There are 51 medical specialties that start with the letter C. From Cancer Epidemiology to Cytopathology. 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 C
| Medical specialties | focus area | training required | common procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer Epidemiology | Studying the patterns, causes, and risk factors of cancer in populations | Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in epidemiology or public health | Research, data analysis, publication |
| Cancer Genetics | Identifying genetic alterations associated with cancer development and progression | Medical degree (M.D.) and residency in medical genetics or oncology | Genetic testing, counseling, research |
| Cancer Immunology | Understanding the interaction between the immune system and cancer cells | Medical degree (M.D.) and residency in oncology, immunology, or pathology | Immune system analysis, cancer immunotherapy research |
| Cancer Informatics | Developing and applying computational methods to cancer research and care | Medical degree (M.D.) or doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in computer science, bioinformatics, or biomedical informatics | Data analysis, algorithm development, software engineering |
| Cancer Metabolism | Investigating the unique metabolic features of cancer cells and their role in tumor growth and survival | Medical degree (M.D.) and residency in oncology or biochemistry | Cell culture studies, metabolic assays, animal models |
| Cancer Molecular Biology | Studying the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression | Medical degree (M.D.) or doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in molecular biology or cancer biology | Genetic/molecular profiling, gene expression analysis, drug screening |
| Cancer Nanotechnology | Developing and applying nanoscale technologies for cancer diagnosis, imaging, and treatment | Medical degree (M.D.) or doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in engineering, materials science, or nanobiology | Nanoparticle design, drug delivery systems, diagnostic biosensors |
| Cardiac Anesthesia | Anesthesia for cardiac surgical procedures | 4-5 years of specialized training after medical school | Anesthesia administration, hemodynamic monitoring, cardiac surgery support |
| Cardiac Anesthesiology | Focuses on the anesthetic management of patients with cardiovascular disease or undergoing cardiac surgery. | Completion of an accredited anesthesiology residency program and additional fellowship training in cardiac anesthesiology. | Cardiopulmonary bypass, valve repair/replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart transplantation. |
| Cardiac Electrophysiology | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). | Completion of internal medicine or pediatric residency, followed by a fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology. | Catheter ablation, pacemaker/defibrillator implantation, cardiac mapping. |
| Cardiac Imaging | Specializes in the use of various imaging modalities to diagnose and manage cardiovascular conditions. | Completion of a radiology residency and additional fellowship training in cardiac imaging. | Echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, nuclear cardiology. |
| Cardiac Oncology | Care for patients with cancer-related cardiovascular complications | 2-3 years of specialized training after medical school | Echocardiography, cardiac biomarker monitoring, cardioprotective therapy |
| Cardiac Surgery | Focuses on the surgical treatment of heart and vascular conditions. | Completion of a general surgery residency and additional fellowship training in cardiac surgery. | Coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, heart transplantation. |
| Cardio-Oncology | Focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients and survivors. | Completion of a cardiology or internal medicine residency, followed by a fellowship in cardio-oncology. | Echocardiography, cardiac biomarker monitoring, management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular effects. |
| Cardio-Thoracic Radiology | Specializes in the use of imaging techniques to diagnose and manage diseases of the chest, including the heart and lungs. | Completion of a radiology residency and additional fellowship training in cardio-thoracic radiology. | Chest radiography, CT of the chest, MRI of the chest. |
| Cardiology | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. | Completion of a 3-year internal medicine residency, followed by a 3-year fellowship in cardiology. | Echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, pacemaker/defibrillator implantation. |
| Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation | Focuses on the rehabilitation and recovery of patients with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary diseases. | Completion of a medical degree and specialty training in physical medicine and rehabilitation or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. | Exercise therapy, education on disease management, psychological support. |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. | Completion of a 3-year internal medicine residency, followed by a 3-year fellowship in cardiovascular disease. | Echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, pacemaker/defibrillator implantation. |
| Cardiovascular Imaging | Specializes in the use of various imaging modalities to diagnose and manage cardiovascular conditions. | Completion of a radiology residency and additional fellowship training in cardiovascular imaging. | Echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, nuclear cardiology. |
| Cardiovascular Pathology | Specializes in the diagnosis and study of diseases and conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. | Completion of a medical degree, followed by a residency in pathology and additional training in cardiovascular pathology. | Autopsy, biopsy analysis, molecular testing. |
| Cardiovascular Radiology | Specializes in the use of imaging techniques to diagnose and manage diseases and conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. | Completion of a radiology residency and additional fellowship training in cardiovascular radiology. | Cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, angiography, interventional procedures. |
| Cardiovascular Surgery | Focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. | Completion of a general surgery residency and additional fellowship training in cardiovascular surgery. | Coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, heart transplantation. |
