Interpreters in healthcare settings work with doctors in a variety of specialties. On this page, interpreters can access a variety of resources specific to the specialties they might work in.
In addition, interpreters can also explore resources for specializing in healthcare settings.
The tabs below describe medical specialties and have links to information related to those fields. We will continue to expand that list as the site develops.
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy is the study of the structure of organs and systems. Physiology is the study of the function of organs and systems. These two disciplines provide the foundation for understanding the human body. It is applicable to all of the specialties in the other tabs on this page.
If you want to access more specific information related to a body system or specialty, click on that tab and look at those resources. For instance, if you are interested in the anatomy and physiology of the heart, look in Cardiology.
Cardiology
Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the heart. It looks at how it is structured (anatomy) and functions (physiology) during both times of health and times of disease. It also often includes the vascular system which helps circulate the blood around the body. Topics you might encounter in cardiology include:
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- vascular blockage
- heart attacks/myocardial infarctions
- atrial fibrillation
- angiogram/angioplasty
- angina
- atria and ventricles
- blood vessels (arteries and veins)
Endocrinology
Endocrinology is the field that studies the effects of hormone-producing glands. This includes treating issues related to metabolism and conditions like diabetes. Many of these conditions may also be addressed by someone in internal medicine or a primary care physician.
Some topics you may encounter in this field are:
- diabetes – pancreas – insulin
- ovaries – estrogen
- pituitary gland
- testes – testosterone
- thyroid gland
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the digestive tract. It looks at the structure and function in both health and disease. Some topics that you may encounter in this field are:
- acid reflux/GERD
- cancer (colon, stomach, rectal, pancreatic)
- colonoscopy
- digestion
- EGD (esophogastroduodenoscopy)
- intestines (large and small)
- polyps
- ulcers
Ob-Gyn
Ob-Gyn is an abbreviation of the two medical fields of obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics focuses on the delivering babies or supporting women through the process of childbirth. Gynecology is concerned with the female reproductive system – in both health and disease. Topics that you might expect to encounter in this field are:
- birth plans
- childbirth (different methods: vaginal, cesarean (c-section))
- doulas
- ectopic pregnancy
- in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- labor
- midwives
Oncology
Oncology is the field of medicine concerned with cancer. This includes understanding the growth of tumors and how to treat cancer. In this field, some topics you may encounter are:
- cancer
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- surgery
- survivor
- tumors (benign and malignant)
Orthopedics
Orthopedics is the field of medicine that is concerned with the musculoskeletal system, especially focused on the spine, joints, and muscles. Some topics that you might expect to have discussed in this specialty are:
- diagnostic tests such as X-Ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT-Scan
- fractures
- joint replacement surgery (knees, shoulders, etc.)
- ligaments
- physical therapy
- sprains
- strains
- tendons
Pharmacology/Pharmacy
Pharmacology is the field that studies how a drug interacts within the body. Toxicology is a sub-set of pharmacology that studies what happens when an overdose of a certain substance is taken with negative effects.
Pharmacy is the field that focuses on how to dispense medication so that it will be used appropriately. This field also provides the connection between medications and patients.
Some topics you may encounter in this field are:
- allergy
- commonly medicated conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, anxiety, depression, diabetes
- dosage
- drug interaction
- medications
- prescription
Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine is the field that focuses on caring for and treating unexpected illness or injury. In the United States health care system, this field is often divided into two areas: urgent care and emergency care. Physicians in an emergency department need to be prepared to deal with almost any situation and understand the other medical resources that can be used to address the situation after the emergency is resolved.
Topics that you may expect to encounter in this field are:
- diagnostic procedures (blood tests, CT-scans, EEGs, EKGs, MRIs, X-rays, etc.)
- “frequent flyer”
- mental health
- pain management
- referrals to other physicians (hospitalists, primary care physicians, specialists)
- triage