Medical Assistant Exam: General Medical Assisting Knowledge - Names for Common Medical Specialties and Specialists

The following list includes terms associated with the most common medical specialties. Note the root words used in these terms—some of which are not included in the previous root word list—to reinforce your knowledge of medical terminology.

Skeletal System
- chiropractor: a medical professional with an advanced degree who specializes in the manipulative treatment of disorders originating from the misalignment of the spine
- orthopedic surgeon: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders involving the bones, joints, and muscles
- osteopath: a physician who holds a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree and uses traditional forms of medical treatment in addition to specializing in treating health problems by spinal manipulation
- podiatrist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot

Muscular System
- neurologist: a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation with the focus on restoring function
- rheumatologist: a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and disorders such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendonitis

Cardiovascular System
- cardiologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the heart
- hematologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues

Lymphatic and Immune System
- allergist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity such as allergic reactions
- immunologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system
- oncologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders such as tumors and cancer

Respiratory System
- otolaryngologist: a physician who specializes in the diagnosing and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, and throat and related structures of the head and neck; also known as an ENT
- pulmonologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the lungs and associated tissues

Digestive System
- bariatrics: the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases
- dentist: a physician who holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Denistry (DMD) degree and specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the teeth and tissues of the oral cavity
- gastroenterologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines
- orthodontist: a dental specialist who prevents or corrects malocclusion of the teeth and related facial structures
- peridontist: a dental specialist who prevents or treats disorders of the tissues surrounding the teeth
- proctologist: a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus

Urinary System
- nephrologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the kidneys
- urologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males

Nervous System
- anesthesiologist: a physician who specializes in administering anesthetic agents before and during surgery
- anesthetist: a medical professional who specializes in administering anesthesia, but is not a physician
- neurologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system
- neurosurgeon: a physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system
- psychiatrist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating chemical dependencies, emotional problems, and mental illness
- psychologist: a medical professional who holds an advanced degree, but is not a medical doctor; this specialist evaluates and treats emotional problems and mental illness

Eyes and Ears
- ophthalmologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the eyes and vision
- optometrist: a physician who holds a Doctor of Optometry degree and specializes in measuring the accuracy of vision to determine whether corrective lenses are needed
- audiologist: a technologist with an advanced degree who specializes in the measurement of hearing function and in the rehabilitation of people with hearing impairments

Integumentary System
- dermatologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the skin
- cosmetic surgeon: a physician who specializes in the surgical restoration and reconstruction of body structures

Endocrine System
- endocrinologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and malfunctions of the endocrine glands

Reproductive System
- urologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease and disorders of the urinary system
- gynecologist: a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease and disorders of the female reproductive system
- obstetrician: a physician who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
- neonatologist: a physician who treats and diagnoses disorders of newborns
- pediatrician: a physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders and diseases of children