The Multitudes of Medicine

Dealing with Doctors

In episode two, we discuss the many specializations of medicine. Dr. Crossnoe uses the example of a tree, with many branches coming off representing the specializations.
Dr. Crossnoe and Dianne first discuss what specialties are considered to be primary care. Dr. Crossnoe suggests that modern medicine could be considered as a tree with two major branches coming off of the trunk, representing the medical and surgical subspecialties. Several other branches representing specialties that don't quite fit in one of these groups also come off of the trunk. Dr. Crossnoe points out that if we consider it this way, we should also consider a smaller tree next to the main tree which represents the pediatric specialties.
Dr. Crossnoe first discusses Family Medicine, which is his own specialty. It is actually one of the newest specialties, effectively replacing General Practice by providing further training for primary care physicians.
Dr. Crossnoe then discusses the first big branch, the medical specialties. He starts with the foundational medical specialty, Internal Medicine. He defines the role of a hospitalist, which is a physician who only sees hospitalized patients. He then quickly summarizes many of the most important of the medical specialties, including Endocrinology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology (GI), Nephrology, Pulmonology, Infectious Disease, Hematology/Oncology, and Rheumatology.
Dr. Crossnoe then reviews the second major branch, the surgical subspecialties. Beginning with General Surgery, he then also summarizes Orthopedic Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Cardiothoracic Surgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, and Neurosurgery.
Dr. Crossnoe then points out that this organization of specialties is really just a way to think about it, there is nothing official about it. The real authority on the specialties is the American Board of Medical Specialties (link above).
Dr. Crossnoe then summarizes the remaining specialties, including OB/Gyn, Anesthesiology, Allergy/Immunology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Emergency Medicine, Pathology, Radiology, and Hospice Medicine. Dianne asks about what the initials D.O. stand for, and how that distinguishes from M.D. Dr. crossnoe explains the difference between osteopathic and allopathic medicine.
The hosts then discuss again the pediatric specialty tree and how it is similar and how it differs from the adult medicine specialties.
Dianne then asks the listeners for questions for specialists, or suggestions on what specialties they might want to hear from, to be sent to their email at [e-mail].
Email address: [e-mail]
Episode Links: ABMS | American Board of Medical Specialties