MEDICAL SECRETARY

■ Must have knowledge of many branches of medical practice.

■ Must know what qualifications are required of a physician, and she or he must also know
the areas in which he may specialize.

Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and clinical training
in a specific area of medicine (their specialty area). Examples of medical specialists include
the following:

Addiction Psychiatrist

Addiction psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of people who
have addictions to substances such as alcohol, medicines, or illegal drugs.

Addiction psychiatrists are not recognized as a separate medical sub-specialty but are usually
psychiatrists who are certified through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Canada.

Adolescent Medicine Specialist

Adolescent medicine specialists are doctors (sometimes pediatricians, family doctors, or

internists) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases common
to teenagers.

Allergist (Immunologist)

Allergists (also called immunologists) are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and
treatment of immune system diseases. They treat people who have conditions such as
asthma, eczema, and allergic reactions to food, medicines, insect stings, or environmental
agents such as pollen.

Allergists may specialize in treating certain types of conditions, such as food allergies, or they
may specialize in treating people in certain age groups, such as pediatric allergists, who treat
children. As more is understood about immune system disorders, allergists treat a broader
range of conditions caused by immune system problems.

Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in anesthesiology, which is the medical
science of relieving pain and managing the body's vital functions, such as breathing,
heartbeat, circulation, temperature, and consciousness.

An anesthesiologist may administer medicine that numbs the area of the body where a
procedure is being performed (regional anesthesia) or make sure a person is unconscious and
pain-free during a procedure (general anesthesia). An anesthesiologist may also supervise an
anesthesia assistant. Anesthesiologists can further specialize in areas such as critical care
medicine, pain management, pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, or obstetric
anesthesia.

Cardiac Electrophysiologist

Cardiac electrophysiologists are cardiology doctors (cardiologists) who have specialized

training in the heart's electrical system. They specialize in diagnosing and treating heart
rhythm problems (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation.
Cardiologist

Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
or conditions of the heart and blood vessels, such as irregular heart rhythms, high blood
pressure, heart failure, or heart attacks.

Cardiologists administer tests that show how well a person's heart is working, such as a
treadmill test (exercise electrocardiogram). And they perform certain treatment procedures.
They can further specialize in interventional cardiology (the use of mechanical treatment
methods, such as angioplasty) or electrophysiology (treatments involving the heart's electrical
system). Also, they may specialize in treating specific age groups, such as a pediatric
cardiologist, who only treats children.

Cardiovascular Surgeon

Cardiovascular surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery of the heart and blood
vessels. They typically perform heart surgeries and treat people who have a blockage in the
blood vessels leading to the heart (coronary artery disease) or problems with heart valves.
They may also do certain thoracic (chest and lung) surgeries.

Cardiovascular surgeons may further specialize in treating people of specific age groups, such
as pediatric cardiovascular surgeons, who only treat children and often treat heart problems
related to birth defects.

Colorectal Surgeon

Colorectal surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery of the colon and rectum.

Colorectal surgeons can diagnose and treat diseases such as colon cancer, inflammatory
bowel diseases including colitis and regional enteritis (Crohn's disease), and hemorrhoids.
They may also perform diagnostic procedures, such as sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Critical Care Medicine Specialist

Critical care medicine specialists (also called intensivists) are medical doctors who specialize
in the care of people who are in an intensive care unit (ICU).

In some areas, when a person is very ill and has to spend time in an ICU, he or she is cared
for by a critical care medicine specialist. After the person is transferred out of the ICU to a
regular hospital unit, another doctor or health professional assumes care.

Most critical care specialists are respirologists (specializing in lung disease), cardiologists
(specializing in heart disease), or neurologists (specializing in brain and nerve diseases).
Critical care specialists may also first specialize in another area of medicine (such as
anesthesiology, internal medicine, or pediatrics) and then hold a sub-specialist certificate in
critical care medicine.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and
conditions of the skin, hair, or nails, such as acne, psoriasis, warts, or skin cancer.

Dermatologists may prescribe medicines as well as perform surgery for skin disorders. They
may specialize in treating specific age groups, such as a pediatric dermatologist, who only
treats children.
Developmental Pediatrician

Developmental pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and
treatment of children with behaviour, communication, or mental problems. These include
cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, failure to
thrive, and intellectual disability.

