Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopy
Bariatric doctors, also known as bariatric surgeons, specialize in the treatment of obesity and related health conditions through surgical and non-surgical methods. Here are the conditions and treatments they commonly address:
- Morbid obesity (severe obesity with a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions)
- Type 2 diabetes (often improved or resolved with weight loss surgery)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea and other respiratory problems related to obesity
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH)
- Heart disease and obesity-related cardiovascular conditions
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain exacerbated by excess weight
- Metabolic syndrome
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides)
Bariatric doctors perform various types of weight loss surgeries, including:
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass)
- Sleeve gastrectomy (removal of a portion of the stomach)
- Adjustable gastric banding (placing a band around the upper part of the stomach)
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
- Revisional bariatric surgery (correcting or modifying previous weight loss surgeries)
They also provide:
- Preoperative evaluations and preparations for surgery
- Postoperative care and long-term follow-up
- Nutritional counseling and support
- Behavioral therapy and psychological support
- Medical weight management for those who are not candidates for surgery or prefer non-surgical options
Bariatric doctors work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, psychologists, and primary care physicians, to ensure comprehensive care for their patients.
Dentistry (Teeth)
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. Here are some key points about dentistry:
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases (e.g., cavities, gum disease)
- Preventive care (e.g., cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants)
- Restoration of damaged teeth (e.g., fillings, crowns, bridges)
- Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers, bonding)
- Orthodontics (e.g., braces, aligners for correcting misaligned teeth)
- Oral surgery (e.g., tooth extractions, dental implants)
- Pediatric dentistry (e.g., dental care for children)
- Periodontics (e.g., treatment of gum disease and placement of dental implants)
- Endodontics (e.g., root canal therapy)
- Prosthodontics (e.g., dentures, bridges, and restoration of implants)
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology (e.g., diagnosis of diseases of the mouth and jaws)
- Dental radiology (e.g., X-rays and other imaging techniques)
- Patient education (e.g., promoting good oral hygiene practices)
Dentists work to maintain and improve patients’ oral health through a variety of procedures and treatments tailored to individual needs.
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Endoscopy is a key diagnostic and therapeutic tool used in gastroenterology. Here are the key points:
Gastroenterology:
- Diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders (e.g., acid reflux, ulcers, IBS)
- Management of liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease)
- Care for pancreatic conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer)
- Treatment of gastrointestinal cancers (e.g., stomach, colon, esophagus)
- Management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Nutritional disorders (e.g., celiac disease, malabsorption syndromes)
- Functional bowel disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)
- Diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder diseases (e.g., gallstones, cholecystitis)
- Screening and prevention of colon cancer (e.g., colonoscopies)
Endoscopy:
- Upper endoscopy (EGD) (examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum)
- Colonoscopy (examination of the colon and rectum)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (examination of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (imaging and biopsy of the digestive tract and surrounding organs)
- Capsule endoscopy (swallowing a small, pill-sized camera to visualize the small intestine)
- Polypectomy (removal of polyps from the colon or stomach)
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) (removal of larger areas of the mucosa for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes)
- Stent placement (to relieve obstructions in the digestive tract)
- Dilation of strictures (widening narrowed areas in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines)
- Foreign body removal (extracting objects that have been swallowed and are stuck in the digestive tract)
Gastroenterologists use endoscopy to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive system, ensuring comprehensive care for their patients.
General Surgery
General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the abdominal organs and other areas requiring surgical intervention. Here are the key points about general surgery:
- Diagnosis and treatment of abdominal conditions (e.g., appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder disease)
- Management of gastrointestinal tract diseases (e.g., stomach, intestines, colon)
- Breast surgery (e.g., mastectomy, lumpectomy for breast cancer)
- Thyroid and parathyroid surgery (e.g., thyroidectomy)
- Hernia repair (e.g., inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias)
- Emergency surgeries (e.g., trauma, perforated bowel, internal bleeding)
- Skin and soft tissue surgeries (e.g., removal of tumors, cysts, and abscesses)
- Bariatric surgery (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss)
- Colorectal surgery (e.g., treatment of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Vascular surgery (e.g., varicose veins, peripheral artery disease)
- Endocrine surgery (e.g., adrenalectomy)
- Minimally invasive surgery (e.g., laparoscopic surgery for faster recovery and reduced pain)
- Oncologic surgery (e.g., removal of cancerous tumors and tissues)
- Transplant surgery (e.g., kidney and liver transplants)
- Proctology (e.g., hemorrhoidectomy, treatment of anal fissures and fistulas)
General surgeons perform a wide variety of surgical procedures to treat diseases and conditions affecting multiple body systems, utilizing both traditional and minimally invasive techniques to provide comprehensive care.
