There are 54 medical specialties that start with the letter B. From Baclofen to Brachytherapy. 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 B

Medical specialties focus area training required common procedures
Baclofen Spasticity treatment Prescription by medical professionals Oral administration, intrathecal administration
Bacteriology Identification and study of bacteria Doctoral degree in microbiology or related field Culturing, staining, and analyzing bacterial samples
Balneotherapy Treatment using bathing in mineral-rich waters Specialized training in hydrotherapy and balneotherapy Immersion in mineral baths, mud packs, mineral water douches
Bariatric Medicine Obesity Treatment Medical Residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine, Fellowship in Obesity Medicine Gastric Bypass Surgery, Gastric Banding, Sleeve Gastrectomy
Bariatric Surgery Weight loss surgery Medical degree and specialized training Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding
Barium Enema Gastrointestinal Imaging Medical Residency in Radiology Administering Barium Solution, X-Ray Imaging
Barium Swallow Gastrointestinal Imaging Medical Residency in Radiology Administering Barium Solution, X-Ray Imaging
Barotrauma Injury caused by changes in pressure Medical degree and emergency training Decompression, recompression therapy
Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer Medical Residency in Dermatology Surgical Excision, Cryotherapy, Radiation Therapy
Basophilia Elevated basophil count in the blood Specialized training in hematology and immunology Blood tests, bone marrow biopsy
Battered Child Syndrome Benign Essential Tremor Benign Familial Hematuria Benign Intracranial Hypertension
Bax-Mediated Apoptosis Cell Biology, Oncology Medical Residency in Pathology, Molecular Biology, or Oncology Laboratory Research, Genetic Analysis
Becker Muscular Dystrophy Neuromuscular Disorder Medical Residency in Neurology or Pediatrics Genetic Testing, Physical Therapy, Assistive Devices
Beclomethasone Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid Prescription by medical professionals Oral, topical, or inhaled administration
Bedside Manner Interpersonal skills and communication with patients Communication skills training, empathy development Patient interactions, active listening, shared decision-making
Behcet’s Disease Autoimmune Disorder Medical Residency in Rheumatology or Dermatology Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants, Biologics
Bell’s Palsy Facial Nerve Disorder Medical Residency in Neurology or Otolaryngology Corticosteroids, Physical Therapy, Botox Injections
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Vestibular Disorder Medical Residency in Neurology or Otolaryngology Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers, Vestibular Rehabilitation
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Prostate Disorder Medical Residency in Urology Alpha-Blocker Medications, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
Benzocaine Anesthetic Agent Medical Residency in Anesthesiology Topical Application, Injection
Betaadrenergic Blockers Cardiovascular Medication Medical Residency in Cardiology or Internal Medicine Oral Medication Administration
Bevacizumab Antiangiogenic Cancer Therapy Medical Residency in Oncology Intravenous Infusion
Binasal Hemianopsia Visual Field Defect Medical Residency in Ophthalmology or Neurology Visual Field Testing, Imaging Studies
Biocompatible Materials Medical Device Design Medical Residency in Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or Orthopedics Material Testing, Implant Insertion
Bioelectronic Medicine Neuromodulation Medical Residency in Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, or Pain Medicine Implantation of Bioelectronic Devices
Biological Therapy Immunotherapy Medical Residency in Oncology or Rheumatology Monoclonal Antibodies, Cytokines, Vaccines
Bioluminescence Imaging Medical Imaging Technique Medical Residency in Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, or Molecular Biology In Vivo Imaging of Luciferase-Expressing Cells
Bioluminescence Microscopy Imaging technique using bioluminescent markers Training in advanced microscopy techniques and image analysis Fluorescence microscopy, live-cell imaging
Biomarker Diagnostic Indicator Medical Residency in Pathology, Oncology, or Internal Medicine Laboratory Testing, Imaging Studies
