Medical Specialties
Find out more of our Specialties available at ParkwayHealth.
Alternatively, you may also browse our full list of Medical Specialties
Anaesthesiology
Anaesthesiology is the study of risks to a patient's condition prior to, during, and after surgery. Surgery is generally a somewhat painful process; drugs are administered to aid in the relief of pain and discomfort. Anaesthesiologists are therefore specifically trained to administer drugs to suppress the perception of pain. Anaesthesia is administered locally, regionally, or generally. Local and regional anaesthesia numbs specific parts of the body, allowing the patient to remain awake during the surgical procedure. These forms of anaesthesia are considered safer than general anaesthesia, since vital organs are not affected. In general anaesthesia, a drug is circulated throughout the bloodstream to render the patient unconscious. This form of anaesthesia requires close monitoring of the heart rate, heart rhythm, breathing, body temperature and blood pressure.
Cardiology
Cardiology is the branch of internal medicine that deals with the treatment of diseases that affect the heart and the blood vessels. The cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping and circulating blood throughout the body; examples of common diseases include coronary artery disease, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and valvular heart disease. Some common tests which your cardiologist may carry out include blood tests, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery is the surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the chest. This generally refers to the treatment of heart and lung disease. Cardiothoracic surgeons are usually trained to perform surgery on both the heart and lungs, chest wall and diaphragm. Treatments for heart disease such as coronary artery bypasses and even heart transplants are also executed by surgeons trained in the cardiothoracic specialty.
Dentistry
Dentistry is a broad term that is used to describe anything from the diagnosis to the treatment of diseases that affect the oral cavity. Tooth decay is a common affliction which often leads to toothache and tooth loss. Regular annual dental and oral health exams are recommended for adults past the age of 18. Within dentistry, there are many specialties dedicated to specific areas of dental care, such as extractions, implants, and paediatric dental care.
Dentistry (Restricted to Endodontics)
Endodontics is a sub-field within dentistry, and refers to the treatment of the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. The tooth pulp, also known as dental pulp, is the soft tissue in the centre of a tooth. As it contains nerves and living tissue, this pulp can sometimes become inflamed or diseased. In such cases, specialist treatment is needed. Dentists who specialise in this field are known as Endodontists.
Dentistry (Restricted to Orthodontics)
Orthodontics is the sub-field within dentistry that focuses on the study and treatment of irregular bites; Irregular bites refer to the misalignment of the upper and lower set of teeth. Most people are born with some degree of malocclusion. In cases which are more severe, corrective orthodontic or surgical treatment may be prescribed. Proper orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of tooth decay and help prevent the need for further dental treatment in the future. The most common form of orthodontic treatment is the use of dental braces; dental braces are worn by patients to align teeth properly.
Dentistry (Restricted To Periodontology)
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that studies diseases which affect the supporting structures of teeth. A common affliction that Periodontists treat are periodontal disease, which can lead to the decay of supporting bones around teeth. Gingivitis, a common periodontal disease, is a general term for any affliction affecting the gums. Diseases such as this are caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque in the gaps and holes between teeth, and are the key reason why your dentist always harps on about brushing your teeth twice a day.
Dermatology
Problems with skin and its appendages such as hair and sweat glands, fall under the the category of dermatology. Dermatologists specifically treat ailments that affect that skin. Since the skin is the largest organ, and also the most visible, cosmetic dermatology stands as one of the most well-known parts of the field. Dermatologists specialising in cosmetic dermatology use a myriad of non-invasive procedures to improve anything from acne scarring to the effects of aging.
Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic radiology can broadly be classified into diagnostic radiology and therapeutic radiology. Different kinds of radiological treatments may be applied to produce different results. A computed tomography (CT) scan is essentially a computer-enhanced x-ray study; it gives a detailed cross-sectional image of the body's interior. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used on any part of the body to test for structural abnormality. Ultrasonography, also commonly known as ultrasound scanning, is similarly used to scan for structural or functional abnormality. Ultrasounds however, are considered safer than CT or MRI scans, and are hence commonly used in the visualization of embryoes or fetuses in pregnant women.