| Cerebrovascular Disease | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels in the brain, including stroke. | Completion of a neurology residency and additional fellowship training in cerebrovascular disease. | Carotid endarterectomy, endovascular procedures, management of acute stroke. |
| Cervical Cancer | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer affecting the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. | Completion of a gynecology residency and additional training in gynecologic oncology. | Colposcopy, cervical biopsy, surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. |
| Cervical Spine Surgery | Focuses on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the cervical (neck) region of the spine. | Completion of a neurosurgery or orthopaedic surgery residency and additional fellowship training in cervical spine surgery. | Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior cervical decompression and fusion, artificial disc replacement. |
| Chest Wall Surgery | Specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the chest wall, including the ribs, sternum, and associated structures. | Completion of a general surgery residency and additional fellowship training in chest wall surgery. | Rib resection, chest wall reconstruction, repair of chest wall deformities. |
| Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in children and adolescents. | Completion of a general psychiatry residency and additional fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. | Psychotherapy, medication management, family therapy, crisis intervention. |
| Child Neurology | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in children. | Completion of a pediatrics residency and additional fellowship training in child neurology. | Evaluation and management of epilepsy, developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders, headaches. |
| Chronic Pain Medicine | Specializes in the diagnosis and management of chronic pain conditions. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in anesthesiology or physical medicine and rehabilitation, and additional fellowship training in chronic pain medicine. | Interventional pain procedures, medication management, physical therapy, psychological treatment. |
| Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery | Focuses on the surgical treatment of congenital deformities of the face, jaws, and skull. | Completion of a plastic surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery residency and additional fellowship training in cleft and craniofacial surgery. | Cleft lip and palate repair, jaw surgery, cranial vault reconstruction, facial reconstruction. |
| Clinical Biochemistry | Specializes in the laboratory analysis and interpretation of biochemical markers in the diagnosis and management of disease. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in pathology or laboratory medicine, and additional training in clinical biochemistry. | Measurement of enzymes, hormones, proteins, and other biomolecules, interpretation of laboratory test results. |
| Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). | Completion of a cardiology fellowship and additional training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. | Catheter ablation, pacemaker/defibrillator implantation, cardiac mapping, electrophysiology studies. |
| Clinical Cytogenetics | Specializes in the study and analysis of chromosomes to diagnose genetic disorders. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in pathology or medical genetics, and additional training in clinical cytogenetics. | Karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), microarray analysis. |
| Clinical Genetics | Specializes in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of genetic disorders. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in medical genetics, and additional training in a specific area of clinical genetics. | Genetic testing, counseling, prenatal diagnosis, management of genetic conditions. |
| Clinical Immunology | Diagnosis and treatment of immune system disorders | 4-5 years of specialized training after medical school | Allergy testing, immunomodulatory therapy, immune function assessment |
| Clinical Laboratory Immunology | Specializes in the laboratory analysis and interpretation of the immune system and its role in health and disease. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in pathology or laboratory medicine, and additional training in clinical laboratory immunology. | Measurement of antibodies, cytokines, and other immune markers, interpretation of immunology test results. |
| Clinical Microbiology | Specializes in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in pathology or laboratory medicine, and additional training in clinical microbiology. | Identification of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, antimicrobial susceptibility testing. |
| Clinical Molecular Genetics | Specializes in the use of genetic and genomic technologies to diagnose and manage genetic disorders. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in medical genetics, and additional training in clinical molecular genetics. | Genetic testing, interpretation of genetic and genomic data, counseling patients and families. |
| Clinical Neurophysiology | Specializes in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the nervous system using electrodiagnostic techniques. | Completion of a neurology residency and additional fellowship training in clinical neurophysiology. | Electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials. |
| Clinical Nutrition | Specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nutritional disorders. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and additional training in clinical nutrition. | Nutritional assessment, dietary counseling, enteral and parenteral nutrition management. |
| Clinical Pathology | Specializes in the laboratory analysis and interpretation of body fluids and tissues to aid in the diagnosis of disease. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in pathology, and additional training in clinical pathology. | Hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, transfusion medicine. |
| Clinical Pharmacology | Specializes in the study of the effects and use of drugs in humans. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in internal medicine or pharmacology, and additional training in clinical pharmacology. | Drug development, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. |