Osteopathic Physician (DO)

Osteopathic physicians (also called doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs) are doctors who
base diagnosis and treatment on the theory that the body's systems are interconnected. They
combine disease prevention and health maintenance with conventional medicine. DOs often
use a treatment called manipulation or manual medicine, which is a hands-on approach that
may include massage or pressure on an area of the body.

DOs can prescribe medicine, order medical tests, and perform surgery. They serve as primary
care providers, provide care in hospital settings, and may become certified in a specialty, such
as anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology, or general surgery. Currently, there are no
osteopathic medical schools in Canada and DOs have received their training in other countries,
such as the United States.

Osteopathic physicians complete osteopathic medical school, followed by an internship and

residency program. Accreditation of colleges of osteopathic medicine is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Emergency Medicine Specialist

Emergency medicine specialists, commonly called ER doctors, are medical doctors who
specialize in emergency care. They can diagnose and treat many medical emergencies and
can refer people to other health professionals for further treatment.

Emergency medicine specialists may further specialize in one area of medicine, such as sports
medicine, or they may only treat children (pediatric emergency medicine specialists).

Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
of the endocrine glands, which regulate hormones.

Endocrinologists are internists who have additional training in endocrinology. They often treat
diabetes and thyroid disorders. They may further specialize in treating specific age groups,
such as pediatric endocrinologists, who only treat children.

Family Doctor

Family doctors, also called family practice physicians or family medicine physicians, are
medical doctors who specialize in the total health care of the individual and the family. After
four years of medical school, they complete an additional three-year residency program.

Family doctors can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions and diseases for males
and females of all ages. They may further specialize in another area of medicine, such as the
care of older adults (geriatric medicine) or people who have sports injuries (sports medicine).

Forensic Pathologist

Forensic pathologists are medical doctors who examine tissue samples and perform autopsies
to find clues about the cause of death when crimes are suspected.
Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases of the digestive system, such as hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and
colon or rectal cancer.

Gastroenterologists may perform many specialized tests, such as endoscopy, to diagnose or

treat diseases. When necessary, they may consult with surgeons. Gastroenterologists may
further specialize in treating people in certain age groups, such as pediatric
gastroenterologists, who only treat children.

Geriatric Medicine Specialist

Geriatric medicine specialists (also called geriatricians) are generally family doctors or
internists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of older
adults. Geriatric medicine specialists can diagnose and treat many medical and surgical
problems and can refer people to other specialists.

Gynecologist

Gynecologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat diseases of the female reproductive
system.

Gynecologists perform surgeries, such as removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and ovaries
(oophorectomy) and also can provide routine care, such as Pap smears or breast
examinations. Gynecologists may also practice obstetrics (the management of pregnancy).
They may further specialize in gynecologic oncology (the care and treatment of women with
cancers of the reproductive organs) or reproductive endocrinology (the care and treatment of
women and men who have infertility problems).

Gynecologic Oncologist

Gynecologic oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of
women who have cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina (reproductive organs).

Hand Surgeon

Hand surgeons are orthopedic surgeons (medical doctors who specialize in bone, muscle, and
joint surgery) or plastic surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hand
problems and injuries.

Hematologist

Hematologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
of the blood and blood system, such as anemia, blood-clotting disorders, and leukemia.
Hematologists may also order blood transfusions, diagnose blood disorders, and perform
procedures such as bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Hepatologist

Hepatologists are gastroenterology doctors who further specialize in the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. They likely have also
completed additional study in the area of liver transplantation. Hepatologists may perform
many specialized tests to diagnose liver disease or obtain liver biopsies.
 Hospitalist

Hospitalists are medical doctors who specialize in hospital care, providing treatment in place
of a primary care physician. They usually are general internists, family doctors, respirologists,
or other specialists.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Specialist

Hospice and palliative medicine specialists are medical doctors who help prevent and relieve
suffering of patients who have a serious illness or who have only a short time left to live. They
work with a team of other professionals to address the needs of both the patient and loved
ones.

These specialists can help with relieving symptoms, coordinating care, making legal and
ethical decisions, and handling issues around death and dying. They can be certified in internal
medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, and other specialties.