Biomaterials Medical Device Design Medical Residency in Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or Orthopedics Material Testing, Implant Insertion
Biomedical Engineering Interdisciplinary Field Undergraduate Degree in Engineering, Graduate Degree in Biomedical Engineering Design and Development of Medical Devices, Biosensors, and Implants
Biopsy Tissue Sampling Procedure Medical Residency in Surgery, Radiology, or Pathology Needle Aspiration, Core Biopsy, Excisional Biopsy
Biopsy-Proven Cirrhosis Liver disease confirmed by liver biopsy Expertise in hepatology, liver disease, and biopsy procedures Liver biopsy, imaging studies
Bipolar Disorder Mood Disorder Medical Residency in Psychiatry Mood Stabilizers, Antidepressants, Psychotherapy
Bladder Cancer Urological Malignancy Medical Residency in Urology or Oncology Transurethral Resection, Intravesical Therapy, Radical Cystectomy
Bladder Exstrophy Congenital Urological Condition Medical Residency in Urology, Pediatric Surgery Surgical Reconstruction, Continence Management
Bladder Instillation Intravesical Therapy Medical Residency in Urology Catheter Insertion, Medication Administration
Bladder Outlet Obstruction Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Medical Residency in Urology Prostate Surgery, Urethral Dilation, Bladder Catheterization
Blalock-Taussig Shunt Congenital Heart Defect Treatment Medical Residency in Cardiac Surgery Surgical Shunt Placement
Blastocystis Hominis Gastrointestinal Parasite Medical Residency in Infectious Disease or Gastroenterology Stool Testing, Antiparasitic Medications
Bleb Needling Glaucoma Treatment Medical Residency in Ophthalmology Surgical Manipulation of Bleb
Bleeding Disorder Coagulation Abnormality Medical Residency in Hematology Clotting Factor Replacement, Antifibrinolytic Agents
Blindness Vision Impairment Medical Residency in Ophthalmology, Neurology, or Rehabilitation Medicine Assistive Devices, Rehabilitation Therapy
Blunt Trauma Physical Injury Medical Residency in Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery, or Critical Care Wound Management, Fracture Stabilization, Surgical Intervention
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Mental Health Condition Medical Residency in Psychiatry or Psychology Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Bone Cancer Malignant Bone Tumor Medical Residency in Orthopedic Oncology or Radiation Oncology Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Surgical Resection
Bone Infection Osteomyelitis Medical Residency in Orthopedic Surgery or Infectious Disease Antibiotics, Surgical Debridement, Bone Grafting
Bone Marrow Aspiration Diagnostic Procedure Medical Residency in Hematology or Oncology Needle Insertion into Bone, Aspiration of Bone Marrow Sample
Bone Marrow Transplant Stem Cell Therapy Medical Residency in Hematology/Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Stem Cell Infusion
Bone Metabolism Skeletal Physiology Medical Residency in Endocrinology, Orthopedics, or Rheumatology Bone Density Testing, Medication Management
Borderline Personality Disorder Mental Health Condition Medical Residency in Psychiatry or Psychology Psychotherapy, Medication Management
Botox Neurotoxin Medical Residency in Dermatology, Neurology, or Plastic Surgery Injection into Targeted Muscles
Brachial Plexus Injury Nerve Disorder Medical Residency in Neurology or Orthopedic Surgery Physical Therapy, Nerve Grafting, Tendon Transfers
Brachytherapy Radiation Therapy Medical Residency in Radiation Oncology Internal Placement of Radioactive Sources

Descriptions

Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic medication used to treat muscle spasticity, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. It acts on the central nervous system to reduce muscle tone and improve flexibility.
Bacteriology
Bacteriology is the scientific study of bacteria, their structure, function, and role in disease. Bacteriologists work to identify and classify bacteria, develop treatments, and understand their impact on human health and the environment.
Balneotherapy
A form of complementary and alternative medicine that uses bathing in mineral-rich waters, such as hot springs, to treat various health conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, and skin disorders.
