Specialists are doctors who have obtained more than a basic knowledge of a disease, illness, or condition. Once your family physician has diagnosed you with certain conditions, he will recommend a specialist that can treat that specific disease, illness, or condition. The specialist's knowledge goes beyond that of a general physician in a particular area.
Significance
Your family physician oversees most of your health problems--checkups, common colds, minor aches and pains, and minor illnesses. Once your physician detects the possibility of a major illness or disease, and has performed tests to reach a diagnosis, you are often referred to a specialist, a medical doctor who concentrates on one specific area of medicine. A specialist has received advanced education and training in his/her specific area of interest. By specializing in a certain area, a specialist is able to give you the most advanced treatment.
In many cases, your general physician and the specialist will work hand-in-hand to provide you with the best medical care for your specific needs. Your general physician concentrates on maintaining your general health while the specialist concentrates on your specific illness. As medicine advances, more doctors are specializing in specific diseases and illnesses. For major health issues, you will often have a team of doctors working together to provide you with the most beneficial treatments.
Identification
Some common areas in which a physician may specialize include:
* Gynecology: Gynecologists specialize in the care and treatment of the female reproductive system. A gynecologist provides routine checkups such as mammograms and pap smears, as well as diagnosing and treating diseases pertaining to the female reproductive system. A gynecologist also performs surgeries such as hysterectomies (removal of the uterus). Some gynecologist also specialize in treating cancers associated with the female reproductive system.
* Obstetrician: Obstetricians specialize in the management of pregnancies. Often, doctors specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology. An obstetrician often provides care before, during, and after a pregnancy. Some obstetricians specialize in a more focused area such as high-risk pregnancies and fertility issues.
* Otolaryngologist: More commonly known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, an Otolaryngologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses associated with the ear, nose, and throat. This could include the treatment of tonsils, sinuses, fluid on the ear, and sleep apnea. An Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT) often performs surgeries to remove or correct the problem.
* Allergist: Allergists specialize in illnesses and diseases that pertain to the immune system. Some of the specific areas that an allergist concentrates on are the treatment of asthma, food allergies, allergic reactions to insect bites and medication, and environmental allergies such as dust and pollen. An allergist may also treat skin allergies such as eczema.
* Cardiologist: Cardiologists specialize in illnesses and diseases associated with the blood vessels and heart. A cardiologist treats heart attacks, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, angina and irregular heartbeat.
Evolution
The move toward more specialized medicine began in the 1800s. During the 19th century, most physicians were general physicians, some even traveling from place to place to meet the needs of an ever-expanding United States. Established towns often had a general physician who treated people of all ages and any disease or illness. As more knowledge became available, the need for specialized physicians grew. As time passed, more education became available.
As the population of America grew and more large cities were settled, the need for physicians became greater. The American Medical Association was was established in 1847 as part of a movement to raise the level of medical education and care in the United States.
However, it wasn't until the 20th century that advances in science allowed the allowed progression toward specialized medicine. In the past fifty years, this progression has increased to the point that the general physician is rare. An ever-increasing world population demands an ever-increasing need for medical care and today most physicians specialize in one specific area.
Geography
While the United States is known as one of the world leaders in many things, the desire to create a more specialized health care system did not actually peak in America until after the Civil War. The move toward specialization in medicine began in the 1840's in France, followed by Vienna in the 1850s. And, although a small group in America, including Nathan Smith Davis, founder of the American Medical Association, were pushing for specialization, the progression toward specialized medicine did not begin until after the Civil War. The interest in specialized medicine in America was sparked by the experiences of physicians during the Civil War, the rapid growth of large cities, and the excitement of physicians returning from medical training in Europe.
Benefits
The benefits of utilizing the further education and specialized training of a medical specialist are many. While your regular physician can take care of most of your health problems, the education and training of a health specialist provides the added benefit of knowing that he/she can provide the best treatment for your specific illness or disease. Since your health covers such a vast area, it would be impossible for every doctor to learn treat every disease or illness known. By specializing in a specific area, a doctor is able to learn more about the illness or disease, and is able to provide a higher level of treatment in conjunction with your regular doctor.
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