Emergency medicine specialists treat trauma victims and people in need of emergency care. They give the immediate care necessary to prevent death or disability caused by an accident or acute illness. These specialists treat patients with disorders such as diabetes, thyroid problems and growth disorders. Family practitioners are trained in several basic disciplines including internal medicine, disease prevention, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, general surgery and psychiatry. They place special emphasis on the care of families and refer patients to specialists and community resources, such as support groups, when appropriate.
Family doctors diagnose and treat the majority of common illnesses and injuries.
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, bowels, liver, gallbladder and related organs. These specialists perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are needed. Geneticists are experts or specialists in genetics. Common genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, neural tube defects and Tay-Sachs disease. Gynecologists are physicians who have completed advanced training in female reproductive disorders.