There are 63 medical specialties that start with the letter M. From Macroangiopathy to Myxedema Coma. 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 M

Medical specialties focus area training required common procedures
Macroangiopathy Complications of diabetes that affect the large blood vessels Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Angiography, Amputation
Macrodermatophytia Fungal skin infections Dermatology residency Fungal culture, Biopsy
Macular Degeneration Eye Ophthalmology residency Fundus examination, Optical coherence tomography
Macular Edema Eye Ophthalmology residency Fundus examination, Intravitreal injections
Macular Hole Eye Ophthalmology residency Optical coherence tomography, Vitrectomy surgery
Malaria Infectious diseases Tropical medicine training Antimalarial drug treatment
Malignant Hyperthermia Anesthesiology Anesthesiology residency Dantrolene administration, Temperature monitoring
Mallory-Weiss Tear Tear in the lining of the esophagus, often caused by vomiting Gastroenterology, Emergency Medicine Endoscopy, Hemostasis procedures
Malpractice Legal liability for substandard medical care or negligence Legal, Risk Management Expert witness testimony, Medical record review
Mammography Radiology Radiology residency Breast imaging, Biopsy guidance
Marfan Syndrome Genetics Medical genetics residency Echocardiography, Genetic testing
Marigold Dermatitis Dermatology Dermatology residency Skin biopsy, Patch testing
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Allergy and Immunology Allergy and Immunology residency Serum tryptase testing, Antihistamine therapy
Maxillofacial Surgery Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency Facial fracture repair, Orthognathic surgery
Measles Infectious Disease Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Viral testing, Supportive care
Mediastinal Tumors Thoracic Surgery Thoracic Surgery residency Biopsy, Surgical resection
Melanoma Dermatology Dermatology residency Skin biopsy, Surgical excision
Melioidosis Infectious diseases Tropical medicine training Antibiotic treatment
Meniere’s Disease Otology Otolaryngology residency Intratympanic steroid injections, labyrinthectomy
Meningitis Infectious Disease Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Lumbar puncture, Antibiotic therapy
Menopausal Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics and Gynecology residency Hormone replacement therapy, Lifestyle counseling
Mental Health Counseling Psychiatry Master’s degree in counseling or psychology Psychotherapy, crisis intervention, referral to other mental health professionals
Mental Health Disorders Psychiatry Psychiatry residency Psychotherapy, medication management
Metabolic Disorders Endocrinology Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Biochemical testing, Dietary management
Metastatic Cancer Oncology Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Imaging, Biopsy
Microvascular Reconstruction Plastic Surgery Plastic surgery residency Microsurgical techniques, tissue flap transfers
Microvascular Surgery Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery residency Microsurgical techniques, Tissue transfer
Migraine Neurology Neurology residency Acute migraine treatment, preventive therapy
Minimally Invasive Surgery General Surgery General Surgery residency Laparoscopy, Robotic surgery
Mitochondrial Diseases Genetics Medical genetics residency Genetic testing, supportive care
Mitochondrial Disorders Genetics Medical genetics residency Genetic testing, Supportive care
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Dermatology Dermatology residency Surgical excision, Histological examination
Mold Allergy Allergy and Immunology Allergy and Immunology residency Skin testing, Immunotherapy
Monoclonal Gammopathy Hematology Internal Medicine residency Serum protein electrophoresis, Bone marrow biopsy
Mood Disorders Psychiatry Psychiatry residency Psychotherapy, Medication management
Morbid Obesity Bariatric surgery General surgery residency Bariatric surgery (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy)
Morgagni Hernia Thoracic Surgery Thoracic Surgery residency Imaging, Surgical repair
Morgellons Disease Dermatology Dermatology residency Skin biopsy, Supportive care
Morphea Dermatology Dermatology residency Skin biopsy, Topical or systemic therapy
Motion Sickness Neurology Neurology residency Vestibular testing, Medication management
Motor Neuron Diseases Neurology Neurology residency Electromyography, Genetic testing
Movement Disorders Neurology Neurology residency Deep brain stimulation, botulinum toxin injections
Moyamoya Disease Neurology Neurology residency Cerebral angiography, Revascularization surgery
Mucopolysaccharidoses Genetic disorders Medical genetics residency Enzyme replacement therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Multiple Myeloma Hematologic oncology Hematology/oncology residency Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplant
Multiple Sclerosis Neurology Neurology residency Disease-modifying therapies, rehabilitation
Munchausen Syndrome Psychiatry Psychiatry residency Psychological assessment, Therapy
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Psychiatry Psychiatry residency Psychological assessment, Intervention
Muscular Dystrophy Neurology Neurology residency Genetic testing, Physical therapy
Mutism Psychiatry Psychiatry residency Behavioral therapy, Speech therapy
Myasthenia Gravis Neurology Neurology residency Antibody testing, Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy
Mycetoma Infectious Disease Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Biopsy, Antibiotic or antifungal therapy