| Clinical Psychology | Specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. | Completion of a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and additional supervised clinical training. | Psychotherapy, psychological testing and assessment, counseling. |
| Clinical Radiology | Specializes in the use of imaging techniques to diagnose and manage various medical conditions. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in radiology, and additional training in a specific area of clinical radiology. | Radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, interventional procedures. |
| Clinical Toxicology | Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning and exposure to toxic substances. | Completion of a medical degree, residency in emergency medicine or internal medicine, and additional training in clinical toxicology. | Antidote administration, decontamination procedures, management of overdoses and exposures. |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery | Surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus | 5-7 years of specialized training after medical school | Colorectal resection, hemorrhoid treatment, fistula repair |
| Colorectal Surgery | Focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. | Completion of a general surgery residency and additional fellowship training in colorectal surgery. | Colectomy, rectal resection, hemorrhoid treatment, fistula repair. |
| Community Medicine | Focus on the health of populations and communities | 2-4 years of specialized training after medical school | Public health program development, epidemiological research, policy advocacy |
| Cornea and External Eye Disease | Specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the cornea and outer structures of the eye | 2-3 years of specialized training after medical school | Corneal transplantation, refractive surgery, management of eye infections |
| Critical Care Medicine | Specialty in the comprehensive care of critically ill or injured patients | 4-6 years of specialized training after medical school | Mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, complex medical decision-making |
| Cytopathology | Specialty in the microscopic examination and interpretation of cells from body fluids and tissues | 4-5 years of specialized training after medical school | Fine needle aspiration, fluid analysis, rapid on-site evaluation |
Descriptions
Cancer Epidemiology
Examines the distribution and determinants of cancer incidence, prevalence, and outcomes within human populations to inform prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.
Cancer Genetics
Investigates the role of inherited and acquired genetic changes in the initiation and progression of various cancers to guide personalized cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Cancer Immunology
Focuses on the body’s immune response to cancer, including the use of immunotherapies to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer Informatics
Utilizes advanced computational techniques, such as machine learning and data mining, to analyze large cancer datasets, improve clinical decision-making, and accelerate cancer research and discovery.
Cancer Metabolism
Examines how cancer cells rewire their metabolic pathways to support rapid proliferation, evade cell death, and create a supportive tumor microenvironment, with the goal of developing targeted metabolic therapies.
Cancer Molecular Biology
Focuses on the cellular and molecular processes that drive the initiation, growth, and metastasis of cancer, using advanced techniques to uncover novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Cancer Nanotechnology
Leverages the unique properties of nanomaterials to create innovative tools and technologies for more precise and personalized cancer management, from early detection to targeted therapy.
Cardiac Anesthesia
Cardiac anesthesiologists provide anesthesia care for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafts, valve repairs, and heart transplants, requiring expertise in managing complex cardiovascular physiology.
Cardiac Anesthesiology
A subspecialty of anesthesiology that deals with the anesthetic care of patients with heart and vascular conditions, including those undergoing cardiac surgery.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
A subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on the electrical activity of the heart and the management of heart rhythm disorders.
Cardiac Imaging
A subspecialty of radiology that utilizes various imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI, to assess the structure and function of the heart.
Cardiac Oncology
Cardiac oncologists manage the cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, and work closely with oncologists to optimize patient outcomes.
Cardiac Surgery
A surgical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the heart and the surrounding blood vessels.
Cardio-Oncology
A subspecialty of cardiology that addresses the cardiovascular health of cancer patients, including the prevention and management of treatment-related cardiovascular complications.
Cardio-Thoracic Radiology
A subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the interpretation of imaging studies of the thoracic cavity, including the heart, lungs, and associated structures.
Cardiology
A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
A specialized program that helps patients with heart and lung conditions to improve their physical function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their overall quality of life through a combination of exercise, education, and support.
Cardiovascular Disease
A medical subspecialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Cardiovascular Imaging
A subspecialty of radiology that utilizes advanced imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI, to assess the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
Cardiovascular Pathology
A subspecialty of pathology that focuses on the microscopic and molecular examination of the heart, blood vessels, and related structures to diagnose and understand cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular Radiology
A subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as cardiac CT and MRI, to evaluate and treat conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular Surgery
A surgical specialty that specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the heart, great vessels, and associated structures, including congenital and acquired diseases.
Cerebrovascular Disease
A subspecialty of neurology that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral aneurysms, and vascular malformations.
