There are 52 medical specialties that start with the letter V. From Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy to Voice and Swallowing Medicine. 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 V

Medical specialties focus area training required common procedures
Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy Wound management Fellowship in plastic/general surgery Application of vacuum-assisted wound dressings
Vaginal and Vulvar Diseases Disorders of the vagina and vulva Residency in obstetrics and gynecology Biopsies, laser treatments, surgical procedures
Vascular and Interventional Radiology Minimally invasive image-guided procedures Residency in radiology, fellowship in vascular/interventional radiology Angioplasty, stent placement, embolization, thrombectomy
Vascular Anesthesia Anesthesia management for patients undergoing vascular surgery 4 years of medical school, plus 4 years of residency training in anesthesiology, plus 1-2 years of fellowship training in vascular anesthesia Monitoring and managing the anesthetic care of patients undergoing vascular procedures, such as aortic aneurysm repair, limb amputations, and carotid endarterectomy
Vascular Biology Research on the structure and function of blood vessels Doctoral degree in a life science field, postdoctoral research Laboratory experiments, data analysis, publication
Vascular Imaging Diagnostic and interventional imaging of blood vessels Radiologist with additional training in vascular imaging techniques Angiography, Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography
Vascular Medicine Diagnosis and management of blood vessel disorders Internal medicine residency and fellowship in vascular medicine Noninvasive vascular testing, anticoagulation management, thrombolytic therapy
Vascular Neurology Diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease 4 years of residency in neurology, plus 1-2 years of fellowship training in vascular neurology Carotid endarterectomy, endovascular procedures, stroke rehabilitation
Vascular Neurosurgery Surgical treatment of cerebrovascular disorders Residency in neurological surgery, fellowship in vascular neurosurgery Aneurysm clipping, arteriovenous malformation resection, carotid endarterectomy
Vascular Radiology Imaging and treatment of vascular diseases using minimally invasive techniques 4 years of residency in diagnostic radiology, plus 1-2 years of fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology Angiography, embolization, stenting, thrombectomy
Vascular Surgery Surgical treatment of diseases affecting the arteries and veins 5 years of general surgery residency, plus 1-2 years of fellowship training in vascular surgery Bypass grafting, aneurysm repair, limb amputations
Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Evaluation and treatment of abnormal function of the soft palate and pharynx Speech-language pathology with specialty training Nasendoscopy, videofluoroscopy, speech therapy
Venereal Disease Medicine diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections medical degree, residency in internal medicine or infectious diseases testing, counseling, treatment
Venereology Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 4 years of medical school, plus 3-4 years of residency training in dermatology or internal medicine STI testing, counseling, and treatment
Venous Interventional Radiology Minimally invasive treatment of venous disease Completion of an ACGME-accredited radiology residency, followed by additional fellowship training Venous access, thrombolysis, stent placement, venoplasty
Venous Medicine diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders medical degree, residency in vascular surgery or interventional radiology sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, phlebectomy
Venous Thromboembolism Medicine Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of blood clots in veins Internal medicine residency and fellowship in vascular or thrombosis medicine Anticoagulation management, thrombolytic therapy, inferior vena cava filter placement
Ventilation Medicine Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders, including mechanical ventilation 4 years of medical school, plus 3-4 years of residency training in internal medicine or pulmonary and critical care medicine Mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation, weaning from ventilator support
Vestibular Medicine diagnosis and treatment of balance and dizziness disorders medical degree, residency in neurology or otolaryngology electronystagmography, videonystagmography, vestibular rehabilitation
Veterinary Anesthesiology Administration of anesthesia and pain management for animals DVM degree, completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in veterinary anesthesiology Anesthesia administration, pain management, emergency procedures
Veterinary Behavior Diagnosis and treatment of behavioral problems in animals Veterinary degree and residency/certification in animal behavior Behavior modification techniques, psychopharmacology
Veterinary Cardiology diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in animals veterinary degree, residency in veterinary internal medicine or cardiology echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, pacemaker placement
Veterinary Clinical Pathology Analysis of laboratory samples for disease diagnosis in animals Veterinary degree and residency in clinical pathology Hematology, cytology, clinical chemistry, microbiology
