Health, wellness, and medical professions and specialties are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
The medical professions are expansive, including a wide range of health professionals who provide health care treatment and advice in accordance with their formal training and experience.
A medical specialty is a branch of medical practice that focuses on either defined group of patients, diseases, skills, or medical philosophy. For example, pediatrics is a branch of medicine that deals solely with children, while oncology is focused on cancer. Physicians who train and specialize in surgery are known as surgeons; others might focus on holistic medicine.
Also known as medical doctors, physicians are medical practitioners who practice medicine, which involves promoting, maintaining, and restoring health through research, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of injuries, diseases, or disorders. Requirements and definitions vary from country to country or even from state to state, but most jurisdictions specify a minimum level of education and training, as well as, in most cases, passing a standard examination in order to be licensed to practice medicine.
After completing medical school, physicians, surgeons, and other clinicians often further their medical education in a specific specialty of medicine by completing a multiple-year residency to become a specialist.
Physicians might specialize in allergies and immunology, anesthesiology, dermatology, diagnostic radiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, medical genetics, neurology, nuclear medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, pathology, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, podiatry, preventative medicine, psychiatry, radiation oncology, surgery, urology, or other specialties.
Some physicians decide to be general practitioners (GP), also known as family physicians or primary care physicians. These doctors treat acute and chronic illnesses and provide preventative care and health education to patients of all ages. The duties of a GP aren't confined to one specific field of medicine. They treat people with multiple health issues to a level of complexity that may vary from country to country.
Dentists, or dental surgeons, are healthcare professionals who specialize in dentistry, which involves the teeth, gums, and mouth. Besides the dentists themselves, dental teams might include dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and dental therapists.
However, health, wellness, and medical professions comprise more than physicians and physician specialists. The field also includes audiologists, healthcare scientists, medical assistants, midwives, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, psychologists, radiologists, registered dieticians, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians. In some jurisdictions, some of these may be physician specialties.
Allied health professions are those that provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services for a variety of other professions not considered allied health professions, such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, psychology, chiropractic, and veterinary.
Also included here might be a variety of allied health professions, such as various types of technicians and assistants, trainers, nutritionists, therapists, and various public health personnel. Depending on the jurisdiction, these professions may or may not be regulated or credentialed.
Some allied health professions are specialized and may adhere to national training and education standards and scopes of practice. Many jurisdictions require credentials, such as degrees, diplomas, certification, licensure, and continuing education. Others may have no specific requirement for training or credentialing, with employers providing on-the-job training or having proprietary requirements.
Paramedicine is a physician-directed practice that usually serves as the intersection of health care, public health, and public safety. Generally known as Emergency Medical Services, we include this as a separate category beneath Emergency Services.
The above represent a portion of what might be appropriately represented within the Health Specialties & Professions category or its subcategories. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing, and some countries may use different terms or have varying descriptions and requirements.
Categories
Recommended Resources
American Academy of General Physicians
Founded in 1995, the AAGP is a national academic professional association of general practitioners. The organization's history is provided, and the American Board of General Practice (ABGP) eligibility requirements, the board certification program, and AAGP membership requirements are posted, along with its leadership and staff contacts. The origins of general practice, the definition of a general physician, and the general practice of medicine in the United States are included.
https://aagp-academy.org/
The AAN is a professional association representing thousands of neurologists and neuroscientists throughout the United States. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a health policy office in Washington, D.C., the AAN includes the following membership levels: Student, Intern, Junior, Advanced Care Practitioner, Researcher, Physician Affiliate, Neurologist, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. Education, research, and practice resources are provided.
https://www.aan.com/
The AMA is a professional association and lobbying group of physicians and medical students. Founded in 1847, the AMA's mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and improve public health. The organization publishes the "Journal of the American Medical Association," the "AMA Journal of Ethics," and a list of Physician Specialty Codes that serve as the standard method for identifying physician and practice specialties in the United States. AMA physician profiles are featured.
https://www.ama-assn.org/
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is a medical organization representing those who provide consultant pharmacology care to America's seniors and represents the interests of consultant pharmacists who work with elderly patients. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the organization publishes "The Consultant Pharmacist," a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal. Member benefits and policies are stated, its programs and advocacy issues are included, and contacts are provided.
https://www.ascp.com/
Center for Phlebotomy Education
Founded in 1998, the Center for Phlebotomy Education seeks to empower those who teach, perform, and manage blood collection procedures for clinical testing to do so with professionalism, integrity, precision, and compliance. While not a certification agency, the CPE supports comprehensive training and certification for those responsible for collecting blood samples. Membership information is provided. Books, videos, posters, and other merchandise are included.
https://www.phlebotomy.com/
Established in 2011, the medical service has locations in Portland and Milwaukie, Oregon. Its managing physician surgeons are introduced, and its principal hospital affiliations are noted. Its procedures, surgeries, and diseases treated are listed, and colonoscopies may be scheduled online. Patient forms, information for office procedures, a list of cancer support groups, and a patient portal are provided, along with information about colorectal conditions. Bills may be paid online.
https://www.nwcch.com/
Echocardiology is the application of ultrasound for imaging of the heart. This site features various echocardiology tutorials, including valvular disease, pericardial disease, myocardial disease, congenital disease, and other cardiac disorders and conditions that may be detected through echocardiology. Content is categorized and available via search. Books on related topics are recommended, with links to purchase sites and links to other online educational sites are also included.
https://www.echocardiology.org/
Find-A-Code: ICD-10-PCS Procedure Codes
Find-A-Code is a service of innoviHealth Systems, an online database of medical billing codes and information that can be used to assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures to be reimbursed by insurance companies and Medicare. The whole service is available in subscription format. Subscriptions may be placed online, and a demo may also be requested. The ICD-10 Procedure Coding System is used for procedural codes. Code sets, coding information, and tools are included.
