Doctor Specialties List: An In-depth Guide to Medical Fields

The world of medicine is incredibly diverse, with numerous paths a doctor can take to focus their expertise. For aspiring medical professionals, understanding the breadth of Doctor Specialties List is crucial in navigating their career path. The ability for physicians to specialize allows for focused care and advanced knowledge within specific areas of the human body and disease. If you’re considering a career in medicine and wondering where to start when exploring medical specialties, you’ve come to the right resource.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive doctor specialties list, drawing from the recognized specialties and subspecialties outlined by the Association of American Medical Colleges. This guide will explore many of these fields, providing insights into the focus of each physician specialty. Continue reading to uncover the vast possibilities available when you embark on your journey through medical school.

[ls_content_block id=”2630″] If you already have a particular area of medicine in mind, click on the links below to delve into the options within that specific specialty.

Exploring Physician Specialties: An Overview

Your Comprehensive Doctor Specialties List

Every doctor, regardless of their specialization, shares a fundamental goal: to improve and maintain patient health. However, the specific skills and knowledge each possesses are what makes them vital and unique within the broader medical landscape. Let’s explore a detailed doctor specialties list, examining both the main specialties and their subsequent subspecialties.

1. Allergy and Immunology

Allergy and immunology specialists are experts in diagnosing and managing conditions related to the immune system. They treat both adults and children suffering from allergies and diseases affecting the respiratory tract and immune system. These medical professionals address common conditions such as asthma, food and drug allergies, various immune deficiencies, and lung diseases. Within allergy and immunology, doctors can pursue paths in research, education, or clinical practice, contributing to advancements and patient care in this critical field.

2. Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty dedicated to pain management for patients undergoing medical procedures, primarily surgery. These specialists ensure patient comfort and safety before, during, and after operations. The American Board of Anesthesiology recognizes several subspecialties within anesthesiology, allowing for further focused expertise:

Critical Care Medicine: Managing life-threatening conditions in intensive care settings.
Hospice and Palliative Care: Providing comfort and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
Pain Medicine: Focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute pain conditions.
Pediatric Anesthesiology: Specializing in anesthesia for infants and children.
Sleep Medicine: Addressing sleep disorders and their impact on overall health.

3. Dermatology

Dermatologists are physicians specializing in the skin, hair, and nails. They diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of conditions affecting these areas in both adult and pediatric patients. This includes skin cancer, tumors, inflammatory skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, and various infectious diseases. Dermatologists are also skilled in performing skin biopsies and dermatological surgical procedures.

Dermatology offers subspecialization in areas such as:

Dermatopathology: Focusing on the microscopic diagnosis of skin diseases.
Pediatric Dermatology: Specializing in skin conditions specific to infants and children.
Procedural Dermatology: Concentrating on surgical and cosmetic dermatological procedures.

4. Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic radiologists are vital in modern medicine, utilizing imaging technologies to diagnose illnesses. They are experts in interpreting x-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasounds, and other imaging modalities. These doctors play a crucial role in identifying a vast array of medical conditions, guiding treatment plans, and monitoring patient progress.

Subspecialties within diagnostic radiology offer focused expertise in specific areas:

Abdominal Radiology: Imaging of the abdomen and related organs.
Breast Imaging: Specializing in mammography and other breast imaging techniques for breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
Cardiothoracic Radiology: Imaging of the heart and chest.
Cardiovascular Radiology: Focusing on imaging the heart and blood vessels.
Chest Radiology: Imaging of the lungs and chest cavity.
Emergency Radiology: Providing rapid imaging interpretation in emergency situations.
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology: Minimally invasive image-guided procedures of the brain, head, neck, and spine.
Gastrointestinal Radiology: Imaging of the digestive system.
Genitourinary Radiology: Imaging of the urinary and reproductive systems.
Head and Neck Radiology: Imaging of the head and neck region.
Interventional Radiology: Performing minimally invasive procedures using image guidance.
Musculoskeletal Radiology: Imaging of bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues.
Neuroradiology: Imaging of the brain, spine, and nervous system.
Nuclear Radiology: Using radioactive materials for diagnosis and treatment (also listed separately as Nuclear Medicine).
Pediatric Radiology: Imaging of children.
Radiation Oncology: Using radiation therapy to treat cancer (also listed separately as Radiation Oncology).
Vascular and Interventional Radiology: Combining vascular imaging with interventional procedures.

5. Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine physicians are on the front lines of healthcare, providing immediate care to patients of all ages in critical situations. They are experts in rapid assessment, decision-making, and action to stabilize patients and prevent further harm. These specialists work in fast-paced environments, from directing emergency medical services in pre-hospital settings to managing critical cases within the emergency department.

Emergency medicine encompasses several subspecialties, reflecting the diverse skills required:

Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine: Critical care within the context of anesthesiology expertise.
Emergency Medical Services: Focusing on pre-hospital and disaster medical care.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Providing comfort care in emergency settings for patients with serious illness.
Internal Medicine / Critical Care Medicine: Critical care expertise combined with internal medicine knowledge.
Medical Toxicology: Managing poisonings and toxic exposures.
Pain Medicine: Addressing acute pain management in emergency scenarios.
Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Specializing in emergency care for infants and children.
Sports Medicine: Addressing sports-related injuries in the emergency setting.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine: Treating conditions related to diving and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in emergencies.

6. Family Medicine

Unlike specialties focused on specific organs or systems, family medicine emphasizes holistic and integrated care for patients of all ages. Family physicians are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare, addressing a wide range of medical issues and focusing on preventive care and overall wellness. They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention.

Family medicine also includes subspecialties, allowing for focused practice within this broad field:

Adolescent Medicine: Specializing in the healthcare needs of teenagers.
Geriatric Medicine: Focusing on the healthcare of elderly patients.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Providing comfort care for patients and families facing serious illness.
Pain Medicine: Managing pain within the context of primary care.
Sleep Medicine: Addressing sleep disorders in a family medicine setting.
Sports Medicine: Focusing on sports-related health issues for patients of all ages.

Family medicine doctor with patient

7. Internal Medicine

An internist is a specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the internal organs and systems of adults, adolescents, and the elderly. They manage complex medical conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, blood, and more. Internists provide both short-term and long-term care in hospitals and outpatient settings, emphasizing disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse management, and mental health.

Internal medicine boasts a wide array of subspecialties, reflecting the complexity of adult medical care:

Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology: Specialized care for severe heart failure and heart transplantation.
Cardiovascular Disease: Focusing on diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: Managing heart rhythm disorders.
Critical Care Medicine: Intensive care for critically ill adult patients.
Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism: Addressing hormonal disorders, diabetes, and metabolic conditions.
Gastroenterology: Focusing on the digestive system and related disorders.
Geriatric Medicine: Healthcare for elderly adults.
Hematology: Disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs.
Hematology and Oncology: Combined expertise in blood disorders and cancer.
Infectious Disease: Diagnosis and treatment of infections.
Internal Medicine: General internal medicine practice.
Interventional Cardiology: Minimally invasive procedures for heart and vascular conditions.
Nephrology: Kidney diseases and disorders.
Oncology: Cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Pediatric Internal Medicine: Internal medicine care for children (less common, often overlaps with Pediatrics).
Pulmonary Disease: Diseases of the lungs and respiratory system.
Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine: Combined expertise in lung diseases and critical care.
Rheumatology: Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Sleep Medicine: Sleep disorders in the context of internal medicine.
Sports Medicine: Sports-related medical issues for adults.
Transplant Hepatology: Liver transplantation and related liver diseases.

8. Medical Genetics

A medical geneticist specializes in hereditary disorders and diseases caused by genetic abnormalities. These specialists diagnose genetic conditions, provide therapeutic interventions, and offer genetic counseling to patients and families. Medical geneticists play a crucial role in understanding the role of genes in health and disease, conducting genetic testing and research to advance the field.