Endocrinology
The endocrine system consists of a group of glands and organs that control hormone production. Major endocrine glands are the thyroid gland, the pancreas, the ovaries, and the testes. Hormones are chemicals that affect the activity of another part of the body; they can be thought of as messengers that control and coordinate activities throughout the body. Hormones play a very important role in the development and growth of entire organs; a small hormonal change can trigger a very large response in the body. Endocrinology involves the diagnosis of a wide variety of symptoms of disorders of hormonal deficiency. Common disorders of the endocrine system are diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Gastroenterology
The digestive system refers to the group of organs that aids in the digestion of food. Disorders of the digestive system fall within the scope of study of gastroenterologists, who study diseases which affect the gastrointestinal tract. Hepatology, or the study of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and the diseases which affect them, is usually taken as a subspecialty under gastroenterology.
General Surgery
General surgery is surgery on the abdominal organs. This includes, but is not restricted to, to operations on the intestines, the liver, the stomach and the thyroid gland. It still stands as a surgical specialty, contrary to what its name suggests. General surgeons may be trained to specialise in one of many areas. Some surgeons are dedicated to transplant surgery, and must be ready at any time to harvest organs from suitable donors. Others yet, may be focused on trauma surgery.
Geriatric Medicine
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that specializes in the care of older people. Many diseases and disorders occur almost solely in older people; these are called geriatric diseases. Other diseases yet may affect both the young and the old, but may result in different symptoms in people of different ages. For example, an overactive thyroid which may cause nothing more than weight loss in younger people may result in sleepiness, depression and confusion in older people.
Haematology
Haematology is the branch of biology that is concerned with the study of blood. Blood diseases such as anemia, leukemia, lymphoma may be diagnosed by haematologists, who are physicians trained in the care and treatment of haematological diseases. Common blood tests test for complete blood count, white blood count, platelet count, and hemoglobin level.
Hand Surgery
Quite unlike what its name suggests, hand surgery includes surgical and non-surgical treatment to any part stretching from the tip of the hand to the shoulder. Hand surgery may be prescribed to cure congenital defects, hand injuries such as fractures, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Amputations may also sometimes require "replant" operations, which may be carried out by hand surgeons. Plastic surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons are also well suited to carry out hand surgery, due to some degree of overlap in their training.
Hepato-Biliary Surgery
The hepato-biliary system is the group of organs that carries bile from the liver or gallbladder to the small intestines; hepatology is the study of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and the diseases which affect them. The liver serves to cleanse the blood of toxins, and destroys poisonous substances by producing bile. Diseases associated with hepato-biliary surgery include cirrhosis of the liver, which can be brought on by excessive consumption of alcohol, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Biliary tract cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells in the inner lining of the gallbladder and bile duct; the production of bile is blocked as the cancer grows.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases can spread from person to person via direct contact or indirect contact. The former is the easiest way in which one may contract an infectious disease. Diseases can also be passed on by agents referred to as vectors, which pick up and transmit diseases without harm to themselves. One should also take note that infectious disease may sometimes spread through the air, when one coughs or sneezes. Viruses such as influenza and tuberculosis are commonly known to spread through the air. Infectious diseases are sometimes classified as communicable or contagious diseases.
Internal Medicine
Internal medicine concerns the diagnosis and treatment of diseases which especially affect the internal organs; it does not however mean that practitioners of internal medicine only treat the internal organs. Other physicians may sometimes call on practitioners of internal medicine for help in diagnosing diseases, since internists are trained to treat and handle chronic illnesses.
Medical Oncology
Tumours are abnormal growths, and can either be cancerous or noncancerous. Cancerous tumours have to be treated by oncologists, who are medical practitioners specialising in the care of cancer patients. The diagnosis of cancer is but one of many facets of medical oncology; oncologists are also concerned with the therapy usually associated with cancer, such as chemotherapy. Cancers are typically measured against a scale of 5 to describe the degree of the cancer's spread throughout the body, with 5 being the most dire stage of proliferation. Cancer may start off spontaneously, or due to the presence of an agent called a carcinogen. Carcinogens exist in the environment, but may also be brought on by lifestyle decisions, such as smoking and drinking.
