Pathologists also conduct autopsies. Pediatricians care for children from birth through the teen years. A number of them have subspecialties such as pediatric oncology, gastroenterology, perinatal medicine and surgery. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons specialize in surgical procedures that remodel, repair or restore injured or defective body parts, especially the transfer of tissue. Reconstructive surgery involves correcting deformities that occur from birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, injuries and some illnesses.
Cosmetic surgery addresses physical features that a patient finds displeasing.
These specialists also perform hand surgeries and chemical peels. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. Unlike psychologists, these specialists are medical doctors and can prescribe medications such as antidepressants. Pulmonologists are concerned with diseases of the lungs and airway and can diagnose and treat pneumonia, cancer, pleurisy, asthma, occupational diseases, bronchitis, sleep disorders and emphysema. These physicians test lung function, examine the bronchial airways and prescribe and monitor mechanical breathing technology.