Bariatric Medicine
A medical specialty focused on the treatment of obesity and related conditions. Bariatric physicians use a combination of dietary, exercise, and sometimes surgical interventions to help patients lose weight and improve overall health.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a set of procedures that modify the digestive system to aid in significant and sustained weight loss for individuals with severe obesity. These surgeries can improve or resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Barium Enema
A diagnostic procedure that uses a barium-based contrast agent and X-rays to examine the large intestine, rectum, and lower part of the small intestine. It can help identify issues like polyps, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Barium Swallow
A diagnostic test that uses a barium-based contrast agent and X-rays to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It can help identify issues like blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma refers to injuries caused by changes in pressure, often experienced during activities like scuba diving, flying, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It can affect the ears, sinuses, lungs, and other air-containing structures, requiring prompt medical attention.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
A type of skin cancer that typically appears as a slow-growing, waxy bump or nodule on the skin. It is the most common form of skin cancer but is generally less aggressive than other types.
Basophilia
A medical condition characterized by an abnormally high number of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in the bloodstream. It is often associated with certain allergic and inflammatory conditions.
Battered Child Syndrome
Benign Migratory Glossitis
Bax-Mediated Apoptosis
A process of programmed cell death regulated by the Bax protein, which is involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Understanding Bax-mediated apoptosis is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy
A rare, inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. It is a milder form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and typically affects boys and men.
Beclomethasone
Beclomethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication used to treat inflammatory conditions like asthma, rhinitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It works by reducing inflammation and immune system activity to alleviate symptoms.
Bedside Manner
The ability of healthcare professionals to interact with patients in a caring, compassionate, and effective manner, building trust and improving the overall patient experience.
Behcet’s Disease
A chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation, and skin lesions. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition.
Bell’s Palsy
A condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. It is caused by inflammation or damage to the facial nerve, and most cases resolve within a few weeks to months.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
A common cause of vertigo characterized by sudden, brief episodes of spinning or dizziness triggered by changes in head position. It is caused by the displacement of calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms, such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, a weak urine stream, and the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
Benzocaine
A local anesthetic used to numb the skin or mucous membranes. It is commonly used in various medical and dental procedures, as well as in some over-the-counter products for pain relief.
Betaadrenergic Blockers
A class of drugs that block the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) on the body. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina, abnormal heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Bevacizumab
A monoclonal antibody that inhibits the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. It is used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancer.
Binasal Hemianopsia
A rare type of visual field defect characterized by the loss of vision in the nasal halves of both eyes. It is often caused by a lesion in the optic chiasm, where the optic nerves from the two eyes partially cross.
Biocompatible Materials
Materials designed to be compatible with the human body, often used in medical devices, implants, and prosthetics. They are engineered to minimize adverse reactions and maximize the desired performance and integration with the body’s systems.
Bioelectronic Medicine
The field that combines electronics and biology to develop innovative therapies for various medical conditions. It involves the use of implantable or wearable devices that can modulate electrical signals in the body to treat conditions like pain, neurological disorders, and chronic diseases.
Biological Therapy
A type of treatment that uses substances derived from living organisms to stimulate or suppress the immune system. It is used to treat various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.
Bioluminescence Imaging
A non-invasive imaging technique that uses light-emitting molecules (luciferases) to visualize and track biological processes in living organisms. It is commonly used in preclinical research to study disease progression, drug efficacy, and gene expression.
Bioluminescence Microscopy
A microscopy technique that utilizes bioluminescent molecules, such as luciferase, to visualize and study biological processes in living cells or organisms. It allows real-time monitoring of cellular activities without the need for external light sources.
Biomarker
A measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. Biomarkers can be used to detect, monitor, or predict the progression of a disease, as well as to guide treatment decisions and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Biomaterials
Any material, natural or synthetic, that is designed to interact with biological systems. Biomaterials are used in a variety of medical applications, such as implants, prosthetics, and tissue engineering.
