Whether you are a student of health sciences, or a practicing health care professional, you will need to be familiar with medical terminology. It is an essential part of communicating with your patients, and can help ensure proper patient information is provided.
Modern medicine is a fusion of art and science. It involves many highly trained health professionals. It is conducted within health care systems, and is delivered through paper records and electronic means. Several countries, including the United States, have developed national healthcare systems. These systems provide access to care for all, regardless of ability to pay.
Medical specialties are divided into two broad categories: primary and secondary care. Primary care is usually provided by a health professional, such as a doctor or nurse. It can take place in a physician’s office, nursing home, or clinic. A primary care provider may also refer a patient to a specialist for treatment. In some cases, a patient is admitted to a hospital.
The following is a quick review of some of the more common medical terms. It is not a complete list of all medical terms, but it should give you a sense of what these terms mean.
The word “medicine” is derived from ancient Greek roots. Historically, medicine was an art, and it was also connected to religious beliefs. The term is commonly abbreviated as M.D. It is the profession regulated by the European Union, and in the U.S. it is a degree that is unique to the United States.
In addition to the primary and secondary medical services, there are many subspecialties in the field of medicine. Some are devoted to infants, and others are devoted to specific disease classes or organ systems.
Pediatrics is the specialty devoted to the care of children. Some of the areas of specialization include pediatrics, surgery, neurology, and internal medicine. It is typically necessary to complete a three-year fellowship after completion of medical school.
Medical science is a constantly evolving discipline. As a result, new techniques and treatments are introduced every day. This has led to new specializations and interdisciplinary fields. These specialties are often grouped together as Royal Colleges.
The field of medicine also includes forensic medicine. Forensic medicine is a specialization involving medical questions in a legal context. It also includes clinical pharmacology, which deals with therapeutic systems interaction. Psychiatry is the bio-psycho-social study of disorders. These specializations also have their own entrance examinations.
Other specialties include endocrinology, which is the study of hormones and the innate immune system in humans. It also includes biomedical engineering. Other specialties include cytology, which is the study of the microscopic structures of biological tissues. It is also a part of the medical humanities, which covers the arts, social sciences, and humanities.
Another area of study in medical science is epidemiology. It is the study of the causes, processes, and spread of diseases. The field also focuses on infectious diseases, which are caused by germs.