Medical genetics includes subspecialties focusing on specific aspects of genetic medicine:

Biochemical Genetics: Focusing on metabolic disorders with a genetic basis.
Clinical Cytogenetics: Analyzing chromosomes and their abnormalities.
Clinical Genetics: General practice of medical genetics.
Molecular Genetic Pathology: Genetic testing at the molecular level for disease diagnosis.

9. Neurology

Neurology is the medical specialty dedicated to the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Neurologists diagnose and treat a wide range of neurological disorders, such as stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and headaches. A significant part of neurology is consultative, providing specialized expertise to other physicians in managing complex neurological cases.

Neurology offers various subspecialties, allowing for deeper expertise within this complex field:

Brain Injury Medicine: Rehabilitation and management of patients with brain injuries.
Child Neurology: Neurological disorders in children.
Clinical Neurophysiology: Using EEG, EMG, and other tests to assess nervous system function.
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology: Minimally invasive procedures for neurological conditions using imaging guidance (also listed under Radiology/Surgery).
Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Comfort care for neurological patients with serious illnesses.
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Conditions affecting brain development and function.
Neuromuscular Medicine: Disorders of muscles and nerves.
Pain Medicine: Management of neurological pain conditions.
Sleep Medicine: Sleep disorders related to the nervous system.
Vascular Neurology: Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases.

10. Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine physicians, also known as nuclear radiologists, utilize radioactive materials for both diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They employ techniques like scintigraphy and PET scans to create images of organ function, enabling the detection of various conditions, including cancers, thyroid disorders, and heart problems. Nuclear medicine also involves using radiopharmaceuticals for targeted therapy, such as in treating hyperthyroidism and certain cancers.

11. Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) specialize in the care of the female reproductive system and related health issues. This broad field encompasses pregnancy care (obstetrics), gynecological health, reproductive endocrinology, gynecologic oncology, and women’s primary care. OB/GYNs provide comprehensive care for women across their lifespan.

Subspecialties within OB/GYN offer focused expertise in specific areas of women’s health:

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Conditions affecting the pelvic floor, such as incontinence and prolapse.
Gynecologic Oncology: Cancers of the female reproductive system.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine: High-risk pregnancies and care of both mother and fetus.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Infertility, hormonal disorders, and reproductive health.

OBGYN Doctor with Patient

12. Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in comprehensive eye care, encompassing both medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and vision problems. They diagnose and manage conditions ranging from common refractive errors to complex diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmologists perform eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and glaucoma surgery.

Ophthalmology offers subspecialties allowing for focused expertise in specific areas of eye care:

Anterior Segment/Cornea Ophthalmology: Focusing on the front part of the eye, including the cornea and lens.
Glaucoma Ophthalmology: Diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Neuro-Ophthalmology: Eye problems related to the nervous system.
Ocular Oncology: Eye cancers.
Oculoplastics/Orbit: Plastic and reconstructive surgery around the eyes and orbit.
Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face around the eyes.
Retina/Uveitis: Retinal diseases and inflammatory eye conditions (uveitis).
Strabismus/Pediatric Ophthalmology: Eye alignment problems (strabismus) and eye care for children.

13. Pathology

Pathologists are medical doctors who study the causes and nature of diseases. They are essential in diagnosis, working behind the scenes in laboratories. Pathologists examine tissues, cells, and body fluids using microscopes and clinical lab tests to diagnose diseases, monitor patient conditions, and guide treatment decisions. Their expertise spans anatomical pathology (examining tissues) and clinical pathology (analyzing blood and other body fluids).

