There are 42 medical specialties that start with the letter F. From Facial Aesthetics to Functional Urology. Medical specialties are fields within medicine that focus on specific functions, patient populations, or types of diseases. They have evolved to address the increasing complexity of healthcare, enabling practitioners to hone their skills and knowledge in particular areas. Specialists typically undergo extensive training that includes residency programs and sometimes additional fellowships, allowing them to provide advanced care and treatment options. The diversification into various specialties ensures that patients receive expert diagnosis and management of their medical conditions, thus enhancing the quality of care.
An interesting fact about medical specialties is that many of them have unique subspecialties that have developed around advancements in technology and research. For instance, within internal medicine, there are subspecialties like cardiology and gastroenterology that focus on specific organ systems or diseases, demonstrating a continuous evolution of medical practice to incorporate new knowledge and techniques.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Focus Area: This column indicates the primary domain or aspect of health care that the specialty addresses, such as cardiology focusing on heart diseases or pediatrics centering on children’s health.
Training Required: This column specifies the education and training commitments needed to practice within the specialty, typically involving medical school, residency, and possibly fellowships for further specialization.
Common Procedures: This column outlines the typical medical interventions or treatments that practitioners in the specialty perform regularly, such as surgeries, diagnostic tests, or therapeutic measures.
Description: This column provides a brief overview of the specialty, including its scope of practice, the types of conditions treated, and the patient population served, giving insight into the role of the medical specialty in overall healthcare.
Medical specialties That Start With F
| Medical specialties | focus area | training required | common procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial Aesthetics | Enhancing the appearance of the face through non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments | Specialized training in dermatology, plastic surgery, or cosmetic medicine | Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser treatments |
| Facial Biomechanics | Understanding the mechanical properties and behavior of facial tissues and structures | Advanced training in biomedical engineering, craniofacial biology, or plastic surgery | Finite element analysis, computer simulations, cadaveric dissections |
| Facial Neuromuscular Therapy | Treating facial muscle imbalances, pain, and dysfunction through manual techniques | Certification in neuromuscular therapy or specialized training in facial anatomy and physiology | Manual muscle release, trigger point therapy, facial massage |
| Facial Plastic Surgery | Reconstructive and cosmetic procedures of the face, head, and neck | 5-7 years of residency and fellowship training after medical school | Rhinoplasty, facelifts, blepharoplasty, Botox injections |
| Family Medicine | Comprehensive primary care for individuals and families | 4 years of residency training after medical school | Annual physicals, preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses |
| Family Planning Medicine | Providing comprehensive family planning services, including contraception, pregnancy testing, and counseling. | Completion of medical degree and residency training in family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, or public health. | Contraceptive implant insertion/removal, intrauterine device (IUD) insertion/removal, pregnancy termination procedures. |
| Fascial Therapy | Treatment of connective tissue disorders and pain management | Specialized training in fascial manipulation techniques | Myofascial release, fascial mobilization, Graston Technique |
| Fecal Microbiota Transplantation | Restoring the gut microbiome by transplanting fecal matter from a healthy donor | Specialized training in gastroenterology, infectious diseases, or internal medicine | Colonoscopy, nasogastric tube insertion, enema administration |
| Ferrokinetics | Study of iron metabolism and its disorders | Additional training in laboratory medicine and hematology | Blood tests, bone marrow analysis, iron studies |
| Fertility Medicine | Treating infertility and reproductive issues | Residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology, fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility | In vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), fertility treatments |
| Fertility Preservation | Techniques to protect and maintain fertility for individuals facing fertility-threatening conditions or treatments | Additional training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility | Sperm, egg, and embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue freezing |
| Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) | Diagnosing and managing the range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure | Specialized training in pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, or medical genetics | Physical examination, cognitive and behavioral assessments, genetic testing |
| Fetal Cardiology | Diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects in unborn babies | Pediatric Cardiology fellowship with subspecialty training in Fetal Echocardiography | Fetal echocardiography, prenatal counseling, high-risk obstetric care |
