Earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree marks a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning of a physician’s journey. For new MDs, deciding on a specialty is a crucial next step, determining the focus of their practice and the length of their postgraduate training. The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) identifies over 135 medical specialties and subspecialties for doctors to consider, each requiring a residency ranging from three to eight years. Some fields even necessitate further fellowship training. To help navigate this complex landscape, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) has developed detailed resources on various Doctor Specialties and subspecialties. Explore the options below to discover potential paths in medicine.
Allergy and Immunology
Allergy and immunology is a specialized field within internal medicine focused on the immune system. Allergist-immunologists are experts in diagnosing, evaluating, and managing conditions related to immune system disorders. These conditions range from common ailments like asthma, anaphylaxis, eczema, and rhinitis to reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings. The field also delves into complex areas such as host defense defects, immune deficiency diseases, and complications arising from autoimmune diseases, organ transplants, and immune system malfunctions. The core of an allergist-immunologist’s role is to pinpoint the specific allergen or substance causing a reaction, devise strategies for its elimination, and implement effective treatment plans. Becoming an allergist-immunologist involves a three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, followed by a two-year fellowship in allergy and immunology. In some cases, this specialty can be combined with rheumatology into a three-year fellowship program. The minimum postgraduate training duration is five years.
Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology is the medical specialty dedicated to anesthesia, the administration of medication to induce a loss of sensation, particularly pain, throughout the body. Anesthesiologists are indispensable to modern medicine, making complex surgical operations and various medical procedures possible. Their training encompasses the safe and effective delivery of anesthetics during surgery, childbirth, and other medical interventions. Anesthesiologists play a critical role in perioperative care, which includes comprehensive patient management before, during, and after surgical procedures. A residency in anesthesiology is a four-year program providing extensive training in this vital medical field.
Anesthesiology subspecialties include:
- Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pain Medicine
- Obstetric Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
Cardiology
Cardiology, a subspecialty of internal medicine, focuses on the heart and blood vessels, collectively known as the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists are medical experts who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions affecting this vital system. They possess in-depth knowledge of heart disease processes and preventative strategies. Cardiologists are also at the forefront of improving survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for individuals who have experienced cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or coronary artery disease. The path to becoming a cardiologist involves a three-year residency in internal medicine, followed by a three-year cardiology fellowship. Minimum postgraduate training to become a certified cardiologist is six years.
Cardiology subspecialties include:
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
- Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Colon and rectal surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the anal canal, colon, intestinal tract, perianal area, and rectum. Their expertise encompasses both medical (non-surgical) and surgical approaches. When addressing intestinal diseases, these specialists may also manage related conditions in the female reproductive system, liver, or urinary tract. Colon and rectal surgeons perform operations to treat intestinal and colon issues and conduct endoscopic procedures for conditions like cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and polyps. They also manage common anorectal problems such as abscesses, constipation, incontinence, fissures, fistulae, and hemorrhoids through medical therapies. The minimum postgraduate training required to become a colon and rectal surgeon is six years.
Dermatology
Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and adjacent mucous membranes. Dermatologists are trained to identify and manage over 3,000 different skin conditions, ranging from minor irritations to severe and life-threatening diseases. They play a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from a wide spectrum of dermatological issues. The path to dermatology involves a preliminary residency year in a broad clinical specialty, typically internal medicine, followed by a three-year dermatology residency. The minimum postgraduate training duration for dermatology is four years.
Dermatology subspecialties include:
- Dermatopathology
- Micrographic Surgery
- Dermatologic Oncology
Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine is a fast-paced and critical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of unforeseen injuries and illnesses. Emergency medicine physicians are experts in triage, rapid assessment, and making critical decisions under pressure. They typically work in hospital emergency departments or similar facilities, providing immediate care to patients in emergency situations. Emergency medicine residency programs can be combined with internal medicine or other disciplines and generally last three to four years.
Emergency medicine subspecialties include:
- Medical Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Family Medicine
Family medicine is a broad and versatile specialty providing primary medical care to individuals across all stages of life. Family physicians are skilled in treating a wide range of conditions in men, women, and children of all ages. They often build long-term relationships with patients, providing continuous care from infancy and childhood through adulthood and old age. Family medicine attracts doctors who are interested in comprehensive primary care and value developing lasting patient relationships. A family medicine residency is typically three years, and many family physicians pursue additional training in subspecialties like geriatrics or sports medicine or combine family medicine with another specialty.