Veterinary Dentistry Oral and dental care for animals DVM degree, completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in veterinary dentistry Dental cleanings, extractions, root canals, orthodontic treatments
Veterinary Dermatology diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders in animals veterinary degree, residency in veterinary dermatology skin biopsies, allergy testing, laser therapy
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care emergency and intensive medical care for animals veterinary degree, residency in veterinary emergency and critical care resuscitation, stabilization, intensive monitoring
Veterinary Epidemiology Study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in animal populations Veterinary degree and advanced training in epidemiology Outbreak investigations, disease surveillance, data analysis
Veterinary Fertility and Reproduction Reproductive health, breeding, and assisted reproductive techniques in animals Veterinary degree and residency in theriogenology Artificial insemination, embryo transfer, pregnancy diagnosis, fertility treatments
Veterinary Hematology Diagnosis and management of blood disorders in animals Veterinary degree and residency in clinical pathology or hematology Blood smear analysis, bone marrow aspiration, coagulation testing
Veterinary Immunology Study of the immune system and its role in animal health and disease Veterinary degree and advanced training in immunology Allergy testing, vaccine development, immune-mediated disease management
Veterinary Internal Medicine diagnosis and treatment of complex medical conditions in animals veterinary degree, residency in veterinary internal medicine endoscopy, ultrasound, advanced imaging
Veterinary Laboratory Animal Medicine Care and use of animals in research and teaching settings Veterinary degree and residency in laboratory animal medicine Experimental design, animal welfare oversight, pathology
Veterinary Medicine Care and treatment of animals 4 years of veterinary school after completing a pre-veterinary undergraduate program Routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgeries, and emergency care for animals
Veterinary Microbiology study of microorganisms and their interactions with animals veterinary degree, graduate-level training in microbiology microbial culture, identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Veterinary Neurology diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in animals veterinary degree, residency in veterinary neurology electrodiagnostics, advanced imaging, neurosurgery
Veterinary Nutrition Dietary management and nutritional support for animals Veterinary degree and advanced training in animal nutrition Formulation of specialized diets, nutritional counseling
Veterinary Oncology Diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals DVM degree, completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in veterinary oncology Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgery
Veterinary Ophthalmology diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision disorders in animals veterinary degree, residency in veterinary ophthalmology cataract surgery, corneal procedures, glaucoma management
Veterinary Orthopedics Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in animals Veterinary degree and residency in orthopedic surgery Joint replacements, fracture repair, ligament reconstruction
Veterinary Pathology Diagnosis of animal diseases through the analysis of tissues and bodily fluids DVM degree, completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in veterinary pathology Biopsy, necropsy, laboratory testing
Veterinary Pharmacology Study of the effects, interactions, and use of drugs in animals Veterinary degree and advanced training in pharmacology Drug development, toxicology testing, clinical drug trials
Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry Study of the normal functions and chemical processes in animal organisms Veterinary degree and advanced training in physiology and biochemistry Physiological measurements, biochemical analyses, animal experiments
Veterinary Preventive Medicine Promotion of animal health and well-being through disease prevention and control Veterinary degree and residency in epidemiology or public health Vaccination programs, biosecurity measures, disease surveillance
Veterinary Public Health Promoting and protecting the health of animals, humans, and the environment through the integration of veterinary and public health practices. Veterinary degree and additional training in public health. Disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, risk assessment, and policy development.
Veterinary Radiology Diagnostic and interventional imaging of animals Veterinary degree and residency in radiology Radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy
Veterinary Surgery Performing surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and congenital abnormalities in animals. Veterinary degree and residency training in surgery. Orthopedic, soft tissue, minimally invasive, and emergency surgical procedures.
Veterinary Theriogenology Reproduction, fertility, and breeding management in animals. Veterinary degree and residency training in theriogenology. Artificial insemination, embryo transfer, pregnancy diagnosis, dystocia management.