Internal Medicine
Internal medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of adult diseases. Internists, or doctors of internal medicine, provide comprehensive care for various health conditions. Here are the key points about internal medicine:
- Diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma)
- Management of acute illnesses (e.g., infections, pneumonia, bronchitis)
- Preventive care (e.g., routine check-ups, vaccinations, screenings)
- Cardiovascular care (e.g., heart disease, arrhythmias, hypertension)
- Respiratory care (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma)
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal gland disorders)
- Gastrointestinal care (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease)
- Renal care (e.g., chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances)
- Infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis)
- Rheumatologic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout)
- Hematologic disorders (e.g., anemia, clotting disorders, leukemia)
- Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy)
- Geriatric care (e.g., age-related diseases, dementia, fall prevention)
- Mental health care (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder)
- Allergies and immunological disorders (e.g., allergies, autoimmune diseases)
- Lifestyle and wellness counseling (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
Internists are trained to handle complex medical conditions and often coordinate care with other specialists to provide holistic and comprehensive treatment for adult patients.
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine and surgery that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye and vision care. Here are the key points about ophthalmology:
- Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration)
- Vision correction (e.g., prescribing glasses and contact lenses)
- Surgical procedures (e.g., LASIK, cataract surgery, corneal transplants)
- Management of refractive errors (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia)
- Treatment of eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis)
- Management of retinal disorders (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment)
- Pediatric ophthalmology (e.g., strabismus, amblyopia)
- Neuro-ophthalmology (e.g., optic neuritis, visual field loss)
- Ocular oncology (e.g., treatment of eye cancers)
- Oculoplastics (e.g., eyelid surgery, treatment of orbital fractures)
- Dry eye syndrome management (e.g., artificial tears, punctal plugs)
- Corneal diseases (e.g., keratoconus, corneal dystrophies)
- Uveitis management (e.g., inflammation of the uvea)
- Trauma care (e.g., eye injuries, foreign body removal)
- Low vision services (e.g., rehabilitation for severe vision impairment)
- Preventive eye care (e.g., regular eye exams, screening for common eye diseases)
Ophthalmologists use a combination of medical and surgical techniques to treat eye conditions and improve or maintain patients’ vision, ensuring comprehensive eye care.
Orthopedics
Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Here are the key points about orthopedics:
- Diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures
- Management of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Treatment of joint pain (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist)
- Care for back and neck pain (e.g., herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
- Repair of ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears)
- Management of tendonitis (e.g., rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow)
- Treatment of muscle strains and sprains
- Sports medicine (e.g., treatment of sports-related injuries)
- Correction of bone deformities (e.g., congenital or acquired)
- Spinal surgery (e.g., for injuries or chronic conditions)
- Joint replacement surgery (e.g., hip and knee replacements)
- Fusion surgeries (e.g., spinal fusion)
- Hand and wrist surgery (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures)
- Rehabilitation after injuries and surgeries (e.g., physical therapy)
- Management of osteoporosis (e.g., prevention and treatment of bone density loss)
Orthopedic doctors utilize both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat musculoskeletal issues, working closely with physical therapists and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care and recovery for their patients.
Pain Management
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute pain. Here are the key points about pain management:
- Diagnosis and assessment of pain (e.g., identifying the underlying cause of pain)
- Pharmacological treatments (e.g., medications such as analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids)
- Interventional procedures (e.g., nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, joint injections)
- Physical therapy (e.g., exercises and techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain)
- Behavioral therapies (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback)
- Minimally invasive procedures (e.g., radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation)
- Chronic pain management (e.g., treatment plans for long-term pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis)
- Acute pain management (e.g., post-surgical pain, injury-related pain)
- Complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy)
- Neuropathic pain management (e.g., treatment of nerve pain conditions like diabetic neuropathy)
- Multidisciplinary approach (e.g., collaboration with other specialists such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons)
- Patient education (e.g., teaching pain coping strategies and lifestyle modifications)
- Palliative care (e.g., managing pain for patients with serious illnesses)
- Rehabilitation programs (e.g., programs designed to help patients recover from severe pain)
- Preventive care (e.g., strategies to prevent the development of chronic pain conditions)
Pain management specialists use a combination of medical, physical, and psychological therapies to help patients manage their pain effectively and improve their quality of life.