Forensic Pathology
Forensic pathology is a specialized subfield of pathology focused on investigating sudden, suspicious, or violent deaths. Forensic pathologists work to determine key factors surrounding a death, including the time of death, cause of death (specific injury or disease), manner of death (natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal, or undetermined), and the type of instrument, if any, involved in causing death. Their findings are crucial for legal and investigative purposes and may be reported to insurance companies, families, or courts. Forensic pathologists also play a critical role in the justice system as expert witnesses in court trials. A residency in forensic pathology typically lasts from three to five years.
General Surgery
General surgeons are highly trained specialists skilled in performing a wide range of complex surgical procedures. They operate to treat diseases, deformities, and injuries affecting nearly all areas of the body. General surgery encompasses a broad spectrum of surgical conditions, requiring surgeons to be proficient in diagnosis and provide comprehensive perioperative care. They are often responsible for managing trauma victims and critically ill patients, demanding adaptability and expertise in handling diverse surgical emergencies and unexpected situations in the operating room. A general surgery residency is a rigorous five-year program.
General surgery subspecialties include:
- Hand Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Critical Care
- Vascular Surgery
Genetics and Genomics
Medical geneticists specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of genetic disorders and birth defects. They play a crucial role in helping patients and their families understand and cope with these complex conditions. Geneticists provide genetic counseling, utilizing biochemical, cytogenetic, and radiologic testing to diagnose and assess genetic disorders. They also employ therapeutic interventions and contribute to disease prevention through prenatal diagnosis and screening programs for inborn errors of metabolism, blood, chromosomes, and spinal cord abnormalities. A genetics and genomics residency is a three-year program.
Genetics and Genomics subspecialties include:
- Biochemical Genetics
- Molecular Genetic Pathology
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Hospice and palliative medicine is a subspecialty focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illness. Hospice care is designed for patients with terminal conditions who choose to forgo curative treatments, focusing on comfort and symptom management. Palliative medicine emphasizes the relief of symptoms and pain caused by serious illnesses, regardless of prognosis. Physicians in this field strive to alleviate suffering, improve patient comfort, and provide comprehensive support to patients and their families throughout challenging treatment processes or during end-of-life care. A one-year hospice and palliative medicine fellowship is available after completing residencies in various specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, neurology, or radiology. Minimum postgraduate training for this subspecialty is four years.
Hospital Medicine
Hospital medicine is a subspecialty, often within internal medicine, focused on providing comprehensive medical care to patients within a hospital setting. Hospitalists are physicians who work exclusively in hospitals, delivering general medical care to hospitalized individuals. Beyond direct patient care, hospitalists are also involved in teaching, conducting research, and working to improve hospital and healthcare system efficiency and performance. To become a hospitalist, physicians may complete a three-year residency in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics followed by a one-year fellowship in hospital medicine. Minimum postgraduate training is four years.
Hospital medicine subspecialties include:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Neurocritical Care
- Pediatric Hospital Medicine
- Sports Medicine
- Toxicology
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine
Internal Medicine
Internal medicine is a broad and foundational medical discipline that serves as a gateway to numerous other specialties and subspecialties. Doctors of internal medicine, known as internists, are experts in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of illnesses and disorders affecting adults. Internists may serve as primary care physicians, providing ongoing care for chronic conditions as well as focusing on disease prevention and health promotion. Internal medicine encompasses all medical problems and organ systems in adults, making it an excellent foundation for physicians seeking further specialization. An internal medicine residency is a three-year program.
Internal medicine subspecialties include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Infectious Disease
- Pulmonary Disease
- Critical Care Medicine
- Geriatric Medicine
- Sports Medicine
- Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Medical Oncology
- Nephrology
- Transplant Hepatology
Neurology
Neurology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and related blood vessels. Neurologists utilize various diagnostic tools such as computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scans, electroencephalograms (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify neurological problems. They treat a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, encephalitis, epilepsy, headaches, learning disabilities, meningitis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, tumors, and other chronic neurological illnesses. A neurology residency program typically lasts between four and five years.
Neurology subspecialties include:
- Child Neurology
- Clinical Neurophysiology
- Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
- Neuromuscular Medicine
- Pain Medicine
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Neurological Surgery
Neurological surgery, often referred to as neurosurgery, is a surgical specialty focused on treating disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their supporting structures and vascular supply. Neurosurgeons provide both non-operative and operative management, including critical care, diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and rehabilitation. Surgical procedures performed by neurosurgeons include endovascular surgery, functional and restorative surgery, spinal fusion, and stereotactic radiosurgery. They treat a wide array of conditions affecting the brain, extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries, meninges, skull, cranial and spinal nerves, pituitary gland, spinal cord, and vertebral column. A neurological surgery residency is a demanding seven-year program.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) combines two distinct yet intertwined medical disciplines: obstetrics, focusing on women’s healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and gynecology, addressing reproductive health and conditions specific to women and girls. Obstetrician-gynecologists are experts in both areas, providing comprehensive women’s health services, particularly those related to the reproductive organs. Many OB/GYNs also serve as primary care physicians for women. Their practice involves a combination of hands-on procedures, patient counseling, diagnostic procedures, surgeries, and various treatments. They manage conditions like urinary tract infections, incontinence, abnormal bleeding, genital itching, and hormone disorders, as well as provide preventive care services including birth control and immunizations, and manage pregnancy and deliver babies. An obstetrics and gynecology residency is typically a four-year program.