Hyperbaric Physician

Hyperbaric physicians are medical doctors who specialize in hyperbaric medicine. They use
hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to treat conditions such as decompression illness and
carbon monoxide poisoning.

The word hyperbaric means making or using a higher pressure—of oxygen, for example—
than is normally found in the air around us.

Hyperbaric medicine is not currently recognized as an official specialty by the Royal College
of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. But hyperbaric physicians in Canada may be certified
through other organizations, such as the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.

Infectious Disease Specialist

Infectious disease specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and
treatment of complex infections. They also treat people who have long-term (chronic)
infections or disorders such as HIV or tuberculosis.

Infectious disease specialists may further specialize in treating people in certain age groups,
such as pediatric infectious disease specialists, who only treat children.

Internist

An internist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of adults.

Internists can further specialize in areas such as:

 Adolescent medicine (conditions and diseases common to teenagers).

 Allergy, or immunology (immune system diseases).
 Cardiology (diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels).
 Endocrinology (diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate hormones).
 Gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive system).
 Geriatric medicine (conditions and diseases in older adults).
 Hematology (diseases of the blood and blood system).
 Infectious disease (complex infections).
 Nephrology (diseases of the kidney and urinary system).
 Oncology (cancer).
 Respirology (lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and pneumonia).
 Rheumatology (immune system diseases and diseases of the joints).
 Sports medicine (the treatment of injuries to the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, or ligaments that result
from physical activity).
Interventional Cardiologist

Interventional cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical or

invasive procedures—such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting—to diagnose
and treat heart disease.

Medical Examiner

A medical examiner is a public official who investigates deaths defined by law as being
important to the public health and welfare. These typically include deaths thought to be from
other than natural causes but also may include sudden and unexpected deaths determined
later at autopsy to be from natural disease or deaths in people who were not under the
immediate care of a doctor at the time of death.

Different from coroners, medical examiners must be doctors, and many are certified in the
specialty of forensic pathology and have expertise in doing autopsies. They are usually
appointed to the position.

Medical Geneticist

Medical geneticists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of
genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and hemophilia. They treat
patients with a family history of a disease that may be genetic and provide genetic counselling
to people before they have children.

Neonatologist

A neonatologist is a pediatric medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment
of disorders in newborns. Neonatologists are usually consultants and work in neonatal
intensive care units, providing care for premature infants or those born with infections or
other health problems.

Nephrologist

Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
of the kidney and urinary system, such as inflammation of the kidneys, chronic kidney disease,
or cancer.

Nephrologists may further specialize in treating certain age groups, such as pediatric
nephrologists, who only treat children. Nephrologists may consult with people for short-term
illnesses or procedures, such as for a kidney biopsy. Or they may care for people who have
long-term (chronic) kidney problems or who are on dialysis.

Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery of the brain, spinal column, and
nervous system.

A person may see a neurosurgeon for a problem such as a pinched nerve in the back or neck,
a brain tumour, or damage to the brain or spine from an injury. A neurosurgeon may specialize
in the treatment of one area of the body, such as the spinal column, or in the treatment of
certain age groups. One example is a pediatric neurosurgeon, who only treats children.

Neurologist
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of brain, spinal
cord, and nervous system diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease,
headaches, stroke, or injury.

A neurologist can order or interpret tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), or lumbar puncture to diagnose problems and may conduct tests
to evaluate how well a nerve or muscle is working. A neurologist can prescribe medicines to
treat diseases or may refer a person to another specialist if needed.

Nuclear Medicine Specialist

Nuclear medicine specialists are medical doctors who use radioactive medicines for diagnosis
and treatment of certain problems.

Common nuclear medicine tests include bone scans, lung perfusion scans, and HIDA scans
for gallbladder function.

Obstetrician

Obstetricians (also called OBs) are medical doctors who specialize in the care of pregnant
women, from the time of conception through delivery and the period following delivery
(postpartum). Most obstetricians are also gynecologists who diagnose and treat diseases of
the female reproductive system and provide care for women when they are not pregnant.

An obstetrician can further specialize in perinatology (maternal-fetal medicine), which focuses

on high-risk pregnancies, testing, and fetal development. Or an obstetrician may specialize in
reproductive endocrinology and infertility (care of women who have hormonal or fertility
problems).

