A gerontologist studies the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and societal effects of the aging process on the human body. Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in working with elderly patients. They provide their services to people in nursing homes, senior citizen centers, and other similar facilities.

Medical assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examinations and drawing blood.

Physician assistants provide health care services under a physician’s supervision. They perform tasks that are usually performed by doctors. They conduct physical exams and provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may prescribe medications.

Immunologists are physicians who study the functions and disorders of the immune system. Disorders include asthma, allergies, arthritis, lupus and Crohn’s disease. Career paths include direct patient care or research of diagnoses and treatment options.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who deliver pain-relieving medications during surgical procedures and monitor patients’ vital signs. In addition to working with patients in the operating room, anesthesiologists also provide pain relief services to people who suffer from chronic pain, during labor and delivery, and to patients in the intensive care unit. They work closely with surgeons and other physicians to formulate a treatment plan before, during and after a surgical procedure.

Chiropractors are alternative health care practitioners who diagnose and treat health problems associated with the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems. Chiropractors treat patients primarily by manipulating parts of the body, especially the spinal column. By means of this manipulation, chiropractors try to correct any disorders of the skeleton or spine that may interrupt the flow of nerve impulses to various parts of the body.

Dermatologists are physicians that specialize in the treatment and care of the skin. They diagnose and treat skin conditions related to the scalp, hair and nails.

Family and general practitioners are often called primary care physicians. They diagnose, treat and help prevent disease and injuries. Family practitioners may refer patients to doctors who are experts in certain diseases, called specialists, when further treatment is needed.

Hospitalists provide inpatient care in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers or emergency rooms. They manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.

Internists are physicians who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of disease and injuries of internal organ systems. They provide care mainly for adults who have a wide range of problems associated with the internal organs.

An OB/GYN, or obstetrician and gynecologist, is a type of doctor that specializes in treating female patients. OB/GYNs can act as a woman’s primary doctor, but they also specialize in care related to pregnancies and the reproductive system. OB/GYNs also identify, treat and monitor ailments related to the female anatomy, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, pelvic disorders, urinary tract infections and hormonal disorders.

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in treating and diagnosing ailments of the eye.

Optometrists, or Doctors of optometry, examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Optometrists prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, and contact lenses and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and nonsurgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyles.

Pediatricians diagnose, treat and help prevent children’s diseases and injuries. When children become sick, you diagnose the child and may recommend a treatment plan. Many pediatricians first visit a newborn after he or she is born.

Physiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.), certified as a specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine. Physiatrists are certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in treatment of the feet and ankles. They work with patients to prevent injuries and diagnose and heal existing injuries. Podiatry involves taking x-rays, setting fractures and treating other injuries, as well as prescribing physical therapy and medication.

Sports medicine physicians prescribe treatments for professional and amateur athletes who have become injured. These doctors may work in hospitals and clinics, or with high school, collegiate or professional sports organizations. Specialized training in a sports medicine fellowship program is required.

Surgeons are physicians who treat diseases and injuries by performing surgery. Some surgeries are invasive, and others are minimally-invasive or non-invasive. They examine patients to get information on medical history and surgical risk. They operate on patients to repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases or restore patient’s abilities.

Urologists diagnose, treat and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.