Mycobacterial Infections Infectious Disease Infectious disease fellowship Antimycobacterial medications, surgical debridement
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Hematology Internal Medicine residency Bone marrow biopsy, Supportive care or chemotherapy
Myelomas Hematology Internal Medicine residency Serum protein electrophoresis, Bone marrow biopsy
Myelopathy Neurology Neurology residency Magnetic resonance imaging, Surgical decompression
Myocardial Infarction Cardiology Internal Medicine or Cardiology residency Electrocardiogram, Cardiac biomarkers, Percutaneous coronary intervention
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) Cardiology Cardiology fellowship Percutaneous coronary intervention, thrombolytics, coronary artery bypass surgery
Myocarditis Cardiology Internal Medicine or Cardiology residency Electrocardiogram, Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, Endomyocardial biopsy
Myopathy Neurology Neurology residency Muscle biopsy, genetic testing, supportive care
Myopia Ophthalmology Ophthalmology residency Refraction, Laser vision correction
Myositis Rheumatology Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Muscle biopsy, Autoantibody testing
Myxedema Coma Endocrinology Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency Thyroid function tests, Supportive care

Descriptions

Macroangiopathy
Macroangiopathy is a type of diabetic vascular complication that affects the large blood vessels, leading to conditions like peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
Macrodermatophytia
A rare fungal skin infection that causes large, scaly patches on the skin. Requires specialized antifungal treatment.
Macular Degeneration
A leading cause of vision loss in older adults, characterized by damage to the macula and central vision.
Macular Edema
Fluid buildup in the macula, often due to diabetes or other eye conditions, leading to blurred central vision.
Macular Hole
A small tear or hole that develops in the macula, causing central vision loss and distortion.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like illness, and if left untreated, can lead to severe complications and death.
Malignant Hyperthermia
A rare, inherited disorder that can cause a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthesia medications, characterized by high fever and muscle rigidity.
Mallory-Weiss Tear
A Mallory-Weiss tear is a longitudinal laceration in the mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction, commonly caused by forceful vomiting, retching, or other sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure.
Malpractice
Medical malpractice refers to professional negligence by a healthcare provider that results in injury or harm to a patient. It can lead to lawsuits, settlements, and changes in medical practice standards.
Mammography
The use of low-dose X-rays to examine the breast and detect breast cancer, an important tool for breast cancer screening.
Marfan Syndrome
A genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues, often causing aortic aneurysms, lens dislocation, and other complications.
Marigold Dermatitis
A rare type of allergic contact dermatitis caused by exposure to the marigold plant, resulting in rash and itching.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
A condition where mast cells inappropriately release chemical mediators, leading to a variety of symptoms like flushing, hives, and gastrointestinal issues.
Maxillofacial Surgery
A surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Measles
A highly contagious viral infection that causes a distinctive red rash, fever, and respiratory symptoms, which can lead to serious complications.
Mediastinal Tumors
Abnormal growths that develop in the mediastinum, the space between the lungs, which can be benign or malignant.
Melanoma
The most serious type of skin cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).
Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is prevalent in Southeast Asia and northern Australia and can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations, from localized skin infections to severe pneumonia and sepsis.
Meniere’s Disease
M�ni�re’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to fluid imbalances in the inner ear.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, which can be life-threatening.
Menopausal Medicine
The specialty focused on the management of the physical and psychological changes associated with the transition into menopause.
Mental Health Counseling
Profession focused on providing emotional support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to individuals, couples, and families experiencing mental health issues, personal difficulties, or life transitions.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Metabolic Disorders
A broad field encompassing conditions related to the body’s ability to break down and use different nutrients, such as inborn errors of metabolism.
Metastatic Cancer
Cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Microvascular Reconstruction
Specialty focused on the reconstruction of small blood vessels and nerves, often used in complex procedures like breast reconstruction, limb salvage, and reattachment of severed body parts.
Microvascular Surgery
The surgical specialty focused on the repair and reconstruction of tiny blood vessels and nerves, often used in reconstructive procedures.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, severe headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Treatments aim to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Surgical techniques that use small incisions and specialized instruments to reduce trauma and recovery time, often used in various surgical specialties.