OB/GYN subspecialties include:
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Ophthalmic Surgery
Ophthalmic surgery, or ophthalmology, is dedicated to the medical and surgical care of the eyes. Ophthalmologists treat diseases and disorders of the eyes, providing comprehensive eye care services. This includes corrective vision services such as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as performing vision correction surgeries like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Ophthalmologists also perform surgery to treat conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and strabismus (crossed eyes). An ophthalmology residency is a four-year program.
Ophthalmic surgery subspecialties include:
- Cornea and External Disease
- Ocular Oncology
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Vitreoretinal Disease
Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery, also known as orthopedic surgery, focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system. This complex system includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, arteries, and the overlying skin. Orthopaedic surgeons treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including bone fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, and deformities of the limbs and spine. Treatment approaches can include non-surgical methods like braces, casts, physical therapy, and splints, as well as surgical interventions. Orthopaedic surgery addresses congenital deformities, degenerative conditions, infections, metabolic disturbances, trauma, and tumors. The expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon may also encompass the surgical treatment of conditions like cerebral palsy, paraplegia, or stroke, as they impact the musculoskeletal system. An orthopaedic surgery residency is a five-year program. Due to the vast scope of the musculoskeletal system, orthopaedic surgery includes various subspecialties requiring additional specialized training.
Orthopaedic surgery subspecialties include:
- Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Oncology
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
- Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine
- Pediatric Orthopaedics
Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology, often referred to as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), is the medical specialty focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologists, or ENTs, address common conditions such as allergies, ear infections, sinusitis, and speech or swallowing problems. Their expertise also extends to complex and serious conditions including cancers, nerve pain, thyroid conditions, traumatic injuries, and tumors. ENTs may also perform plastic and reconstructive surgery within the head and neck region. An otolaryngology residency generally lasts five years.
Otolaryngology subspecialties include:
- Neurotology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
Pathology
Pathology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases through the examination of body tissues and fluids. Pathologists are experts in the study of disease, combining science and medicine with extensive knowledge in both areas. Pathology plays a critical role in all aspects of patient care, from disease prevention and diagnostic testing to treatment guidance and the application of new technologies. Pathologists identify and characterize a wide range of conditions, contributing significantly to improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. A pathology residency program typically lasts three to four years. Doctors of pathology may specialize further through residencies in analytic, diagnostic, or forensic pathology.
Pathology subspecialties include:
- Blood Banking-Transfusion Medicine
- Chemical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Hematology
- Medical Microbiology
- Neuropathology
- Pediatric Pathology
Pediatrics
Pediatrics is the branch of medicine dedicated to the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Pediatricians are committed to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of their young patients. They provide comprehensive care, including treating illnesses, injuries, and infections, as well as monitoring developmental milestones in growth, behavior, and skills. Pediatricians also play a crucial role in advising parents on various aspects of child health, including nutrition, safety, and fitness. A pediatrics residency is a three-year program, and many pediatricians choose to pursue further specialization in a pediatric subspecialty or combine pediatrics with another medical specialty.
Pediatrics subspecialties include:
- Adolescent Medicine
- Child Abuse Pediatrics
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Pediatric Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Transplant Hepatology
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system as it relates to physical function. Physiatrists, or PM&R physicians, are experts in the interconnected systems of bones, muscles, nerves, and the brain’s control over movement and pain perception. PM&R physicians aim to restore function and improve quality of life for patients with physical impairments or disabilities. A PM&R residency requires a preliminary year of internal medicine followed by a three-year PM&R residency. Minimum postgraduate training is four years.
PM&R subspecialties include:
- Neuromuscular Medicine
- Pain Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty focused on the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects. Plastic surgeons address a wide range of concerns, including defects involving the breast and trunk, craniomaxillofacial structures, external genitalia, extremities, hands, musculoskeletal system, and skin. Their expertise encompasses both reconstructive surgery to correct physical impairments and cosmetic surgery to enhance appearance and optimize the outcomes of reconstructive procedures. A plastic surgery residency program typically lasts five to six years.
