There are 56 medical specialties that start with the letter O. From Obesity Medicine to Otolaryngology (ENT). 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 O
Medical specialties | focus area | training required | common procedures |
---|---|---|---|
Obesity Medicine | The medical specialty focused on the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity and related conditions. | Residency training of 4 years after medical school, often with additional fellowship training. | Weight loss counseling, bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy for obesity. |
Obstetric Anesthesiology | Provision of anesthesia for pregnant women during labor, delivery, and postpartum | Completion of an anesthesiology residency program and additional obstetric anesthesia fellowship training | Epidural analgesia, spinal anesthesia, general anesthesia for Cesarean sections |
Obstetrics | The medical specialty focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. | Residency training of 4 years after medical school. | Cesarean section, epidural anesthesia, prenatal care, labor and delivery management. |
Obstetrics and Gynecology | Women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth | 4-year medical degree, 4-year residency | Cesarean section, hysterectomy, colposcopy, IUD insertion |
Occupational and Environmental Medicine | Promotion of health and safety in the workplace, prevention and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses | Completion of a medical degree, followed by a residency program in occupational and environmental medicine | Workplace assessments, fitness-for-duty evaluations, treatment of work-related injuries |
Occupational Asthma | Diagnosis, management, and prevention of work-related asthma | Specialized training in occupational and environmental medicine | Pulmonary function testing, workplace exposure assessment |
Occupational Dermatology | Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions related to workplace exposures | Specialized training in occupational and environmental medicine, dermatology | Patch testing, skin biopsies, workplace exposure assessment |
Occupational Health Psychology | Promotion of worker health, safety, and well-being in the workplace | Doctoral degree in psychology with specialized training in occupational health | Workplace assessments, stress management interventions, ergonomic evaluations |
Occupational Lung Disease | Diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions related to workplace exposures | Specialized training in occupational and environmental medicine, pulmonary medicine | Lung function testing, chest imaging, workplace exposure assessment |
Occupational Medicine | The medical specialty focused on the prevention and management of work-related injuries and illnesses. | Residency training of 4 years after medical school, often with additional fellowship training. | Workplace ergonomic assessments, fitness-for-duty evaluations, treatment of work-related injuries. |
Occupational Neurology | Diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders related to workplace exposures | Specialized training in occupational and environmental medicine, neurology | Neurological exams, nerve conduction studies, workplace exposure assessment |
Occupational Therapy | The healthcare profession focused on helping individuals of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). | Master’s degree in occupational therapy (2 years after undergraduate education). | Adaptive equipment and assistive technology, activities of daily living training, sensory integration therapy. |
Occupational Therapy for Children | Helping children with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities achieve independence and participation in daily activities | Master’s degree in occupational therapy, specialized training in pediatrics | Therapeutic activities, adaptive equipment, sensory integration techniques |
Occupational Vision | The subspecialty of optometry focused on the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of vision and eye-related issues in the workplace. | Doctorate degree in optometry (4 years after undergraduate education), often with additional training in occupational vision. | Vision screenings for specific job requirements, treatment of work-related eye injuries, ergonomic assessments. |
Ocular Angiography | Imaging of the blood vessels and blood flow in the eye | Ophthalmology residency, additional fellowship training | Fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography |
Ocular Biomechanics | Study of the mechanical properties and behavior of ocular tissues | Ophthalmology residency, additional fellowship training | Corneal topography, ocular imaging |
Ocular Blood Flow | Measuring and analyzing blood flow in the eye | Ophthalmology residency, additional fellowship training | Doppler ultrasound, laser Doppler flowmetry |
Ocular Embryology | Study of the development of the eye and its structures during embryonic and fetal stages | Ophthalmology residency, additional fellowship training | Developmental imaging, genetic testing |
Ocular Epidemiology | Studying the distribution and determinants of eye diseases and vision disorders in populations | Doctorate in epidemiology or public health with specialized training in ophthalmology | Designing and conducting population-based eye health studies |
Ocular Ergophthalmology | Evaluation and treatment of eye-related issues caused by prolonged computer and digital device use | Ophthalmology residency, additional training in ergonomics and digital eye strain | Digital eye strain assessment, prescription of appropriate lenses and filters |