Mitochondrial Diseases
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by genetic mutations that affect the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. These diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, developmental delays, seizures, and organ dysfunction.
Mitochondrial Disorders
A group of rare, inherited disorders caused by dysfunctions in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
A specialized technique for removing skin cancers, where the surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer and examines the tissue under a microscope to ensure complete removal.
Mold Allergy
An allergic reaction to certain types of mold, which can trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and asthma.
Monoclonal Gammopathy
A condition characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein (monoclonal protein or M-protein) in the blood, which can be associated with various hematological disorders.
Mood Disorders
A group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent changes in mood, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions.
Morbid Obesity
Morbid obesity is a severe form of obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. It is associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Bariatric surgery is often a last resort for treating morbid obesity.
Morgagni Hernia
A rare type of diaphragmatic hernia where abdominal contents protrude through a defect in the diaphragm near the breastbone, which can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Morgellons Disease
A controversial and poorly understood condition characterized by the presence of fibers or other material emerging from the skin, with ongoing scientific debate about its underlying cause.
Morphea
A rare, localized form of scleroderma that causes thickening and hardening of the skin, often in a distinctive pattern.
Motion Sickness
A common condition where the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and other senses, leading to nausea, dizziness, and vomiting during certain movements or activities.
Motor Neuron Diseases
A group of progressive neurological disorders that affect the motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Movement Disorders
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions characterized by involuntary or abnormal movements, such as tremors, dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions.
Moyamoya Disease
A rare, progressive condition characterized by the narrowing of the carotid arteries at the base of the brain, leading to the formation of abnormal blood vessel networks and increased risk of stroke.
Mucopolysaccharidoses
The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of rare, inherited metabolic disorders caused by the absence or malfunctioning of enzymes needed to break down complex carbohydrates called mucopolysaccharides. This can lead to a buildup of these substances in the body, causing a wide range of symptoms.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. It can cause bone pain, kidney problems, and an increased risk of infections. Treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and in some cases, a bone marrow transplant.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by the destruction of the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers, leading to a range of symptoms, including vision problems, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairment.
Munchausen Syndrome
A factitious disorder where an individual deliberately produces or feigns physical or psychological symptoms in order to assume the sick role and receive medical attention, often with no obvious external reward.
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
A form of child abuse where a caregiver, usually a parent, fabricates or induces illness in a child, often subjecting the child to unnecessary medical procedures, in order to gain attention or sympathy.
Muscular Dystrophy
A group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, such as Duchenne, Becker, and myotonic muscular dystrophy.
Mutism
A condition characterized by the persistent inability or refusal to speak, which can have various underlying causes, such as social anxiety, trauma, or certain developmental disorders.
Myasthenia Gravis
An autoimmune disorder that causes fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue, often affecting the muscles involved in eye movement, swallowing, and breathing.
Mycetoma
A chronic, progressive, and often disfiguring infection that typically affects the limbs, caused by certain fungi or bacteria that can invade the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone.
Mycobacterial Infections
Infections caused by various species of Mycobacterium bacteria, including tuberculosis, leprosy, and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, which can affect the lungs, skin, and other organs.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
A group of disorders characterized by the abnormal production and maturation of blood cells in the bone marrow, which can lead to an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia.
Myelomas
A group of plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma, that are characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal plasma cells, which can lead to bone lesions, kidney damage, and other complications.
Myelopathy
Disorders that affect the spinal cord, leading to neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and loss of reflexes, which can have various underlying causes, including trauma, inflammation, or compression.
Myocardial Infarction
Also known as a heart attack, this is a life-threatening condition where blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, leading to the death of heart muscle cells.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Acute condition caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, resulting in a sudden and severe reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, which can lead to permanent damage or death if not treated promptly.
Myocarditis
Inflammation of the heart muscle, which can have various causes, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or exposure to certain toxins, and can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
Myopathy
Broad term referring to various diseases and disorders that primarily affect the muscles, leading to weakness, fatigue, and other neuromuscular symptoms.
Myopia
Also known as nearsightedness, a refractive error where the eye is unable to focus light properly, resulting in blurred distance vision.
Myositis
A group of inflammatory muscle disorders, such as dermatomyositis and polymyositis, characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation, which can have various underlying causes, including autoimmune conditions.
Myxedema Coma
A rare, life-threatening complication of severe, long-standing hypothyroidism, characterized by decreased mental status, hypothermia, and respiratory depression, requiring prompt medical intervention.

If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.