| Fetal Echocardiography | Specialized ultrasound imaging of the fetal heart | Additional training in fetal imaging and maternal-fetal medicine | Fetal heart scans, detection of congenital heart defects |
| Fetal Endocrinology | Fetal Hematology | Fetal Immunology | Fetal Neurology |
| Fetal Genetic Counseling | Providing guidance and support to families regarding genetic risks and testing options during pregnancy | Graduate-level training in genetic counseling or medical genetics | Genetic testing, interpretation of results, risk assessment, patient education |
| Fetal Imaging | Prenatal diagnosis and evaluation of fetal anatomy and development | Radiology residency with subspecialty training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine | Detailed ultrasound, fetal MRI, prenatal genetic testing |
| Fetal Medicine | Diagnosis, treatment, and management of fetal conditions and abnormalities | Additional training in maternal-fetal medicine and fetal imaging | Fetal ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling |
| Fetal Neurology | Diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions affecting the unborn child | Pediatric Neurology residency with fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine | Fetal brain imaging, prenatal counseling, coordination of multidisciplinary care |
| Fetal Radiology | Utilization of imaging techniques to diagnose and monitor fetal conditions during pregnancy. | Completion of medical degree, residency in radiology, and additional training in fetal imaging. | Fetal ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling. |
| Fetal Surgery | Prenatal surgical interventions to treat congenital anomalies or conditions | Pediatric Surgery residency with fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine | Open fetal surgery, fetoscopic procedures, ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) |
| Fetal Therapy | Diagnosing and treating fetal conditions before birth, either in utero or through minimally invasive procedures | Specialized training in maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, or neonatology | Fetal surgery, fetal shunt placement, fetal blood transfusion |
| Fibromyalgia Treatment | Comprehensive management of the complex chronic pain condition fibromyalgia | Specialized training in rheumatology, pain medicine, or integrative/holistic medicine | Medication management, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, alternative therapies |
| Financial Medicine | Addressing the financial aspects of healthcare and medical practice management | Residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine, with additional training in healthcare administration and finance | Practice management, revenue cycle optimization, financial planning for medical practices |
| Fitness Medicine | Promotion of physical activity and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle to prevent and manage chronic diseases. | Completion of medical degree and additional training in sports medicine, exercise physiology, or lifestyle medicine. | Exercise prescription, fitness assessments, counseling on exercise and nutrition. |
| Foot and Ankle Surgery | Surgical treatment of injuries and disorders affecting the feet and ankles | 4-5 years of residency training after medical school | Bunionectomy, hammertoe correction, ankle replacement |
| Forensic Anthropology | Analyzing skeletal remains to determine identity, cause of death, and other details | Doctoral degree in anthropology with specialized training in forensics | Skeletal analysis, trauma identification, age and sex determination |
| Forensic Cardiology | Investigating cardiovascular-related deaths and injuries for legal and investigative purposes | Specialized training in forensic pathology or cardiology, with expertise in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology | Autopsy, histological analysis, toxicology testing, biomechanical analysis |
| Forensic Dentistry | Application of dental science to legal investigations and criminal justice | Dental degree (DDS/DMD) with additional training in forensics | Bite mark analysis, dental identification, age estimation |
| Forensic Entomology | The study of insects and other arthropods in legal investigations | Specialized training in entomology, forensics, and crime scene processing | Insect collection and analysis, time of death estimation |
| Forensic Genetics | The application of genetic analysis to legal and criminal investigations | Specialized training in molecular biology, genetics, and forensic techniques | DNA profiling, paternity testing, genetic marker analysis |
| Forensic Nursing | Specialized nursing practice focused on the intersection of healthcare and the legal system | Registered Nurse (RN) license with additional certification in Forensic Nursing | Collection and preservation of forensic evidence, patient advocacy, expert testimony |
| Forensic Odontology | The application of dental science to legal investigations | Specialized training in dentistry and forensics | Dental record analysis, bite mark identification, age estimation |
| Forensic Pathology | Investigation of sudden, unexpected, or suspicious deaths | 4-5 years of residency and fellowship training after medical school | Autopsies, toxicology analysis, crime scene investigation |
| Forensic Psychiatry | Evaluation and treatment of individuals involved in the legal system | 4 years of residency training in psychiatry and 1-2 years of fellowship | Competency evaluations, risk assessments, expert witness testimony |