Ocular Genetics | Identifying the genetic basis of inherited eye diseases and vision disorders | Medical degree with specialized training in ophthalmology and clinical genetics | Genetic testing, counseling patients on hereditary risk |
Ocular Histopathology | Microscopic examination of eye tissues to diagnose and monitor eye diseases | Medical degree with specialized training in ophthalmology and pathology | Performing and interpreting eye tissue biopsies |
Ocular Hyperbaric Medicine | Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat certain eye conditions | Ophthalmology residency, additional training in hyperbaric medicine | Hyperbaric oxygen therapy |
Ocular Immunology | Focuses on the immune system’s role in eye diseases and eye-related autoimmune disorders | Medical degree with specialized training in ophthalmology and immunology | Immunologic testing, treatment with immunomodulatory agents |
Ocular Immunology and Uveitis | Diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory eye conditions, including uveitis, scleritis, and other autoimmune-related eye diseases | Completion of an ophthalmology residency and additional fellowship training in ocular immunology and uveitis | Corticosteroid injections, immunosuppressive therapy, management of chronic eye inflammation |
Ocular Infectious Diseases | Diagnosis and management of infectious diseases affecting the eye | Ophthalmology residency, additional fellowship training | Corneal culture, antibiotics, antiviral therapy |
Ocular Informatics | Application of information technology and data science in ophthalmology | Ophthalmology residency, additional training in data analytics, computer science, or health informatics | Predictive modeling, decision support systems, telemedicine |
Ocular Oncology | The subspecialty of ophthalmology focused on the diagnosis and treatment of eye and orbital cancers. | Residency training of 5 years in ophthalmology, followed by 1-2 years of fellowship training in ocular oncology. | Treatment of ocular melanoma, retinoblastoma, and other eye and orbital cancers using various modalities. |
Ocular Oncology Nursing | The nursing specialty focused on the care of patients with eye and orbital cancers. | Registered nurse (RN) with additional training and experience in the management of ocular oncology patients. | Administering chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, providing supportive care, educating patients and families. |
Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | Surgical treatment of conditions affecting the eyelids, eyebrows, tear ducts, and surrounding structures | Completion of an ophthalmology residency and additional fellowship training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery | Blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, orbital fracture repair, treatment of eyelid malpositions |
Oculomotor Neurology | Disorders of eye movement and control | 4-year medical degree, 4-year residency, fellowship | Botox injections, eye muscle surgery |
Oculoplastic Surgery | The subspecialty of ophthalmology focused on the surgical and medical treatment of the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding structures. | Residency training of 5 years in ophthalmology, followed by 1-2 years of fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery. | Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), ptosis repair, orbital tumor removal, treatment of eye socket and tear duct disorders. |
Olfactory Disorders | Smell and taste dysfunction | 4-year medical degree, 4-year residency, fellowship | Olfactory testing, surgical treatment of nasal/sinus conditions |
Oncology | The medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. | Residency training of 4-5 years after medical school, often with additional fellowship training. | Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, cancer surgery. |
Oncology Nursing | Provision of specialized nursing care for individuals with cancer, throughout the continuum of care | Completion of a nursing degree, followed by certification in oncology nursing | Administering chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, managing side effects, patient education |
Oncoradiology | Imaging for cancer diagnosis and treatment | 4-year medical degree, 4-year radiology residency, fellowship | CT, MRI, PET/CT, image-guided biopsy |
Ophthalmic Pathology | The subspecialty of pathology focused on the study and diagnosis of diseases and conditions affecting the eye and surrounding structures. | Residency training of 4 years in anatomic pathology, followed by 1-2 years of fellowship training in ophthalmic pathology. | Examination and analysis of ocular tissue samples to diagnose eye diseases, tumors, and other conditions. |
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | The subspecialty of ophthalmology focused on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of the eyelids, eyebrows, and surrounding structures. | Residency training of 5 years in ophthalmology, followed by 1-2 years of fellowship training in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. | Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), ptosis repair, treatment of eyelid malpositions, orbital tumors and trauma. |
Ophthalmology | The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision disorders. | Residency training of 4 years after medical school. | Cataract surgery, LASIK, corneal transplants, treatment of glaucoma, retinal disorders. |