Occupational Medicine Specialist

Occupational medicine specialists are medical doctors who specialize in helping organizations
maintain a safe and healthy workplace and provide care for injured workers and assist them
in getting back to work.

Medical Oncologist

Medical oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of
cancer. They may be involved in determining the type and extent of cancer and providing
treatments such as chemotherapy.

After treatment, oncologists provide follow-up care to monitor the progress of people who
have had cancer and resume care for them if their cancer returns. Medical oncologists may
further specialize in treating certain types of cancers or treating specific age groups, such as
pediatric oncologists, who only treat children.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye
problems, diseases, and injuries.

Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and
glaucoma; prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses; treat eye injuries; and perform eye
surgeries, such as cataract removal, glaucoma correction, or LASIK surgery. Ophthalmologists
may further specialize in care of the retina (retina specialist) or in the care of children with
eye problems (pediatric ophthalmologist).
Oral Surgeon (Maxillofacial Surgeon)

Oral surgeons (also called maxillofacial surgeons) are dentists who specialize in surgery of
the mouth and jaw.

Oral surgeons treat and reconstruct areas of the face, head, or neck after an injury or surgery.
They prepare the jaw for denture construction, and they treat temporomandibular (TMD) joint
problems. Also, they perform cosmetic surgery and treat birth defects (such as cleft lip and
palate) or growth disturbances of the jaw.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in bone, muscle, and joint surgery.
This includes corrective procedures, such as removing torn cartilage or replacing a joint.

Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in specific areas such as shoulder surgery, hand surgery,
or joint replacement.

Osteopathic Physician (DO)

Osteopathic physicians (also called doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs) are doctors who
base diagnosis and treatment on the theory that the body's systems are interconnected. They
combine disease prevention and health maintenance with conventional medicine. DOs often
use a treatment called manipulation or manual medicine, which is a hands-on approach that
may include massage or pressure on an area of the body.

DOs can prescribe medicine, order medical tests, and perform surgery. They serve as primary
care providers, provide care in hospital settings, and may become certified in a specialty, such
as anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology, or general surgery. Currently, there are no
osteopathic medical schools in Canada and DOs have received their training in other countries,
such as the United States.

Osteopathic physicians complete osteopathic medical school, followed by an internship and

residency program. Accreditation of colleges of osteopathic medicine is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (Otolaryngologist)

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis
and treatment of diseases or conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. They may also be called
otolaryngologists (say "oh-toh-lair-un-GAWL-uh-jists") or head and neck surgeons.

ENT doctors perform surgery for sinus and sleep problems, remove tonsils and tumours, help
with hearing and balance problems, and more. Some ENT doctors also do cosmetic and
reconstructive surgery (plastic surgery).

Pain Management Specialist

Pain management specialists are medical doctors who specialize in treatment of people who
have ongoing (chronic) pain, such as back pain or nerve pain from diabetes. Medical doctors
from many different specialties, such as anesthesiology, neurology, or physiatry, might
further specialize in pain management.

Pathologist

Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the examination of tissue and blood
samples to diagnose disease and who perform autopsies.
 Pathologists analyze and evaluate all tissues removed from people by such procedures as
surgery or biopsy. They also are in charge of the clinical laboratories that analyze blood and
body fluid samples. For example, when a person has a mole removed or has a Pap test, a
pathologist examines the specimen to determine the diagnosis. Treatment decisions are often
made based on the pathology report.

Pediatrician

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of children.

Pediatricians can treat children who have any type of problem, or they may specialize in
specific areas, such as:

 Adolescent medicine (conditions and diseases common to teenagers).

 Cardiology (diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels).
 Developmental disorders (behaviour, communication, and mental disorders in children).
 Endocrinology (diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate hormones).
 Gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive system).
 Infectious disease (complex infections).
 Nephrology (diseases of the kidney and urinary system).
 Oncology (cancer).
Perinatologist

Perinatologists, also known as maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists, are medical doctors
who specialize in high-risk pregnancies, maternal and fetal testing, and fetal therapy.

Perinatologists can be consultants or primary care providers during a pregnancy. They may
provide medical care throughout a pregnancy, particularly if there is a higher risk of
complications, an ongoing (chronic) medical condition, or a multiple pregnancy. In addition
to a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, a perinatologist has 2 or 3 years of maternal-
fetal medicine training.