Neurology
Diseases affecting the brain, nervous system and spinal chord are usually diagnosed with a neurologic examination. This is not to be confused with a psychiatric examination, which merely focuses on a patient's behaviour. It is important to understand that mental illnesses are typically classified separately from disorders of the central nervous system. Major neurological disorders include cerebral palsy, speech and language disorders, tumours of the brain, and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
Neurosurgery
Surgery on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves may generally be described as neurosurgery. Neurological surgery, as it is also known, works on disorders of the nervous system. Conditions that may require neurosurgery include head trauma, which may arise as the result of fractures of the skull. Brain tumours, and tumours of the spine, spinal chord and peripheral nerves may also require removal by a trained neurosurgeon. Neurosurgery is generally speaking, a very competitive and difficult field due to the delicate nature of the surgical operations involved.
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Disorders that affect the female reproductive system are called gynecologic disorders; obstetrics is the surgical specialty that deals with the care of pregnant women and their offspring. The two surgical specialties are generally combined to form a single medical specialty. Conditions which gynaecologists deal with range from cancers of the various reproductive organs to issues of infertility. The most common symptoms given by gynecologic disorders are vaginal itching, abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, excessive hairiness and pelvic pain. It is hence common for gyneacologists to ask patients questions related to their reproductive function and sexual history.
Ophthalmology
Diseases that affect the eyes and visual pathways of the brain are studied in ophthalmology. Symptoms sometimes develop because of a problem in the eye, but can sometimes also indicate a problem elsewhere, especially in the brain. Ophthalmology is sometimes confused with optometry; the difference however lies in the scope of treatment. Ophthalmologists are surgical specialists, while optometrists typically treat patients with medication and the prescription of optical aids. Local anaesthesia is commonly used in eye surgeries, but it is possible for general anaesthesia to be recommended to children, apprehensive patients, and patients who have suffered traumatic eye inuries.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery can help correct diseases that affect the head, neck, face and jaws. The area covering these structures is also sometimes known as the craniomaxillofacial complex. Head and neck cancer, and trauma to the craniomaxillofacial complex sometimes demands treatment by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is sometimes associated with cosmetic facial surgery.
Oral Surgery
The range of the oral surgery specialty is quite wide. Impacted teeth, cysts, tumours, facial disproportion and other problems affecting the oral mucosa may require examination by an oral surgeon. Oral surgery is considered a specialisation under dentistry, while ailments affecting the head and neck complex require further medical training.
Orthodontics & Prosthodontics
In cases where patients have permanently lost teeth, prosthodontists may be approached to implant prostheses to restore oral function. Prosthodontics covers the use of implants, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry. Fixed prosthodontics is a technique adopted by prosthodontists to restore teeth with the use of bridges, crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. Dentures are also sometimes provided to patients; these may be removable, and can help patients who have lost teeth due to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery may address disorders of the musculoskeletal system, whereby patients are unable to physically move their muscles and bones. Arthritis, trauma, and congenital deformities can be treated by orthopaedic surgery. Many subspecialties exist under the umbrella of orthopaedic surgery, such as hand surgery and spinal surgery.
Otorhinolaryngology
Otorhinolaryngology is commonly referred to as ENT (ear, nose and throat). Like its name suggests, otorhinolaryngology covers the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting these areas. Patients with problems concerning their sinuses, or with severe allergies may seek treatment from an otorhinolaryngologist, but these are only the more commonly known ailments. The field includes other subspecialties that also address problems with hearing and speech.
Paediatric Dentistry
The provision of oral health care to children from infancy to adolescence is generally given by paediatric dentists. Patients may continue seeing their paediatric dentists up until their late teens. Some children are born with a tooth; others yet may see a tooth erupting within a month of birth. In the event that these neonatal teeth interfere with nursing or begin to pose a choking hazard, they may be removed by a paediatric dentist. Parents are advised to bring their children for a dental visit at their first birthday, for a proper evaluation of the child's oral and dental development.
Paediatric Medicine
Paediatric medicine deals with the care of children from infancy until adolescence; the upper age limit of patients subject to paediatric care differs however, from country to country, and may range from 14 to 21. The differences between paediatric medicine and adult medicine extend past the physiological. The incidence of encountering congenital defects and developmental issues is higher in paediatric care, due to the age of patients. Paediatricians may further specialise in certain areas of medicine; it then follows that every sub-specialty of standard adult medicine also exists in pediatrics.