Ophthalmology Subspecialties | Specialized disciplines within ophthalmology | 4-year medical degree, 4-year ophthalmology residency, 1-2 year fellowship | Cataract surgery, laser procedures, eye muscle surgery |
Opticianry | The healthcare profession focused on the design, fitting, and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices. | Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in opticianry (2-4 years after high school), often with additional licensing or certification. | Eyeglass frame selection, lens fabrication, contact lens fitting and training. |
Optometric Geriatrics | The subspecialty of optometry focused on the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of vision and eye health in older adults. | Doctorate degree in optometry (4 years after undergraduate education), often with additional fellowship training in geriatric optometry. | Cataract management, low vision rehabilitation, treatment of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. |
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist | Diagnosis and management of glaucoma and other optic nerve diseases | Completion of an optometry degree and additional residency or certification in glaucoma management | Prescription of topical and oral medications, laser treatments, and minor surgical procedures for glaucoma |
Optometric Pediatrics | The subspecialty of optometry focused on the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of vision and eye health in children. | Doctorate degree in optometry (4 years after undergraduate education), often with additional fellowship training in pediatric optometry. | Vision screening, refractive error correction, treatment of amblyopia and strabismus, developmental vision therapy. |
Optometric Vision Therapy | The subspecialty of optometry focused on the use of specialized visual exercises and techniques to treat vision and eye-related disorders. | Doctorate degree in optometry (4 years after undergraduate education), often with additional training in vision therapy. | Vision therapy, including eye exercises, patching, and the use of prisms and lenses to improve visual skills. |
Optometry | The healthcare profession focused on the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision and eye health. | Doctorate degree in optometry (4 years after undergraduate education). | Prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, diagnosing and treating eye diseases, performing vision therapy. |
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology | Diagnosis of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions | 4-year medical or dental degree, 4-year residency | Biopsy, histological analysis |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | The dental specialty focused on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial region. | Residency training of 4-6 years after dental school. | Wisdom tooth extraction, jaw surgery, dental implants, cleft lip and palate repair. |
Orthodontics | The dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. | Residency training of 2-3 years after dental school. | Braces, clear aligners, jaw surgery, treatment of TMJ disorders. |
Orthognathic Surgery | Correction of jaw deformities and malocclusion | 4-year medical or dental degree, 4-year residency, 1-2 year fellowship | Jaw surgery, dental implants, orthodontic treatment |
Orthokeratology | The subspecialty of optometry focused on the use of specialized contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. | Doctorate degree in optometry (4 years after undergraduate education), often with additional training in orthokeratology techniques. | Fitting and monitoring of orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lenses, which temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. |
Orthopaedic Surgery | The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. | Residency training of 5 years after medical school. | Joint replacement, fracture repair, sports medicine, spine surgery. |
Orthopedic Oncology | Diagnosis and treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous bone and soft tissue tumors | Completion of an orthopedic surgery residency and additional fellowship training in orthopedic oncology | Limb-sparing surgery, tumor resection, joint replacement, management of metastatic bone disease |
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Care | The interdisciplinary specialty focused on the comprehensive management of osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones. | Requires a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedists, geneticists, physical therapists, and nurses. | Fracture prevention and management, physical therapy, genetic counseling, assistive devices, pain management. |
Osteopathic Medicine | The medical specialty that emphasizes the role of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease, and the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment. | Doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine (4 years after undergraduate education), followed by residency training. | Osteopathic manipulative treatment, musculoskeletal examination and management, integrative healthcare approach. |
Otolaryngology (ENT) | The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. | Residency training of 5 years after medical school. | Tonsillectomy, sinus surgery, ear tube placement, treatment of hearing loss. |
Descriptions
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