https://www.findacode.com/icd-10-pcs/icd-10-pcs-procedure-codes-set.html
The specialist facility for drug and alcohol treatment is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, where it offers a 28-day residential withdrawal and detox program, a 60-90-day residential rehabilitation program, outpatient relapse prevention support, and other support services for recovering addicts. A free 60-minute consultation may be requested through an online form, and insurance information is provided. Information about addiction and mental health is featured on the site.
https://www.rayhaderclinic.com.au/
Healthgrades: Family Doctors Near Me
Healthgrades features a database of doctors, hospitals, and care facilities, along with articles, appointment guides, slideshows, videos, quizzes, and other resources. This section of the site focuses on family doctors, which can be found in several ways, including by state, distance from a specific location, those nearby, insurance accepted, or by rating. Photos and other information for listed physicians, such as scheduling policies and contacts, are provided where available.
https://www.healthgrades.com/family-practice-directory
International Association for Analytical Psychology
The IAAP is the international accrediting and regulatory body for Jungian societies and groups of analytical psychology practitioners, trainees, and affiliates. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, the organization's chief objectives are to advance the understanding and utility of analytical psychology worldwide and to ensure that ethical, professional, and scientific standards are maintained. The organization's history, mission, and organizational structure are detailed.
https://iaap.org/
International School Psychology Association
With origins in the 1970s, the non-profit organization was officially founded to promote worldwide cooperation among school and educational psychologists in 1982 and has since gained members from several countries and has become recognized by the United Nations as an NGP. One of its missions is to promote high standards in the training and preparation of school psychologists and the delivery of school psychological services through its accreditation program.
https://ispaweb.org/
MedProID is the client login site for MedPro Systems, which was founded in 1989 to design, build, implement, and support custom software applications for business systems. MedProID is a comprehensive database of all licensing information obtained directly from authoritative federal, state, and industry sources, including medical professional licensing for all US-based healthcare professional licensures acquired from state licensing boards on an ongoing basis. A client relationship is required.
https://www.medproid.com/
With locations in Manhattan Beach and Torrance, California, Dr. Chris Mellano is a proponent of computer-assisted surgery, also known as robotic surgery, which allows him to plan and execute surgeries with a level of precision that cannot be achieved through traditional surgery. Sports medicine is one of his specialties; he has practiced it on professional athletes. Others include same-day shoulder repairs, hip replacements, and knee replacements. Consultations may be requested online.
https://www.mellanoorthopedics.com/
National Healthcareer Association
The NHA is a professional certification agency for healthcare workers in the United States. Granting credentials in more than eight allied health specialties, the NHA is an organizational member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance. NHA certifications are listed, along with the requirements for certification and renewal for each, as well as certification preparation and a list of educational programs, NCAA accreditation, and other learning resources.
https://www.nhanow.com/
Located in Clifton and Oradell, New Jersey, the personalized medical and aesthetic practice offers vascular and cosmetic treatments for women, men, children, and teens. Founded by Dr. Gary B. Nackman, the treatment of leg pain, varicose veins, facial rejuvenation, scars, and stretch mark treatment, hand rejuvenation, venous lake laser treatment, warm-sculpting with Sculpsure, laser vein treatment, and laser hair removal are offered. Its location, hours, and contacts are posted.
https://www.njveincare.com/
With locations in Westlake and Avon, Ohio, Orthopaedic Associates serves Westlake, Avon, and the rest of western Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, offering a full range of orthopedic treatments, including evaluations, on-site diagnostic imaging, physical and occupational therapy, hand therapies, and custom splinting and bracing. Its locations, hours, contacts, and patient resources are provided, including an online appointment request form. Patient testimonials are posted on the site.
https://www.oaidocs.com/
The site features AI-driven psychology insights, offering four artificial intelligence profiles, one free and the others premium-based. Newell, the free AI, helps online clients unravel the intricacies of their own personality through conversation. Newell is also available with a premium membership, the others being Tarina, Hol, and Aida, available for a monthly fee. The terms of use, pricing, and privacy policies are provided. Professional advice is also available from a licensed therapist.
http://www.psychology.com/
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
SAGES is a non-profit professional organization focused on providing education on gastrointestinal minimally invasive surgery. SAGES members are primarily board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Osteopathic Association, or an international equivalent. Membership information, leadership, and contacts are provided, along with schedules of meetings and other events, publications, educational resources, patient information, and job opportunities.
https://www.sages.org/
Formed in 1961, SOT is a professional association of scientists specializing in toxicology, with full membership restricted to those with significant published work or professional experience in toxicology and who are bound by a code of ethics, although there are member categories for associate and student memberships for those who don't qualify for full membership. Its memberships, guiding policies, and leadership are defined, and meeting and event schedules are featured.
https://www.toxicology.org/
The site offers online continuing education for speech-language pathology; the site allows clients to earn CEUs online, including over five hundred courses over thirty topic areas, live webinars, video classes, text information, and audio formats. Its courses are approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), with course completion certificates provided. Unlimited CEU access is available for an annual fee. Group pricing is available.
https://www.speechpathology.com/
Dr. Annie Chiu, Board-Certified Dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute, welcomes you to a Boutique Style Cosmetic Dermatology practice; where we believe that healthy, beautiful skin is attainable for every patient. We are dedicated to superior personalized skin and body rejuvenation, injectables, and skin health. At our practice, Dr. Chiu personally consults with every patient, providing only customized physician-quality care and the highest expertise.
https://www.thederminstitute.com/
