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Resources for SpecializationInterpreters 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

Anatomical Model of the Human BodyAnatomy 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.

More information on Anatomy More information on Physiology

Cardiology

Graphic of heart and blood vesselsCardiology 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)
More about Cardiology

Endocrinology

Model of the Female Endocrine systemEndocrinology 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
More information on Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Digestive Tract DiagramGastroenterology 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
More on Gastroenterology

Ob-Gyn

Ultrasound of fetusOb-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
More about Ob-Gyn

Oncology

Oncology graphicOncology 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)
More about Oncology

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
More on Orthopedics

Pharmacology/Pharmacy

Samples of medicationsPharmacology 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
More about Pharmacology/Pharmacy

Emergency Medicine

Sign to the Emergency Department at HospitalEmergency 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
More on Emergency Medicine
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