Plastic surgery subspecialties include:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Preventive Medicine
Preventive medicine is a specialty centered on disease prevention and health promotion for individuals, groups, communities, and populations. Preventive medicine physicians are experts in strategies to maintain and improve health, rather than just treating illness. Their work involves assessing medical conditions, conducting physical examinations, making diagnoses, and developing comprehensive treatment and prevention plans. They also evaluate health programs and policies and utilize diagnostic studies and tests to proactively manage health risks. Preventive medicine doctors provide guidance and interventions to promote healthy behaviors such as smoking cessation, weight management, healthy eating, and reducing alcohol or drug use. They also contribute to public health initiatives, ensuring healthy pregnancies, safe work environments, managing poison control, and administering vaccinations. A preventive medicine residency usually begins with a transitional year of internal medicine followed by two years of specialized preventive medicine training. Doctors may also complete a three-year internal or family medicine residency and then add a year of preventive medicine training. Minimum postgraduate training is three years.
Preventive medicine subspecialties include:
- Addiction Medicine
- Aerospace Medicine
- Occupational Medicine
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine
- Clinical Informatics
- Medical Toxicology
- Public Health
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a wide range of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in understanding the biological, psychological, and social components of mental illness. They address addictive, adjustment, anxiety, behavioral, emotional, mental, mood, psychotic, and sexual or gender identity disorders. Psychiatrists evaluate and treat patients using various therapeutic approaches, including behavior modification, individual and group therapy, and psychoanalysis. They often take a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating pharmacological interventions when appropriate. A psychiatry residency is a four-year program.
Psychiatry subspecialties include:
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Administrative Psychiatry
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Community Psychiatry
- Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry
- Emergency Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Intellectual Disability Psychiatry
- Military Psychiatry
- Pain Medicine
- Psychiatric Research
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Radiology
Radiology is a medical specialty where physicians use medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Radiologists interpret or “read” medical images generated by technologies such as computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), X-rays, and ultrasound. These images are crucial for detecting and treating a wide range of medical conditions, and radiologists are specially trained to interpret them accurately. Radiologists may specialize in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, or radiation oncology. A radiology residency requires a preliminary year in a broad-based clinical specialty like internal medicine, followed by a four- to six-year residency, depending on the chosen radiology specialization. Minimum postgraduate training is five years.
Radiology subspecialties include:
- Abdominal Radiology
- Cardiothoracic Radiology
- Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Neuroradiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Pediatric Radiology
- Vascular Radiology
Rheumatology
Rheumatology is a subspecialty of internal medicine focused on the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of disorders affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Rheumatologists treat a broad spectrum of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that may also involve other organ systems. Common conditions managed by rheumatologists include various forms of arthritis, crystalline diseases, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, spondyloarthropathies, vasculitis, and common musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries. The training path to rheumatology involves a three-year residency in internal medicine followed by a two-year fellowship in rheumatology. In some instances, rheumatology can be combined with allergy and immunology into a three-year fellowship. Minimum postgraduate training is five years.
Sleep Medicine
Sleep medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disturbances and disorders. Physicians specializing in sleep medicine, known as somnologists, address a wide range of sleep-related issues, including circadian rhythm disorders, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and somnambulism (sleepwalking). Somnologists typically complete a three-year residency in internal medicine followed by a one-year fellowship in sleep medicine. Minimum postgraduate training is four years.
Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery is a highly specialized and intensive surgical field focused on surgeries of the chest. Thoracic surgeons, also known as cardiothoracic surgeons, operate on the vital organs within the chest cavity, including the heart and lungs. They perform critical procedures such as open-heart surgery, lung resections for cancer, and tumor removals from the esophagus and chest wall. Thoracic surgeons also treat abnormalities of major blood vessels like the aorta, conditions of the diaphragm, and airway problems, as well as chest injuries. A thoracic surgery residency is a demanding seven-year program. Congenital cardiac surgery is a further subspecialization within thoracic surgery.
Urology
Urology is a surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the urinary tracts in both sexes and the male reproductive system. Urologists, also known as genitourinary surgeons, manage both non-surgical and surgical conditions. They treat non-surgical problems such as urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as surgical conditions including cancers, congenital abnormalities, and stress incontinence. A urology residency requires at least five years of postgraduate training. Pediatric urology is a primary subspecialty within the field.
Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgery is a specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic systems, excluding those of the brain and heart. Vascular surgeons are trained in both surgical and non-surgical management of vascular diseases. They perform procedures to clear artery blockages, repair veins to improve circulation, and treat aneurysms in the aorta and vascular trauma. A vascular surgery residency typically lasts six to seven years.
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