There are 32 medical specialties that start with the letter S. From Sangoma Specialist to Surgical Pathologist. 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 S
| Medical specialties | focus area | training required | common procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sangoma Specialist | Traditional African spiritual healing | Extensive training in African traditional medicine and rituals | Divination, herbalism, ritual practices |
| Scabies Specialist | Diagnosis and treatment of scabies, a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. | Medical degree, dermatology training, and expertise in identifying and managing scabies infestations. | Dermatological examination, skin scraping analysis, prescription of topical treatments. |
| Scar Revision Specialist | Cosmetic and functional improvement of scars through various surgical techniques. | Medical degree, specialty training in plastic surgery or dermatology, and expertise in scar management. | Scar excision, z-plasty, w-plasty, tissue expansion, laser treatments. |
| Scarring Alopecia Specialist | Diagnosis and management of various forms of scarring hair loss, including lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. | Medical degree, dermatology training, and in-depth knowledge of the causes and treatment of scarring alopecia conditions. | Scalp biopsies, intralesional steroid injections, prescription of immunomodulatory medications. |
| Sciatica Specialist | Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica, a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling radiating along the sciatic nerve. | Medical degree, specialty training in physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, or orthopedics. | Epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. |
| Scleroderma Specialist | rheumatology | Rheumatologist with additional training in scleroderma and other autoimmune disorders | skin biopsies, capillaroscopy, vasodilator therapy |
| Scoliosis Specialist | Diagnosis, management, and treatment of scoliosis, a condition characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. | Medical degree, specialty training in orthopedics or pediatric orthopedics. | Bracing, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. |
| Sexologist | Sexual health, relationships, and sexual dysfunction | Doctoral degree in psychology, medicine, or social work with specialized training in human sexuality | Sexual therapy, counseling, education |
| Skeletal Radiologist | Diagnosis and treatment of bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders using medical imaging techniques | Completion of a radiology residency program and additional fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging | Interpretation of X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and other imaging modalities to identify skeletal abnormalities |
| Sleep Apnea Specialist | Diagnosis and management of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders | Completion of a residency in pulmonary medicine, neurology, or otolaryngology, and additional fellowship training in sleep medicine | Polysomnography (sleep study), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, surgical interventions for sleep apnea |
| Sleep Medicine Specialist | sleep disorders | Neurologist or Pulmonologist with additional training in sleep medicine | polysomnography, CPAP titration, sleep apnea treatment |
| Sleep Technologist | Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders | Certification in polysomnography or sleep technology | Polysomnography, CPAP titration |
| Sociologist of Health and Illness | Social factors influencing health, illness, and healthcare | Doctoral degree in sociology with specialization in medical sociology | Research, data analysis, teaching |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | Evaluation and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders | Master’s degree in speech-language pathology | Swallowing assessments, speech therapy, communication device fitting |
| Spinal Cord Injury Specialist | treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician with specialized training in spinal cord injuries | nerve block injections, intrathecal baclofen therapy, assistive technology prescription |
| Spine Biomechanics Specialist | Analysis of the mechanical properties and functions of the spine and its components | Completion of a doctoral degree in engineering, biomechanics, or a related field, and postdoctoral training in spine biomechanics | Computational modeling, biomechanical testing, and data analysis to understand spinal function and dysfunction |
| Spine Surgeon | spinal disorders and injuries | Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon with specialized training in spine surgery | spinal fusion, discectomy, laminectomy |
| Sports Biomechanist | Biomechanical analysis of athletic movement and performance | Doctoral degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or biomedical engineering | Gait analysis, motion capture, force plate assessments |
| Sports Cardiologist | Evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular conditions in athletes and physically active individuals | Completion of a residency in cardiology, followed by additional fellowship training in sports cardiology | Cardiac stress testing, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, echocardiography, and management of cardiovascular diseases in athletes |
| Sports Dermatologist | Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions that commonly affect athletes | Completion of a dermatology residency program, with additional training in sports medicine | Evaluation and management of skin infections, rashes, and other dermatological issues related to sports participation |
| Sports Medicine Specialist | athletic injuries and performance enhancement | Family Medicine or Orthopedic Surgeon with additional training in sports medicine | joint injections, casting/splinting, sports injury rehabilitation |
| Sports Nutritionist | Designing and implementing nutrition plans to optimize the performance and recovery of athletes | Completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or dietetics, with specialized training in sports nutrition | Development of personalized nutrition strategies, supplements recommendations, and education on sports-specific nutritional needs |
| Stem Cell Specialist | Research, development, and clinical application of stem cell-based therapies | Completion of a medical degree or doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as biology or biomedical engineering, and additional specialized training in stem cell science | Isolation, cultivation, and transplantation of stem cells for the treatment of various diseases and injuries |
| Stereotactic Neurosurgeon | Stereotactic Radiologist | Stereotactic Radiology Technologist | Stereotactic Radiation Oncologist |
| Stereotactic Radiosurgery Specialist | non-invasive radiation-based treatment | Radiation Oncologist with specialized training in stereotactic radiosurgery | Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, linear accelerator-based procedures |
| Stereotactic Radiotherapy Specialist | Delivery of highly targeted, high-dose radiation therapy using specialized techniques | Completion of a radiation oncology residency program, with additional training in stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy | Image-guided, high-precision radiation therapy for the treatment of tumors and other lesions |
| Stroke Neurologist | Diagnosis, acute management, and long-term care of patients with stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders | Completion of a neurology residency program, with additional training in stroke and cerebrovascular disease | Thrombolytic therapy, endovascular interventions, and management of stroke complications |
| Substance Abuse Specialist | Diagnosis, treatment, and management of substance use disorders and addictions | Completion of a medical or mental health degree, with specialized training in addiction medicine or psychiatry | Medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and coordination of comprehensive addiction treatment plans |
| Surgeon | general surgical procedures | Medical degree and residency training in general surgery | appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair |
| Surgical Intensivist | critical care management of surgical patients | General Surgeon with additional training in critical care medicine | central line placement, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drug management |
| Surgical Oncologist | surgical treatment of cancer | General Surgeon with additional training in oncologic surgery | tumor resection, lymph node dissection, palliative surgeries |
| Surgical Pathologist | analysis of surgical specimens | Medical degree, residency in pathology, and fellowship in surgical pathology | tissue biopsy analysis, frozen section analysis, immunohistochemistry |
Descriptions
Sangoma Specialist
Sangomas are traditional healers and spiritual leaders in Southern African cultures. They diagnose and treat illnesses believed to have supernatural causes, often using rituals, herbal remedies, and communication with ancestral spirits.
