Areas of Specialization

Orthopedic Surgery, also commonly referred to as Orthopedics, is a branch of surgery that deals with the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and even the skin. A person who specializes in Orthopedic Surgery is known as an Orthopedic Surgeon or Orthopedist.

An orthopedic surgeon or orthopedist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. He or she uses both non-surgical and surgical methods of treatment to provide relief to individuals suffering from injuries, fractures, infections, degenerative diseases, and other health issues that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Spine surgery is a surgical procedure to treat conditions of the spine such as structural abnormalities, infections, trauma, tumors, malformations, and degenerative spine conditions like stenosis and herniated discs. Spine surgery can be performed either by open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.

Your surgeon may recommend spine surgery when conservative treatment such as medications and physical therapy have failed to relieve pain and other associated symptoms of spine conditions, such as:

• Spinal fracture
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Disc injuries
• Disc herniation
• Spinal arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Enlargement of the nearby ligament
• Spinal degenerative problems

Pain is an unpleasant feeling or discomfort caused by injury, illness, or emotional disorder. Pain can be differentiated into two basic types: acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is a type of pain that usually lasts less than 3 to 6 months. It typically comes on suddenly and is sharp in nature, such as after accidental trauma or surgery. Chronic pain is pain lasting beyond six months secondary to a condition affecting either a specific part of the body or the whole body.

Pain management involves the treatment of the underlying condition and pain relief using medications and alternative techniques. Pain management is mainly focused on alleviating your pain and enabling you to carry out your day-to-day activities in a normal way. Pain can be treated in a variety of ways and depends on the type of pain being experienced by the patient. Pain management provides various treatment options to overcome different types of pain. The treatment options may include medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and psychological counseling, among others.

Physical therapy (PT) is an exercise program that helps you improve movement, relieve pain, encourage blood flow for faster healing, and restore your physical function and fitness level. The main goal of physical therapy is to make your daily activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, or climbing stairs easier. It can be prescribed as an individual treatment program or combined with other treatments. Physical therapy is usually ordered to help you recover after certain surgeries, injuries and long-term health problems such as arthritis.

A physical therapist will examine your symptoms and activity level, and create a treatment plan which primarily focuses on reducing your pain and swelling. The different procedures used by your PT depend on your specific physical complaints. It may incorporate a combination of education, manual therapy, exercise techniques and physical modalities.

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin, hair, and nail disorders. Dermatologists, also known as skin specialists, treat a wide range of conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, hair loss, nail disorders, and more.

You should see a dermatologist if you have persistent or severe skin problems such as rashes, itching, skin discoloration, moles that change in size or color, hair loss, or any concerning changes in your skin, hair, or nails. Generally, it is recommended to see a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin check-up.

Emergency medicine is a critical specialty focused on the immediate diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute illnesses and injuries. Physicians in this field are trained to provide rapid and effective care for patients with a wide range of conditions, from life-threatening traumas and heart attacks to less severe but urgent medical issues. Emergency medicine specialists often work in fast-paced environments, such as emergency departments, urgent care centers, and in pre-hospital settings like ambulances or air medical services. Their primary goal is to stabilize patients, manage pain, and determine the next steps for treatment, whether it involves hospital admission, surgery, or discharge with appropriate follow-up care.

Firefighters and paramedics play a crucial role in providing frontline medical services during emergencies, offering life-saving care at the scene and during transport to medical facilities. Paramedics are trained in medical procedures such as administering medications, performing intubations, and managing cardiac emergencies, while firefighters receive training to assist in trauma care, rescue operations, and disaster response. These professionals work under high-pressure conditions, responding to a wide range of situations, including accidents, medical crises, fires, and natural disasters. Their ability to stabilize patients, provide critical care, and ensure safe transport for timely hospital-based care.

Neurological surgery or neurosurgery deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The branch focuses on all types of pathology including infection-related, acquired, congenital, trauma, and degenerative.

Although neurosurgery is basically a surgical specialty, it requires knowledge of neurology, trauma care, critical care, and radiology. A considerable number of patients seen by the neurosurgeon are treated with non-surgical alternatives such as medical, physical, or minimally invasive interventional therapies. Neurosurgeons are closely connected with neurologists in that both need specialized knowledge of the nervous system. While neurosurgeons and neurologists both diagnose and treat neurological conditions, only neurosurgeons can perform surgery.

General surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical management of a wide range of conditions affecting any part of your body. A doctor specializing in general surgery is called a general surgeon and is usually an integral part of your entire preoperative and postoperative care.

A general surgeon has extensive knowledge in physiology, anatomy, pathology, nutrition, immunology, wound healing, intensive care, etc., and experience in nine primary components of surgery which include:

• Head and neck
• Endocrine system
• Alimentary tract 
• Vascular system
• Skin, breasts, and soft tissue
• Abdomen and its organs
• Surgical oncology
• Trauma
• Critical illnesses

Some of the common conditions treated by a general surgeon include hernia, inflammation of the colon, gallstones, pancreatic diseases, acid reflux, bowel obstructions, appendicitis, vascular injuries, birth defects, cancers, and damage to other organs.

Trauma surgery is a medical specialization dedicated to the surgical management of critical injuries resulting from accidents, violence, or other acute incidents. Trauma surgeons are skilled in addressing life-threatening conditions such as severe bleeding, organ damage, and complex fractures, often requiring immediate intervention in emergency settings. Their expertise spans a wide range of procedures, including exploratory surgery, vascular repair, and damage control techniques aimed at stabilizing patients and preventing further complications. Working closely with emergency medicine teams and critical care specialists, trauma surgeons operate in high-pressure environments, making rapid decisions to save lives. They also focus on post-operative care, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery, ensuring that patients achieve the best possible outcomes after traumatic events.

Colorectal surgery is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Colorectal surgeons manage a wide range of conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse. These specialists are trained in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, which reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. Colorectal surgeons also perform screenings, such as colonoscopies, to detect and prevent conditions like colorectal cancer. Their expertise extends to managing complex cases or complications from prior surgeries, providing comprehensive care that addresses both functional and structural concerns within the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Neurology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves). The nervous system controls all other body organs and systems, so a neurologist needs to be trained in the management of neurodevelopmental disorders, autonomic disorders, neurophysiology, child neurology, geriatric neurology, neuro-oncology, headaches and pain medicine.

A neurologist treats infections of the nervous system (meningitis and encephalitis), seizure disorders (epilepsy), headaches(migraines) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease). Their goal is to properly diagnose and treat neurological conditions to relieve symptoms produced by these conditions including pain, problems with coordination, muscle weakness and loss of sensation.

Your neurologist is trained in interpreting results of:

• Neurological examinations to assess muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination, sensation, speech, memory, and cognition
• Diagnostic procedures such as electromyography (assess muscles), nerve conduction studies (assess nerves), lumbar puncture (study spinal fluid for infection, cancer, bleeding or inflammation), electroencephalography (study of the electrical activity of the brain), neurosonography (ultrasound of the nervous system), in addition to CT, MRI, and PET scans.

Internal medicine is a medical specialty in which doctors use scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to diagnose and treat adults with a wide range of health problems. An internist is a medical doctor who specializes in this field and deals with a wide range of conditions that affect the body's organs. A key difference from family practitioners is that internists only treat adults.

Internists provide treatment for: 

• Acute health conditions such as flu, strep throat, common cold, and pneumonia
• Arthritis and rheumatic conditions 
• Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
• Cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease
• Respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer
• Digestive problems such as gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric ulcers.
• Immunologic disorders such as asthma and allergies 
• Infectious diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis
• Thyroid disorders 
• Neurologic conditions such as migraines and multiple sclerosis 
• Mental health disorders

Rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Rheumatologists care for patients with a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders. These specialists are trained to identify complex and often chronic conditions that may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or deformity, using advanced diagnostic tools such as blood tests, imaging studies, and physical examinations. Rheumatology also involves the management of systemic diseases that may affect multiple organs, requiring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. With advancements in therapies, such as biologics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), rheumatologists help patients achieve improved quality of life and long-term disease control.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) also called physiatry, is a medical specialty that specializes in the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of people with functional impairment due to injury, disorder, or disease. It is one of the latest subspecialties in the field of medicine that manages a wide variety of conditions involving the musculoskeletal system and nervous system, while also focusing on the patient’s independence, function, and quality of life.