Virology Study of viruses and viral diseases 4 years of medical school, plus 3-4 years of residency training in pathology or infectious disease Viral testing, research, and development of antiviral treatments
Visual Pathology Diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the visual system 4 years of medical school, plus 3-4 years of residency training in ophthalmology Eye examinations, imaging tests, surgical procedures
Vitreomacular Traction Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the vitreous humor and macula 4 years of medical school, plus 3-4 years of residency training in ophthalmology, plus 1-2 years of fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery Vitrectomy, membrane peeling, intravitreal injections
Vitreoretinal Surgery Surgical treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the vitreous humor and retina of the eye. Medical degree, ophthalmology residency, and fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery. Retinal detachment repair, macular hole surgery, diabetic retinopathy treatment.
Voice and Swallowing Medicine Evaluation and management of voice, speech, and swallowing disorders. Medical degree, residency in otolaryngology or speech-language pathology, and additional training in voice and swallowing. Laryngoscopy, voice therapy, swallowing rehabilitation.

Descriptions

Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy
Technique using negative pressure wound therapy to promote wound healing by removing exudate, reducing edema, and improving blood flow.
Vaginal and Vulvar Diseases
Specialty focusing on conditions affecting the female external genitalia and vagina, such as infections, inflammation, and neoplasms.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Specialty that uses radiologic imaging to guide the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases and other conditions.
Vascular Anesthesia
A subspecialty of anesthesiology that focuses on the perioperative care of patients undergoing vascular surgery, including the management of complex cardiovascular and hemodynamic conditions.
Vascular Biology
Discipline that studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of blood vessel formation, structure, and function.
Vascular Imaging
Specialty focused on the use of advanced imaging modalities to evaluate and treat vascular diseases, including stenosis, aneurysms, and vascular malformations.
Vascular Medicine
Specialty that addresses the medical (non-surgical) treatment of arterial, venous, and lymphatic disorders, including peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins.
Vascular Neurology
A subspecialty of neurology that focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of diseases affecting the blood vessels of the brain and nervous system.
Vascular Neurosurgery
Subspecialty of neurosurgery focused on the surgical management of conditions affecting the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord.
Vascular Radiology
A subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound, to diagnose and treat vascular conditions, including peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and venous thrombosis.
Vascular Surgery
A surgical specialty that focuses on the comprehensive care of patients with vascular diseases, including conditions affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic systems.
Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Specialty focused on disorders that affect the ability to close off the nasal cavity during speech, swallowing, and other functions, often requiring interdisciplinary management.
Venereal Disease Medicine
A specialty focused on the medical care and management of patients with venereal diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS.
Venereology
A medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Venous Interventional Radiology
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of venous conditions using image-guided, catheter-based techniques to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
Venous Medicine
A specialty dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of venous conditions, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency.
Venous Thromboembolism Medicine
Specialty that addresses the medical management of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other venous thromboembolic disorders.
Ventilation Medicine
A subspecialty of pulmonary medicine that focuses on the management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, either invasively or non-invasively, due to acute or chronic respiratory failure.
Vestibular Medicine
A specialty that focuses on the assessment and management of vestibular system disorders, which can cause symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.
Veterinary Anesthesiology
Responsible for the safe and effective administration of anesthesia, as well as the assessment and management of pain in veterinary patients during surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
Veterinary Behavior
Specialty that addresses abnormal behaviors in animals, such as aggression, anxiety, and compulsive disorders, using a combination of behavioral therapy and medication management.
Veterinary Cardiology
A specialty within veterinary medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart and blood vessel diseases in animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Specialty that focuses on the interpretation of laboratory test results to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of animal health conditions.
Veterinary Dentistry
Focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and dental diseases in animals, including teeth, gums, and supporting structures.
Veterinary Dermatology
A specialty within veterinary medicine that focuses on the identification and treatment of various skin, coat, and nail conditions in pets and other animals.
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
A specialty within veterinary medicine that provides emergency and critical care services for animals, including trauma management, intensive care, and 24-hour emergency services.