Biomedical Engineering
A field that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to create innovative solutions for healthcare. Biomedical engineers design and develop medical devices, prosthetics, diagnostic tools, and other technologies to improve patient care and outcomes.
Biopsy
The removal of a sample of tissue or cells from the body for examination and analysis. Biopsies are commonly used to diagnose various conditions, including cancer, infections, and inflammatory disorders.
Biopsy-Proven Cirrhosis
A diagnosis of cirrhosis, or the scarring and hardening of the liver, that is confirmed by a liver biopsy. This is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver disease.
Bipolar Disorder
A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (feelings of elation, increased energy, and impulsiveness) and depressive episodes. It can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Bladder Cancer
A type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the bladder. It is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States and can range from non-invasive to invasive, requiring different treatment approaches.
Bladder Exstrophy
A rare congenital defect in which the bladder develops outside the body, often with associated genital and pelvic abnormalities. It requires complex surgical management to reconstruct the bladder and pelvic structures, as well as ongoing care to address urinary and sexual function.
Bladder Instillation
The process of introducing medications or other solutions directly into the bladder through a catheter. This route of administration is used to treat various bladder conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, and bladder cancer.
Bladder Outlet Obstruction
A blockage or narrowing of the urethra or neck of the bladder that prevents the efficient flow of urine from the bladder. It can be caused by conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral strictures, or neurogenic bladder.
Blalock-Taussig Shunt
A surgical procedure that creates a connection (shunt) between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. It is often performed as a palliative measure to improve blood flow to the lungs in infants with certain types of cyanotic congenital heart defects, such as Tetralogy of Fallot.
Blastocystis Hominis
A single-celled parasitic organism that can live in the human intestine. While its clinical significance is debated, it has been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating in some individuals.
Bleb Needling
A procedure used to treat failed or scarred filtering blebs after glaucoma surgery. It involves using a small needle to break up or disrupt the scar tissue, which can help restore the flow of fluid and lower intraocular pressure.
Bleeding Disorder
A group of conditions characterized by the body’s inability to properly form blood clots, leading to excessive or uncontrolled bleeding. Examples include hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and platelet function disorders.
Blindness
The complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, eye diseases, injuries, or underlying medical conditions. Blindness can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and independence.
Blunt Trauma
Physical injury caused by a blunt object or force, such as a fall, car accident, or physical assault. It can result in a range of injuries, including bruises, lacerations, fractures, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injury, depending on the severity and location of the impact.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
A mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw or imperfection in one’s physical appearance, which causes significant distress and impairment in daily life. Individuals with BDD may seek multiple cosmetic procedures to address their concerns.
Bone Cancer
A type of cancer that originates in the bones. It can be primary, meaning it starts in the bone, or secondary, meaning it has spread to the bone from another cancer site. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer.
Bone Infection
An infection of the bone, usually caused by bacteria or fungi. It can occur due to a recent injury, surgery, or spread from another infection in the body. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and fever, and it requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
A procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is removed, usually from the hip bone, for laboratory analysis. It is used to diagnose and monitor various blood and bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia.
Bone Marrow Transplant
A procedure in which healthy stem cells are infused into a person to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow. It is used to treat various blood and bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia, as well as some genetic and immune system disorders.
Bone Metabolism
The complex biological processes that regulate the formation, maintenance, and resorption of bone tissue. Disruptions in bone metabolism can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and fibrous dysplasia.
Borderline Personality Disorder
A mental health condition characterized by a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals with BPD may experience intense mood swings, impulsive behavior, and a fear of abandonment, which can significantly impact their daily functioning.
Botox
A purified form of botulinum toxin that is used to temporarily paralyze or weaken muscles. It is commonly used for cosmetic purposes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as for the treatment of certain medical conditions like migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Damage to the network of nerves (brachial plexus) that control the movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand. It can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury, and can result in varying degrees of muscle weakness, numbness, and pain in the affected arm.
Brachytherapy
A type of targeted radiation therapy in which radioactive sources are placed directly

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