PMR specialists or physiatrists provide care focused on recovery of the whole person by addressing the individual’s emotional, physical, vocational, medical, and social needs. They are specifically qualified to:

• Diagnose and treat pain or disability arising out of an illness, injury, or disease
• Optimize patient care by leading a team of medical professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc.

A chiropractor, also known as “doctor of chiropractic”, is a healthcare professional who uses their hands to relieve pain in various areas of the body, especially the spine.

Chiropractic medicine is based on the belief that misalignments in the spinal joints interfere with the nervous system resulting in lower resistance to diseases and disorders of the nerves, muscles, and organs. They work on the principle of a manual, hands-on manipulation technique to adjust imbalances and misalignments in the joints, especially in the spinal column.

Chiropractic doctors usually diagnose and treat problems that are associated with the body’s muscular, nervous and skeletal systems. They use this natural healing method to treat a variety of maladies in the musculoskeletal system.

Wound care is a medical specialty focused on the evaluation, treatment, and management of acute and chronic wounds to promote healing and prevent complications. Specialists in wound care address a variety of conditions, including diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, venous stasis ulcers, surgical wounds, and traumatic injuries. This field combines expertise in assessing the underlying causes of wounds, such as poor circulation or infection, with advanced treatment modalities like debridement, skin grafting, negative pressure wound therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Wound care specialists work closely with multidisciplinary teams to optimize healing, manage pain, and improve patient outcomes, particularly for individuals with complex medical conditions that hinder the natural healing process.

Dentistry is the branch of medicine focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Dentists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, which is essential for overall well-being. They provide a wide range of services, including routine checkups, cleanings, cavity fillings, and more advanced procedures such as root canals, crowns, and dental implants. Dentistry also encompasses cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening and veneers, aimed at improving the appearance of a patient’s smile. Preventive care, including patient education on proper oral hygiene and dietary habits, is an important part of dentistry, helping to reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.

In addition to general dentistry, the field includes various subspecialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. These specialties address more specific needs, such as correcting misaligned teeth, treating gum disease, replacing missing teeth, or managing complex oral and maxillofacial conditions. Advances in technology, such as digital imaging, 3D printing, and laser dentistry, have enhanced the precision and effectiveness of dental treatments.

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. You should see a psychiatrist if you are experiencing persistent mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications and treat mental health disorders.

A diagnosis is made through patient interviews, diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5), and sometimes lab tests or imaging to rule out physical causes. Treatments can include medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics), psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle counseling, and other interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Psychology is the study of the human mind and its effect on behavior. It includes a set of protocols that evaluate, treat and resolve mental illness, abnormal behavior, emotional disturbance and psychosocial difficulties.

A psychologist or psychotherapist usually treats psychological conditions using psychotherapy which involves a personal interaction with the patient to explore behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are disturbing the patient mentally and emotionally and providing suitable treatment. Psychotherapy helps a person to learn how to take control of one’s life and react to challenging circumstances with better coping skills.

Neuropsychology is a branch of neurology (the study of the brain) and psychology (the study of mind) that studies how the nervous system and brain affect the functioning of an individual on a daily basis. It is the study of the brain's cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and language.

Neuropsychologists try to understand the function of the brain and its connection to behaviors and thoughts. They can help to establish a diagnosis of a condition, its severity, and the degree of impairment that the condition is causing by conducting specific tests and evaluations. Conditions that may be evaluated and treated include learning problems, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, dementia, seizure disorders and epilepsy.

A lifecare planner works with physicians to create a lifecare plan which summarizes the patient’s future medical care needs related to the dispute. This commonly lists medications, durable medical equipment, doctor follow up visits, tests, imaging studies, therapy, etc. and based on life expectancy, a price tag for all of this.

Medical bill review is a process used to evaluate, analyze, and verify healthcare bills to ensure their accuracy, appropriateness, and that they are within reasonable and customary charges. This process is commonly utilized by insurance companies, healthcare providers, employers, and patients to reduce errors, prevent overcharges, and manage healthcare costs effectively