Pathology includes a broad range of subspecialties, reflecting the diverse areas of laboratory medicine:

Anatomical Pathology: Examining tissues and organs to diagnose disease.
Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine: Managing blood transfusions and blood products.
Chemical Pathology: Analyzing body fluids for chemical components to diagnose disease.
Clinical Pathology: Overseeing clinical laboratories and various laboratory tests.
Cytopathology: Examining individual cells to diagnose disease, often through Pap smears and fine needle aspirations.
Forensic Pathology: Determining the cause of death in legal investigations.
Genetic Pathology: Genetic testing for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Hematology: Laboratory analysis of blood and bone marrow.
Immunopathology: Studying the immune system’s role in disease.
Medical Microbiology: Diagnosing infectious diseases caused by microorganisms.
Molecular Pathology: Analyzing DNA, RNA, and other molecules to diagnose and classify diseases.
Neuropathology: Pathology of the nervous system.
Pediatric Pathology: Pathology of diseases in children.

14. Pediatrics

Pediatricians specialize in the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents. They provide preventative care, diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, and monitor growth and development. Pediatricians are often the primary care physicians for children, addressing a wide range of health needs from birth through teenage years.

Pediatrics has numerous subspecialties, allowing pediatricians to focus on specific areas of child health:

Adolescent Medicine: Healthcare for teenagers.
Child Abuse Pediatrics: Identifying and managing child abuse and neglect.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics: Developmental delays and behavioral problems in children.
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Care of newborns, especially premature and critically ill infants.
Pediatric Cardiology: Heart conditions in children.
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine: Intensive care for critically ill children.
Pediatric Endocrinology: Hormonal disorders in children.
Pediatric Gastroenterology: Digestive disorders in children.
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology: Blood disorders and cancers in children.
Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Infections in children.
Pediatric Nephrology: Kidney diseases in children.
Pediatric Pulmonology: Lung diseases in children.
Pediatric Rheumatology: Rheumatic diseases in children.
Pediatric Sports Medicine: Sports-related injuries and health issues in children.
Pediatric Transplant Hepatology: Liver transplantation and liver diseases in children.

Pediatrician with child

15. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, focus on restoring function and improving the quality of life for patients with physical impairments or disabilities. They treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, bones, and joints. Physiatrists develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans for patients of all ages recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal conditions, and other disabling illnesses or injuries.

Subspecialties within PM&R include:

Brain Injury Medicine: Rehabilitation after brain injury.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Comfort care within the context of rehabilitation.
Neuromuscular Medicine: Rehabilitation for neuromuscular disorders.
Pain Medicine: Pain management within rehabilitation programs.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine: Rehabilitation for children with disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine: Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
Sports Medicine: Rehabilitation for sports-related injuries.

16. Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine physicians focus on promoting health and preventing disease at the individual and population levels. Their expertise extends beyond clinical prevention to encompass public health principles, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, and healthcare management. Preventive medicine specialists work to identify risk factors for disease, develop prevention strategies, and improve population health outcomes.

Subspecialties within preventive medicine include:

Aerospace Medicine: Health issues related to aviation and space travel.
Medical Toxicology: Prevention and management of poisonings and environmental toxins.
Occupational Medicine: Workplace health and safety.
Public Health Medicine: Population health and disease prevention strategies.

17. Psychiatry

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses, emotional disturbances, and behavioral problems. Psychiatrists understand the complex interplay of genetics, psychology, and social factors in mental health. They utilize various treatment approaches, including medication, psychotherapy, and other therapies, to help patients improve their mental well-being.

Psychiatry offers a wide array of subspecialties, reflecting the diverse aspects of mental healthcare:

Addiction Psychiatry: Substance use disorders and addiction.
Administrative Psychiatry: Leadership and management roles in mental health organizations.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Mental health of children and teenagers.
Community Psychiatry: Mental health services within communities.
Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry: Mental health care within general medical settings.
Emergency Psychiatry: Crisis intervention and emergency mental healthcare.
Forensic Psychiatry: Mental health issues within the legal system.
Geriatric Psychiatry: Mental health of elderly adults.
Mental Retardation Psychiatry: (Outdated term, now Intellectual Disability Psychiatry) Mental health of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Military Psychiatry: Mental health of military personnel and veterans.
Pain Medicine: Psychiatric aspects of pain management.
Psychiatric Research: Conducting research to advance the field of psychiatry.
Psychosomatic Medicine: Interplay between mental and physical health.

18. Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncologists are cancer specialists who use high-energy radiation therapy to treat cancer. They carefully plan and deliver radiation treatments to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Radiation oncologists work closely with cancer patients, managing their treatment plans and monitoring their progress throughout therapy.

Radiation oncology includes subspecialties such as:

Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Comfort care for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.
Pain Medicine: Pain management in radiation oncology patients.

19. Surgery

Surgeons are medical specialists who perform operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. Surgery is a broad field with many subspecialties focusing on specific parts of the body, types of patients, or surgical techniques. General surgeons provide a wide range of surgical procedures and often form the foundation for further surgical specialization.

The Association of American Medical Colleges and American College of Surgeons recognize numerous surgical subspecialties, including:

Colon and Rectal Surgery: Surgery of the colon and rectum.
General Surgery: Broad surgical practice, often involving abdominal and other general surgical procedures.
- Surgical Critical Care: Critical care management of surgical patients.
Gynecologic Oncology: Surgical treatment of gynecological cancers (also listed under OB/GYN).
Plastic Surgery: Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
- Craniofacial Surgery: Surgery of the skull and face.
- Hand Surgery: Surgery of the hand and upper extremities.
Neurological Surgery: Surgery of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology: Minimally invasive surgical procedures for neurological conditions (also listed under Radiology/Neurology).
Ophthalmic Surgery: Eye surgery (also listed under Ophthalmology).
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Surgery of the mouth, jaws, face, and neck.
Orthopaedic Surgery: Surgery of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics: Joint replacement and reconstruction in adults.
- Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics: Surgery of the foot and ankle.
- Musculoskeletal Oncology: Tumors of bones and soft tissues.
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Sports-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine: Spinal surgery.
Orthopaedic Trauma: Surgical management of musculoskeletal injuries from trauma.
Pediatric Orthopaedics: Orthopaedic surgery in children.
Otolaryngology: Surgery of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT).
- Pediatric Otolaryngology: ENT surgery in children.
Otology Neurotology: Specialized ENT surgery focusing on the ear and related neurological structures.
Pediatric Surgery: General surgery in children.
- Neonatal: Surgery on newborns.
- Prenatal: Surgery performed before birth.
- Trauma: Surgical management of trauma in children.
- Pediatric Oncology: Surgical treatment of childhood cancers.
Surgical Intensivists: Critical care physicians specializing in the care of surgical patients in the ICU.
Thoracic Surgery: Surgery of the chest, including lungs, heart, and esophagus.
- Congenital Cardiac Surgery: Surgery for heart defects present at birth.
- Thoracic Surgery-Integrated: Combined training in general thoracic and cardiac surgery.
Vascular Surgery: Surgery of the blood vessels.

Surgeons in operating room

20. Urology

Urology is the medical specialty focused on the urinary tract system in both males and females, and the male reproductive system. Urologists manage conditions of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and male reproductive organs. Their expertise encompasses surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology, reflecting the diverse nature of urological conditions.

Urology includes several subspecialties, allowing for focused practice within this field:

Pediatric Urology: Urological conditions in children.
Urologic Oncology: Cancers of the urinary and male reproductive systems.
Renal Transplant: Kidney transplantation.
Male Infertility: Diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
Calculi: Kidney stones and other urinary stones.
Female Urology: Urological conditions specific to women, such as incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.
Neurourology: Neurological conditions affecting the urinary system.

Finding Your Path within the Doctor Specialties List

This extensive doctor specialties list highlights the incredible range of opportunities available to those pursuing a career in medicine. Choosing a specialty is a deeply personal decision. Consider factors such as your interests, skills, career goals, and desired lifestyle when exploring these diverse medical fields.

Narrowing your focus early in your medical school journey can be advantageous. The path to becoming a doctor, from medical school application to residency and beyond, is demanding but ultimately rewarding. Our resource, Journey to Become an MD, offers valuable guidance and information for each stage of your medical career path.

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*This article has been updated from its original version.