an internal medicine doctor who specializes in hematology

Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology is a branch of the medical specialty of cardiology that deals specifically with the mechanical treatment of heart diseases.
Find an interventional cardiologist

J

There are no entries under J at this time.

K

There are no entries under K at this time.

L

There are no entries under L at this time.

M

Maternal and Fetal Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the growth, development, care, and treatment of the fetus and its' environment.
Find a maternal and fetal medicine doctor

N

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Treatment and care of premature and/or high-risk newborn babies.
Find a neonatal-perinatal medicine doctor

Nephrology
The science that deals with the kidneys, especially their functions or diseases.
Find a nephrologist

Neurological Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the brain by using operative procedures.
Find a neurological surgeon

Neurology
The medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it.
Find a neurologist

Neurology with a Special Qualification In Child Neurology
The medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it, specifically in children.
Find a neurologist who specializes in child neurology

Neuroradiology
The branch of radiology that deals with the nervous system.
Find a neuroradiologist

Nuclear Medicine
The branch of medicine that uses radioactive materials either to image a patient's body or to destroy diseased cells.
Find a nuclear medicine doctor

O

Obstetrics and Gynecology
The combined medicine fields of obstetrics (dealing with women's health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period following delivery) and gynecology (dealing with women's health and the female reproductive organs).
Find an OB-GYN doctor

Occupational Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries occurring at work or in specific occupations.
Find an occupational medicine doctor

Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, functions, pathology, and treatment of the eye.
Find an ophthalmologist

Oral and Maxiofacial Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the mouth by using operative procedures.
Find an oral and maxiofacial surgeon

Orthopedic Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the muscles and joints by using operative procedures.
Find an orthopedic surgeon

Orthopedic Surgery - Hand Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the muscles and joints in the hand by using operative procedures.
Find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery

Otolaryngology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
Find an otolaryngologist

Otorhinolaryngology and Orofacial Plastic Surgery
The branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, and plastic surgery of the ear, nose, and throat.
Find an otorhinolaryngology and orofacial plastic surgeon

P

Pathology
The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
Find a pathologist

Pathology - Dermatopathology
The branch of medicine dealing with skin diseases.
Find a pathologist who specializes in dermatopathology

Pediatric - Endocrinology
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes, specifically in infants and children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in endocrinology

Pediatric - Allergy and Immunology
Branch of medicine dealing with allergic conditions and diseases of the immune system, specifically in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in allergies and immunology

Pediatric - Cardiology
The medical study of the structure, function, and disorders of the heart, specifically in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in cardiology

Pediatric - Critical Care Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the critical and emergency care of infants and children and the treatment of their diseases.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in critical care medicine

Pediatric - Dentistry
The practical application of knowledge of dental science, the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth and their supporting bones and soft tissues, to human beings, specifically children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in dentistry

Pediatric - Emergency Medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with evaluation and initial treatment of medical conditions caused by trauma or sudden illness in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in emergency medicine

Pediatric - Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study of disorders affecting the stomach, intestines, and associated organs, specifically in children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in gastroenterology

Pediatric - Hematology Oncology
The branch of medicine dealing with the medical study of the blood and blood-producing organs, specifically related to cancer in infants and children.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in hematology oncology

Pediatric - Infectious Disease
Branch of medicine dealing with diseases caused by the growth of organisms in the body, specifically relating to children. Some of these diseases may be contagious.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in infectious disease

Pediatric - Nephrology
The science that deals with the kidneys, especially their functions or diseases, relating specifically to children and infants.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in nephrology

Pediatric - Otolaryngology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, specifically relating to children and infants.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in otolaryngology

Pediatric - Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease, specifically relating to children and infants.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in radiology

Pediatric - Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries in children by using operative procedures.
Find a pediatrician who specializes in surgery

Pediatrics
The branch of medicine that deals with the care of infants and children and the treatment of their diseases.
Find a pediatrician

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Branch of medicine that provides treatment for sports and occupational injuries including acute and chronic pain disorders.
Find a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Surgical treatment for restoration of function or for cosmetic purposes.
Find a plastic and reconstructive surgeon

Plastic Surgery
Surgical treatment for restoration of function or for cosmetic purposes.
Find a plastic surgeon

Plastic Surgery - Surgery of the Hand
Surgical treatment for restoration of function or for cosmetic purposes. This branch specifically deals with plastic surgery of the hand.
Find a plastic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery

Podiatric Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the foot by using operative procedures.
Find a podiatric surgeon

Podiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the foot.
Find a podiatrist

Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
Find a psychiatrist

Pulmonary Medicine
Branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the respiratory system.
Find a doctor who specializes in pulmonary medicine

Q

There are no entries under Q at this time.

R

Radiation Oncology
The branch of medicine dealing specifically with radiation as a form of cancer treatment.
Find a radiation oncologist

Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Find a radiologist

Reproductive Endocrinology
The branch of medicine dealing with the reproductive glands and hormones of the body and their related disorders.
Find a reproductive endocrinologist

Rheumatology
The branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of muscles, tendons or joints.
Find a rheumatologist

S

Sleep Medicine
The branch of medicine dealing with sleep health and sleep disorders.
Find a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine

Surgery
The branch of medical science that treats disease or injury by using operative procedures.
Find a surgeon

Surgery - Surgery of the Hand
The branch of medical science that treats diseases or injuries of the hand by using operative procedures.
Find a surgeon who specializes in hand surgery

T

Therapeutic Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and treatment of disease, specifically in relation to its uses for therapy.
Find a therapeutic radiologist

U

Urology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract.
Find a urologist

V

Vascular and Interventional Radiology
The branch of radiology dealing with minimally invasive procedures performed using image guidance for diagnostic purposes and treatments, specifically dealing with the vascular system.
Find a vascular and interventional radiologist

Vascular Surgery
The branch of surgery dealing with surgery on arteries and veins.
Find a vascular surgeon

W

There are no entires under W at this time.

X

There are no entires under X at this time.

Y

There are no entires under Y at this time.

Z

There are no entires under Z at this time.

Resources

The following resources were used to gather the information used in this glossary.

Answers.com
www.answers.com

AskJeeves
www.ask.com

Dictionary.com
www.dictionary.com

UMass Memorial Medical Center
Hahnemann Campus
281 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Tel: 1-(508)-334-1000
www.umassmemorial.org

US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Postal Square Building
2 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20212
Tel: 1-(202)-691-5200
www.bls.gov

Wikipedia.org
www.wikipedia.org