| Forensic Radiology | The use of radiological imaging techniques in forensic investigations | Specialized training in radiology and forensic science | Imaging of skeletal remains, identification of foreign objects, analysis of trauma |
| Forensic Toxicology | The analysis of drugs, poisons, and other substances in forensic investigations | Specialized training in analytical chemistry, toxicology, and forensic science | Substance identification, drug testing, analysis of biological samples |
| Functional Dermatology | The diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions related to underlying systemic disorders | Specialized training in dermatology and functional medicine | Skin biopsy, allergy testing, dietary and lifestyle recommendations |
| Functional Gastroenterology | The diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders using a functional medicine approach | Specialized training in gastroenterology and functional medicine | Endoscopy, dietary and lifestyle interventions, nutritional supplementation |
| Functional Medicine | Holistic, personalized approach to healthcare focused on addressing the root causes of disease | Medical degree (MD or DO) with additional training in integrative and functional medicine | Comprehensive health assessments, lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling |
| Functional Neurosurgery | Surgical treatment of neurological disorders that impair function | 7-8 years of neurosurgery residency and fellowship training after medical school | Deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, ablative procedures |
| Functional Urology | The diagnosis and treatment of urological disorders using a functional medicine approach | Specialized training in urology and functional medicine | Minimally invasive procedures, dietary and lifestyle interventions, pelvic floor therapy |
Descriptions
Facial Aesthetics
A subspecialty that focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of the face through a variety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Facial Biomechanics
A field that applies engineering principles to analyze the structure and function of the face, enabling improved treatment planning and surgical outcomes.
Facial Neuromuscular Therapy
A specialized form of physical therapy that targets the intricate network of muscles, nerves, and connective tissues in the face to alleviate various facial issues.
Facial Plastic Surgery
A surgical specialty that focuses on the aesthetic and functional restoration of the face, head, and neck, including procedures to improve appearance, correct deformities, and treat injuries or disease.
Family Medicine
A broad medical specialty that provides comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and the treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
Family Planning Medicine
Family planning physicians specialize in ensuring access to a full range of safe, effective, and affordable contraceptive methods, as well as providing comprehensive reproductive health services.
Fascial Therapy
A manual therapy approach that focuses on the fascial system, the connective tissue network throughout the body, to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and promote overall wellbeing.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
A treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and other gastrointestinal disorders by transferring a healthy person’s gut bacteria to the patient.
Ferrokinetics
A subspecialty of clinical pathology that focuses on the evaluation and management of disorders related to the absorption, distribution, and utilization of iron in the body.
Fertility Medicine
Specialists in this field diagnose and treat problems with fertility and reproductive health, including conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and male factor infertility. They use a variety of assisted reproductive technologies to help patients conceive.
Fertility Preservation
A subspecialty of reproductive medicine that focuses on the preservation of fertility potential for individuals facing conditions or treatments that may impair their ability to conceive, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or gender-affirming therapies.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
A group of conditions that can occur in individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy, leading to a variety of developmental and functional impairments.
Fetal Cardiology
Fetal cardiologists use advanced imaging techniques to detect, diagnose, and provide treatment for cardiac abnormalities in the unborn child. This allows for early intervention and improved outcomes for babies with congenital heart disease.
Fetal Echocardiography
A subspecialty of cardiology and obstetrics that focuses on the use of advanced ultrasound techniques to evaluate the structure and function of the fetal heart, allowing for the diagnosis and management of congenital heart defects and other cardiac abnormalities during pregnancy.
Fetal Endocrinology
Fetal Ophthalmology
Fetal Genetic Counseling
A specialized field that helps expectant parents understand and navigate the genetic factors that may affect their unborn child, enabling informed decision-making.
Fetal Imaging
Specialists in fetal imaging use advanced techniques like ultrasound and MRI to examine the fetus in detail, identify potential abnormalities, and provide critical information to parents and the medical team for pregnancy management and neonatal care.