Cervical Cancer
A subspecialty of gynecologic oncology that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cancer of the cervix, including the development of effective screening and treatment strategies.
Cervical Spine Surgery
A subspecialty that specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities affecting the cervical spine, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and traumatic injuries.
Chest Wall Surgery
A subspecialty of thoracic surgery that focuses on the surgical management of conditions affecting the structures that make up the chest wall, such as rib fractures, chest wall tumors, and congenital deformities.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
A subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
Child Neurology
A subspecialty of neurology that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, including developmental disorders, seizures, and neuromuscular diseases.
Chronic Pain Medicine
A subspecialty that focuses on the comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary management of chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and complex regional pain syndrome.
Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery
A subspecialty that specializes in the surgical treatment of congenital and acquired deformities of the face, jaws, and skull, including cleft lip and palate, craniofacial syndromes, and facial trauma.
Clinical Biochemistry
A subspecialty of laboratory medicine that focuses on the application of biochemical principles and techniques to the analysis of biological samples, such as blood and urine, to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of various medical conditions.
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
A subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on the diagnosis and management of complex heart rhythm disorders, including the use of specialized techniques such as catheter ablation and implantable devices.
Clinical Cytogenetics
A subspecialty of medical genetics that focuses on the microscopic examination and molecular analysis of chromosomes to identify genetic abnormalities, such as those associated with congenital disorders, cancer, and infertility.
Clinical Genetics
A medical specialty that focuses on the identification, diagnosis, and management of inherited and acquired genetic disorders, including the application of genetic and genomic technologies to patient care.
Clinical Immunology
Clinical immunologists are experts in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of conditions related to the immune system, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and immune-mediated disorders, using a combination of diagnostic tests and targeted treatments.
Clinical Laboratory Immunology
A subspecialty of laboratory medicine that focuses on the application of immunological principles and techniques to the analysis of biological samples, such as blood and body fluids, to aid in the diagnosis and management of immune-related disorders.
Clinical Microbiology
A subspecialty of laboratory medicine that focuses on the isolation, identification, and characterization of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to aid in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Clinical Molecular Genetics
A subspecialty of medical genetics that focuses on the application of molecular genetic and genomic techniques, such as DNA sequencing and analysis, to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders.
Clinical Neurophysiology
A subspecialty of neurology that focuses on the use of specialized electrophysiological techniques, such as EEG and EMG, to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, and brain injuries.
Clinical Nutrition
A subspecialty that focuses on the evaluation of a patient’s nutritional status and the development of individualized nutrition plans to prevent, manage, or treat various medical conditions, such as malnutrition, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
Clinical Pathology
A subspecialty of pathology that focuses on the application of laboratory medicine techniques to the analysis of biological samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, to assist in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of various medical conditions.
Clinical Pharmacology
A subspecialty that focuses on the evaluation of the safety, efficacy, and appropriate use of medications, including the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in the body.
Clinical Psychology
A specialty within the field of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, as well as the promotion of psychological well-being.
Clinical Radiology
A subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the application of various imaging modalities, such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound, to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of medical conditions.
Clinical Toxicology
A subspecialty that focuses on the identification, assessment, and treatment of poisoning and exposures to harmful substances, including drugs, chemicals, and environmental toxins, to prevent and mitigate their adverse effects on human health.
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Colon and rectal surgeons specialize in the surgical management of a wide range of conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and anorectal disorders, often using minimally invasive techniques.
Colorectal Surgery
A surgical specialty that specializes in the diagnosis and surgical management of conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and anorectal disorders.
Community Medicine
Community medicine specialists work to improve the overall health and well-being of communities, focusing on the prevention and management of diseases, the promotion of healthy behaviors, and the identification and mitigation of social and environmental determinants of health.
Cornea and External Eye Disease
Cornea and external eye disease specialists are experts in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids, including keratoconus, dry eye, and corneal infections, often using advanced surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Critical Care Medicine
Critical care medicine specialists, or intensivists, provide advanced, multidisciplinary care for patients with life-threatening conditions, such as respiratory failure, shock, and multi-organ dysfunction, often in intensive care unit settings, utilizing specialized knowledge and skills to optimize patient outcomes.
Cytopathology
Cytopathologists are experts in the diagnosis and interpretation of cellular samples obtained through techniques like fine needle aspiration or fluid collection, using their specialized knowledge of cellular morphology to aid in the detection and characterization of various diseases, including cancer.
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