Paediatric Surgery
Paedriatric surgery is a subfield of surgery that refers to any surgical procedures that have to be carried out on young patients. Surgery may be carried out on patients aged anywhere from infancy to adolescence. Within paediatric surgery, there are other subspecialties such as neonatal surgery and fetal surgery. The former refers to surgery on very young babies in the weeks immediately following birth, while the latter refers to surgery on the fetus while it is still in the uterus.
Plastic Surgery
Any surgical technique which is carried out for the purpose of changing the appearance of one's body is called plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is sometimes confused with cosmetic surgery. The latter is executed purely for the improvement of appearances, while plastic surgery is a broader term that refers also to reconstructive surgery for the correction of functional impairments. Reconstructive surgery can help to correct impairments caused by burns and traumatic injuries; they can also help survivors of burn injuries and cancers return to leading a more normal life.
Podiatry
Podiatry, podiatric medicine or chiropody is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and the knee, leg and hip. At ParkwayHealth, our service include General treatment, biomechanics, diabetic foot screening, dressing of ulcers and footwear assessment.
Psychiatry
Mental problems and disorders are studied and treated by psychiatrists. Mental health disorders involve disturbances in thinking and emotional rationalization. While the definition on paper seems clear enough, the field is somewhat complicated by the fact that mental illness cannot always be clearly separated from normal behaviour. Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who can prescribe drugs and admit people to the hospital, but this is not strictly true; some psychiatrists only prescribe drugs, although many do both. Mental illness may be treated with drug therapy, psychotherapeutic treatment, or hypnotherapy.
Public Health Medicine
The assessment of, and subsequent prevention of disease and illness commonly exposed to the community at large falls under the branch of medical practice called public health medicine. Public health physicians are thus typically concerned with the promotion of health care issues among the community, and focus on addressing social medical issues.
Rehabilitation Medicine
People who have been affected by severe injuries due to trauma, stroke, an infection, a tumour or progressively debilitating disease can regain functional restoration with the help of physical therapy or occupational therapy, the focus of rehabilitation medicine. Physical therapy involves exercising and manipulating the body to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Occupational therapy is also a part of rehabilitation, and is intended to enhance a person's ability to perform basic self-care and leisure activities. Different rehabilitation programmes are recommended for different problems, and can help sufferers of heart disease, brain injuries, spinal injuries, bone fractures, and limb amputation return to a normal way of life.
Renal Medicine
Renal disorders such as acute and chronic kidney failure, nephritis, and even incontinence may be treated with renal medicine. Acute kidney failure is typically defined as a breakdown of the kidneys' ability to remove waste products from the blood. It is caused by insufficient blood flow to the kidneys, obstructed urine flow, and injuries within the kidneys. These may however, be symptomatic of other underlying problems, and require may require further investigation.
Respiratory Medicine
The respiratory system starts at the nose and mouth and continues through to the airways and to the lungs. Disorders that affect the lungs and airways are called lung, or pulmonary disorders. Common symptoms the precede the diagnosis of common respiratory diseases are cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), wheezing, and a crowing sound when breathing (stridor). Tests for lung function can give a picture of the general state of the lungs; pulmonary function tests measure the lungs' capacity for air, and are used to diagnose diseases such as asthma. With proper identification, respiratory medicine can help to treat illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung abscesses, which are small cavities in the lung caused by infection.
Rheumatology
The joints of limbs may sometimes get inflamed due to several connective tissue diseases. In such cases, patients may be referred to rheumatologists, who are clinicians specialised in rheumatology. Rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout usually result in inflammation of the joints, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. The affected joints are usually painful and stiff; the stiffness may come in short episodes, or may be prolonged over a longer period of time.
Urology
The urinary tract is made up of organs like the kidneys, ureters, bladder and the urethra. Urology is the study of the urinary tract, and also the reproductive system of males. The urinary system in males overlaps with the reproductive system, which explains its inclusion in the scope of urology. Within urology again, there exists different specializations. For example, urologic oncology is the focused study of malignant diseases within the genital region such as prostrate cancer and bladder cancer, while paediatric urology studies urologic disorders in children.