Physiatrist

Physiatrists (say "fih-zee-AT-rists") are medical doctors who specialize in helping people
regain function after surgery, a stroke, or an injury. They may also help people who have
issues such as controlling pain or regaining strength. Physiatrists are also called physical
medicine and rehabilitation doctors.

A physiatrist often leads a team of health professionals that may include physiotherapists,
occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers, all of whom work together to
improve a person's recovery.

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery that improves a person's
appearance, surgery for a birth defect such as cleft palate, or surgery following an injury or
the removal of cancer, such as breast implant surgery after breast removal (mastectomy).

Plastic surgeons can further specialize in hand surgery.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental
health problems, such as depression. They provide counselling and can prescribe medicines
to treat mental illness.
 Psychiatrists may further specialize in specific areas, such as addiction psychiatry, or in
treating specific age groups, such as adolescents.

Radiation Oncologist

Radiation oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in using radiation therapy to treat
people who have cancer. Most people are referred to a radiation oncologist by their primary
doctors after a diagnosis of cancer. And they see the radiation oncologist at his or her office
or in a hospital or extended-care facility.

Radiologist

Radiologists are doctors who do imaging tests, like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs. They may
also supervise people who perform tests like barium enemas or CT scans.

 Diagnostic radiologists diagnose diseases. They look at the test results and report findings to your other
doctors.
 Interventional radiologists treat diseases. They use imaging tests to guide catheters inside the body.
Catheters can deliver stents to unblock tubes or blood vessels. They can also place medicine directly into
specific areas, such as tumours.
Reproductive Endocrinologist

Reproductive endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating
infertility and other reproductive or hormonal disorders. For example, they can help men and
women find out why a woman can't get pregnant.

Respirologist (Pulmonologist)

Respirologists, sometimes referred to as pulmonologists, are medical doctors who further

specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease, such as asthma, emphysema, or
pneumonia. Respirologists perform tests to check how well a person is breathing. And they
may use procedures such as bronchoscopy to diagnose a breathing problem.

Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases of the joints.

Rheumatologists may further specialize in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other
rheumatic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.

Sleep Disorders Specialist

Sleep disorders specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and surgical
and non-surgical treatment of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring.

Spinal Cord Injury Specialist

Spinal cord injury specialists are rehabilitation doctors (physiatrists) who specialize in the
diagnosis and treatment of people who have spinal cord injuries. A person is referred to a
spinal cord injury specialist because of spinal cord disease or a spinal cord injury.

Sports Medicine Specialist

Sports medicine specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of people
who have injuries to their bones, muscles, joints, tendons, or ligaments that result from
physical activity. Such injuries may include cartilage tears, ligament ruptures of the knee,
and shoulder or knee problems.

Sports medicine specialists may be doctors in emergency medicine, family medicine, or

internal medicine. Or they may be pediatricians who further specialize in sports medicine.
Orthopedic surgeons also often specialize in sports medicine.

Surgeon

Surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in evaluating people who have potential
surgical problems and performing surgical operations and techniques.

Common surgeries include hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, and removal of the
appendix. There are many sub-specialties in surgery, including chest (thoracic) surgery,
blood vessel (vascular) surgery, and plastic surgery. Surgeons may further specialize by
limiting their practice to specific age groups, such as pediatric surgeons, who only treat
children.

Thoracic Surgeon

Thoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in chest, heart, and lung surgery.
Thoracic surgeons may further specialize in one area, such as heart surgery or lung surgery,
or in a sub-specialty of that area, such as coronary artery bypass surgery.

Urologist

Urologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of
the urinary system in men and women and disorders of the male reproductive system.

Urologists can prescribe medicines, perform surgery, and treat urination problems, such as
problems holding urine (incontinence) and tumours or stones in the urinary system. They
treat problems of the male reproductive system, such as impotence (erectile dysfunction).
Urogynecologists specialize in treating urinary problems involving the female reproductive
system. And pediatric urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating urinary problems in
children.

Vascular Surgeon

Vascular surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, medical
management, and surgical treatment of diseases of the blood vessels (vascular disease).