Top medical specialisations

Medicine can be simply defined as the applied science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness to restore health which involves variety of health care practices.

Over the years, the study of medicine has evolved significantly with the advancement of technology and new ideas. Earlier, a general practitioner used to handle most of the diagnosis and treatments. Now, it has been segregated into various branches which are handled by respective specialists in that field. Specialties in different branches of medicine is also driven by the emergence of new ailments which require expert knowledge for diagnosis and treatment.

The study of medicine is very complex as it has been divided into various sub-specialties and super-specialties. Nevertheless, the diversity offers excellent career opportunities for medical aspirants. Here are some of the most popular medical specialties that one can pursue:

1.  Radiology: Radiology is one of the most sought after medical specialties and it deals with the use of imaging technologies. One who specializes in this field is called a Radiologist. He/she uses x-ray, computed tomography (CT), radionuclides, ultrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and other image-guided intervention while studying and treating diseases. The field has been divided into various sub-specialties, namely, neuro-radiology, nuclear radiology, pediatric radiology and vascular and interventional radiology. (Read more)
2. Anesthesiology:   An anesthesiologist or an anesthetist assists in the surgical process making it as painless for the patient as possible. Anesthesiology is a medical specialty which focuses on administering pain-killing drugs during surgery in the operating room. Pain Management is a sub-specialty within this field and it helps in managing chronic (continuous) pain in patients with prescription medication, injections, or other therapeutic methods. (Read more)
3. Emergency Medicine: It is one of the youngest medical specialties in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. It comprises large amount of general medicine and surgery including the surgical sub-specialties. In India, Emergency Medicine has been recognized as a separate specialty by Medical Council of India (MCI). (Read more)
4. Cardiology: Cardiology involves diagnosis and treatment of hereditary heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology. A cardiologist cannot perform surgical operations, however, they are often confused with cardiac surgeons, cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, who perform cardiac surgery via sternotomy - open operative procedures on the heart and great vessels. (Read more)
5. Pathology: Pathology involves study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, and bodily fluids. The uniqueness of this specialty as compared to others is in its ability to determine a symptom with the naked eye. Pathology encompasses all of medicine, as diagnosis is the foundation of all patient care. Majority of decisions about diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on pathological studies. It has been divided into two sub-specialties, namely Anatomical Pathology and Clinical Pathology. (Read more)
6. Obstetrics – Gynecology: Obstetrics is the treatment of women during pregnancy or pre-natal care, whereas, Gynecology is the medical specialty involving health and well-being of the female reproductive organs. As these two fields are closely related, the specialties are often practiced together. Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/Gyn) perform operations like caesarian, laparoscopies and hysteroscopies. They also deal with ovarian cancer and other ailments related to reproductive systems. An OB/Gyn can also undertake an optional fellowship to sub-specialize in various areas like Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology, Uro-Gynecology, Gynecological Oncology, etc. (Read more)
7. Neurology: Neurology involves the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. The field is divided into three sub-specialties, namely, Clinical Neurophysiology, Child Neurology, and Pain Medicine.  A neurologist is also involved in clinical research/trials as well as basic research and translational research.  As the nervous system is a complex system, there are various factors affecting it. In order to deal with this, the field has developed various sub-specialties, common among which include expertise in epilepsy, stroke and cerebrovascular medicine, multiple sclerosis and movement disorders. (Read more)
8. Pediatrics: Pediatrics focuses solely on managing medical conditions affecting infants, children and young people. Pediatricians deal with a wide range of health services encompassing preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The field has various sub-specialties some of which include oncology, rheumatology, neonatology, neurology, neurodisability, nephrology, etc. (Read more)
9. Dermatology:  Dermatology is a medical specialty which involves diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair, nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  A dermatologist also diagnoses and treats skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of the skin, etc. The field has been divided into various sub-specialties which includes Cosmetic dermatology, Dermatopathology, Immunodermatology, Pediatric dermatology and Teledermatology.  (Read more)
10. Otolaryngology (ENT):  Otolaryngology or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) is a medical and surgical specialty which involves diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the head and neck. One who specializes in this field is called an otolaryngologist and he/she performs medical and surgical therapy for prevention of diseases, allergies, neoplasms, deformities, disorders, and injuries of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, respiratory and upper alimentary systems, face, jaw, and other head and neck systems. Sub-specialties of Otolaryngology include neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, plastic surgery within the head and neck, sleep medicine, etc. (Read more)
11. Oncology: Oncology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A doctor who specializes in this field is called an Oncologist. There are three types of oncologists, namely, medical, surgical and radiation oncologists who often work together while treating a cancer patient. Apart from the three sub-specialties mentioned above, others include Interventional Oncology, Gynecologic oncology, Pediatric oncology, etc. (Read more)