Pediatrics and New Born (Child)
Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of health conditions in young patients. Here are the key points about pediatrics:
Pediatrics:
- Routine check-ups and wellness exams (e.g., growth and development monitoring)
- Vaccinations and immunizations (e.g., preventing infectious diseases)
- Diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses (e.g., colds, flu, ear infections)
- Management of chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, epilepsy)
- Nutritional guidance and counseling (e.g., healthy eating habits)
- Behavioral and developmental assessments (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorders)
- Injury prevention and safety education (e.g., car seat safety, childproofing)
- School and sports physicals (e.g., ensuring children are fit for activities)
- Adolescent health care (e.g., puberty, mental health, reproductive health)
- Management of allergies and asthma (e.g., treatment plans and prevention strategies)
- Diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases (e.g., chickenpox, measles, mumps)
- Genetic and congenital disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis)
- Coordination of care with specialists (e.g., cardiologists, neurologists)
- Parental guidance and support (e.g., breastfeeding, sleep training)
Newborn (Neonatology):
- Newborn screening tests (e.g., detecting metabolic and genetic disorders)
- Care for premature infants (e.g., NICU support, respiratory care)
- Management of neonatal jaundice (e.g., phototherapy)
- Breastfeeding support and education (e.g., lactation consulting)
- Assessment of newborn growth and development (e.g., milestones, weight gain)
- Diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies (e.g., heart defects, cleft palate)
- Prevention and treatment of infections (e.g., sepsis, neonatal meningitis)
- Umbilical cord care (e.g., preventing infections)
- Parental education and support (e.g., newborn care basics, safe sleep practices)
- Management of respiratory distress syndrome (e.g., surfactant therapy)
- Screening for hearing and vision issues (e.g., early detection and intervention)
- Vaccinations and immunizations (e.g., hepatitis B at birth)
- Care for infants with low birth weight (e.g., specialized nutrition and monitoring)
- Neonatal intensive care (e.g., care for critically ill newborns)
Pediatricians and neonatologists work together to provide comprehensive care for children from birth through adolescence, ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Urology (Urinary System)
Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the urinary system in both males and females, as well as the male reproductive system. Here are the key points about urology:
- Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) (e.g., bladder infections, kidney infections)
- Management of kidney stones (e.g., lithotripsy, surgical removal)
- Treatment of bladder disorders (e.g., overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis)
- Prostate care (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer)
- Management of urinary incontinence (e.g., stress incontinence, urge incontinence)
- Diagnosis and treatment of male reproductive health issues (e.g., erectile dysfunction, infertility)
- Treatment of urologic cancers (e.g., kidney cancer, bladder cancer, testicular cancer)
- Management of congenital abnormalities (e.g., hypospadias, undescended testes)
- Pediatric urology (e.g., vesicoureteral reflux, bedwetting)
- Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia)
- Management of pelvic floor disorders (e.g., pelvic organ prolapse)
- Endourology (e.g., minimally invasive procedures for urinary tract conditions)
- Urodynamic testing (e.g., assessing bladder and urethra function)
- Neuro-urology (e.g., urinary problems related to neurological conditions)
- Renal transplantation (e.g., pre- and post-operative care for kidney transplant patients)
- Management of urethral strictures (e.g., surgical repair)
- Male contraception (e.g., vasectomy)
Urologists use a combination of medical and surgical techniques to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of urological conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for patients with urinary and male reproductive system disorders.
Vascular Surgery (Arteries and Vein Surgery)
Vascular surgery doctors, also known as vascular surgeons, treat a variety of conditions affecting the blood vessels (arteries and veins). Here’s a list of conditions they commonly treat:
- Aneurysms (abnormal bulging of blood vessels)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) (narrowing of the arteries in the legs)
- Carotid artery disease (narrowing of the arteries in the neck)
- Varicose veins and spider veins
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (blood clots in deep veins)
- Chronic venous insufficiency (improper functioning of vein valves)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys)
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Lymphedema (swelling due to lymphatic system blockages)
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of blood vessels in the upper chest)
- Diabetic foot ulcers and other non-healing wounds
- Peripheral venous disease (conditions affecting veins in the extremities)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs)
- Atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries)
- Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
Vascular surgeons perform various procedures to treat these conditions, including endovascular surgery, open surgery, and minimally invasive techniques.