Fetal Medicine
A subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of fetal health and development, including the detection and treatment of fetal abnormalities and conditions.
Fetal Neurology
Fetal neurologists focus on the detection, diagnosis, and management of neurological disorders that can occur during pregnancy, such as neural tube defects, brain malformations, and chromosomal abnormalities. They work closely with obstetricians to provide comprehensive care for the mother and baby.
Fetal Radiology
Fetal radiologists work closely with obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to provide detailed information about the fetus, enabling informed decision-making and optimal prenatal care.
Fetal Surgery
Fetal surgeons perform complex, minimally invasive procedures on the unborn child to correct or treat a wide range of congenital abnormalities, such as spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and fetal tumors. This can improve outcomes and quality of life for affected infants.
Fetal Therapy
A multidisciplinary field that uses advanced techniques to identify and address various fetal abnormalities or conditions while the baby is still in the womb.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
A specialty that focuses on the multifaceted treatment of fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms.
Financial Medicine
Financial medicine specialists help healthcare organizations and medical practices improve their financial performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and implement effective strategies for revenue cycle management, cost control, and practice sustainability.
Fitness Medicine
Fitness medicine physicians integrate evidence-based exercise and lifestyle interventions to help patients achieve optimal health, prevent chronic conditions, and improve overall well-being.
Foot and Ankle Surgery
A surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the feet and ankles, including fractures, deformities, and chronic conditions like arthritis.
Forensic Anthropology
A subspecialty of forensic science that uses the study of human remains to aid in criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, and other medico-legal cases.
Forensic Cardiology
A field that applies cardiovascular expertise to the investigation of sudden cardiac deaths, deaths related to medical procedures, and other cardiovascular-related forensic cases.
Forensic Dentistry
Forensic dentists apply their expertise in dentistry to assist in criminal investigations, mass disaster victim identification, and other legal proceedings. They analyze dental evidence, perform postmortem examinations, and provide expert testimony to help establish identity and cause of death.
Forensic Entomology
The application of the study of insects and other arthropods to criminal investigations, particularly in determining the time and circumstances of death.
Forensic Genetics
The use of genetic information and technologies to assist in the identification of individuals, the determination of kinship, and the analysis of biological evidence in criminal and civil cases.
Forensic Nursing
Forensic nurses work with victims of violence, abuse, and trauma, providing comprehensive medical care while also collecting and documenting forensic evidence. They collaborate with law enforcement, the judicial system, and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate care and justice for patients.
Forensic Odontology
The use of dental evidence, including dental records, bite marks, and other dental features, to assist in the identification of individuals and the analysis of criminal cases.
Forensic Pathology
A medical specialty that focuses on determining the cause and manner of death through the examination of the deceased, with the goal of providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.
Forensic Psychiatry
A subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the intersection of mental health and the legal system, including the assessment and treatment of individuals involved in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings.
Forensic Radiology
The application of radiological imaging methods, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, to assist in the identification of individuals, the analysis of injuries, and the investigation of criminal cases.
Forensic Toxicology
The detection, identification, and quantification of drugs, poisons, and other substances in the body or the environment to aid in the investigation of criminal cases, including homicides, overdoses, and poisonings.
Functional Dermatology
A holistic approach to dermatology that considers the interplay between the skin, the body’s systems, and environmental factors in the development and management of skin conditions.
Functional Gastroenterology
A comprehensive approach to gastrointestinal health that examines the underlying causes of digestive problems, such as diet, stress, and environmental factors, and uses personalized treatments to restore gut function.
Functional Medicine
Functional medicine practitioners take a patient-centered approach, using advanced diagnostic testing and a deep understanding of the interconnected systems of the body to identify and address the underlying causes of chronic illness. The goal is to restore optimal health through personalized, science-based treatments.
Functional Neurosurgery
A subspecialty of neurosurgery that focuses on the surgical treatment of neurological conditions that affect a patient’s ability to function, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain.
Functional Urology
A holistic approach to urological care that addresses the root causes of conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction, using a combination of conventional and integrative therapies.
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