Scabies Specialist
Scabies Specialists diagnose scabies, prescribe appropriate topical medications, and provide guidance on preventing the spread of infestations.
Scar Revision Specialist
Scar Revision Specialists use advanced techniques to minimize the appearance and improve the function of scars, helping patients achieve better cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Scarring Alopecia Specialist
Scarring Alopecia Specialists have expertise in identifying the underlying causes of scarring hair loss and developing personalized treatment plans to manage the condition and prevent further hair loss.
Sciatica Specialist
Sciatica Specialists evaluate the underlying cause of sciatic nerve compression, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, and provide comprehensive treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve patient function.
Scleroderma Specialist
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and management of scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
Scoliosis Specialist
Scoliosis Specialists monitor the progression of spinal curvature, develop treatment plans to prevent worsening, and perform corrective surgeries when necessary to improve spinal alignment and function.
Sexologist
Sexologists are experts in human sexuality, providing assessment, treatment, and education for sexual issues, dysfunctions, and relationship dynamics. They help clients explore and improve their sexual health and intimacy.
Skeletal Radiologist
Specializes in the analysis of medical images to detect and diagnose conditions affecting the bones, joints, and associated soft tissues.
Sleep Apnea Specialist
Focuses on identifying and treating conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.
Sleep Medicine Specialist
A physician who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.
Sleep Technologist
Sleep technologists operate sleep disorder clinics, conducting overnight sleep studies and analyzing data to help diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. They work closely with sleep medicine specialists.
Sociologist of Health and Illness
Sociologists of health and illness study the social determinants of health, how social structures and processes shape experiences of illness and healthcare, and the role of social institutions in promoting or hindering wellbeing.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages, helping them improve their communication abilities and quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injury Specialist
A physician who specializes in the comprehensive management of individuals with spinal cord injuries, including acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up to maximize functional independence and quality of life.
Spine Biomechanics Specialist
Applies engineering principles to the study of the spine, aiming to improve our understanding of spinal mechanics and inform the development of better treatments for spinal disorders.
Spine Surgeon
A surgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spinal injuries.
Sports Biomechanist
Sports biomechanists use advanced technology to study the mechanics of human movement in athletic activities, providing insights to coaches, trainers, and athletes to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
Sports Cardiologist
Specializes in the assessment and care of the unique cardiovascular needs of athletes, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may affect sports performance or pose risks during physical activity.
Sports Dermatologist
Focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin conditions that can impact athletes, such as fungal infections, contact dermatitis, and skin cancer.
Sports Medicine Specialist
A physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports, exercise, and physical activity, as well as the enhancement of athletic performance.
Sports Nutritionist
Provides guidance on the dietary requirements and nutritional strategies that can enhance the physical performance, recovery, and overall health of athletes.
Stem Cell Specialist
Focuses on the study and utilization of stem cells, which have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, for the development of regenerative medicine and novel therapeutic approaches.
Stereotactic Neurosurgeon
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Physicist
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Specialist
A radiation oncologist who specializes in the delivery of highly focused, high-dose radiation to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain and other parts of the body without the need for traditional surgery.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy Specialist
Specializes in the use of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), to treat cancer and other conditions with high accuracy and minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Stroke Neurologist
Focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of strokes, including the use of advanced therapies to minimize brain damage and optimize recovery.
Substance Abuse Specialist
Specializes in the care of individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction, providing evidence-based interventions to promote recovery and prevent relapse.
Surgeon
A physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide range of conditions, including trauma, cancer, and other diseases that require operative intervention.
Surgical Intensivist
A surgeon who has specialized training in the management of critically ill surgical patients, including those in the intensive care unit, with a focus on complex decision-making, advanced interventions, and coordinating multidisciplinary care.
Surgical Oncologist
A surgeon who specializes in the surgical management of solid tumors and cancer, including the removal of cancerous growths, lymph node dissection, and palliative procedures.
Surgical Pathologist
A pathologist who specializes in the microscopic examination and diagnosis of tissue samples obtained during surgical procedures, enabling accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.
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