Veterinary Epidemiology
Specialty that applies the principles of epidemiology to the study of animal health, with a focus on identifying and controlling the spread of infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other factors affecting animal populations.
Veterinary Fertility and Reproduction
Specialty focused on the management of reproductive issues in animals, including breeding, pregnancy, parturition, and infertility, as well as the development of advanced reproductive technologies.
Veterinary Hematology
Specialty that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of conditions affecting the blood, such as anemia, bleeding disorders, and blood cell abnormalities, in various animal species.
Veterinary Immunology
Specialty that examines the functioning of the immune system in animals, including its role in fighting infections, autoimmune disorders, and other health conditions, with the goal of developing targeted therapies and preventive measures.
Veterinary Internal Medicine
A specialty within veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and management of complex or chronic medical conditions in animals, such as endocrine, gastrointestinal, and respiratory disorders.
Veterinary Laboratory Animal Medicine
Specialty that ensures the humane and ethical use of animals in research, medical education, and other scientific endeavors, including the development of appropriate housing, handling, and experimental protocols.
Veterinary Medicine
A medical field that focuses on the health and well-being of animals, including domestic pets, livestock, and wildlife. Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal diseases, perform surgery, and provide preventive care.
Veterinary Microbiology
A specialty within veterinary medicine that focuses on the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can affect animals, including their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Veterinary Neurology
A specialty within veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions in animals, such as seizures, spinal cord injuries, and brain tumors.
Veterinary Nutrition
Specialty that focuses on the role of nutrition in animal health, including the development of appropriate feeding regimens for healthy pets, livestock, and exotic species, as well as the management of nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.
Veterinary Oncology
Specializes in the diagnosis, staging, and comprehensive management of cancers in animals, utilizing a range of treatment modalities to improve quality of life and outcomes.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
A specialty within veterinary medicine that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of eye, vision, and related disorders in animals, including dogs, cats, and horses.
Veterinary Orthopedics
Specialty that specializes in the surgical and non-surgical management of bone, joint, and muscle conditions in animals, such as arthritis, ligament tears, and fractures, often using advanced techniques and implants.
Veterinary Pathology
Responsible for the microscopic and molecular examination of animal tissues and samples to identify the cause, nature, and progression of diseases in veterinary patients.
Veterinary Pharmacology
Specialty that encompasses the research, development, and therapeutic application of pharmaceutical agents in veterinary medicine, with a focus on ensuring the safe and effective use of drugs in various animal species.
Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry
Specialty that examines the fundamental biological and chemical mechanisms underlying the normal functioning of animal body systems, providing crucial insights for understanding animal health, disease processes, and the development of novel therapies.
Veterinary Preventive Medicine
Specialty focused on the development and implementation of strategies to prevent and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other threats to the health and welfare of animal populations, often in collaboration with public health authorities.
Veterinary Public Health
Veterinarians in this specialty work to prevent and control zoonotic diseases, ensure food safety, and address environmental health issues that impact both animal and human populations.
Veterinary Radiology
Specialty that utilizes advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and guide the treatment of a wide range of conditions in animals, including cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, and internal organ diseases.
Veterinary Surgery
Veterinary surgeons have specialized skills and training to perform a wide range of surgical interventions to improve the health and well-being of animals.
Veterinary Theriogenology
Veterinary theriogenologists provide expertise in reproductive biology, breeding, and neonatal care to optimize the reproductive health and productivity of both domestic and exotic animal species.
Virology
A medical specialty that focuses on the study of viruses, their structures, functions, and the diseases they cause in humans and other organisms. Virologists play a critical role in the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Visual Pathology
A subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases and disorders of the eye, including the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
Vitreomacular Traction
A subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on the management of conditions where the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance in the eye) is pulling on the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
Vitreoretinal Surgery
Vitreoretinal surgeons use advanced microsurgical techniques to treat complex conditions of the posterior segment of the eye, often restoring vision and preventing blindness.
Voice and Swallowing Medicine
Voice and swallowing medicine specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect vocal function, speech production, and the ability to safely swallow food and liquids.

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