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Welcome to Medical Professions.Net
On these pages you will find career and job links to resources for Medicine and Healthcare Professionals.
A job in Medicine or Healthcare can be one of the most rewarding careers available. It can also be challenging. The choices available to you are extensive. On this page you will find a brief description of just some of the careers which comprise the Medical Profession.
ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE
A physician trained in allopathic medicine is what most people think of when they imagine a ‘doctor’. Generally, an allopathic physician’s responsibilities include diagnosing disease, supervising the care of patients, and prescribing treatment. Students completing a four-year allopathic medical program earn the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). M.D.’s pursue graduate medical education (internship and residency) after completing the M.D.. This residency time may take from three to nine additional years.
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) diagnoses disease, supervises the care of patients, and prescribes treatment. Osteopathic medicine has much in common with allopathic medicine; however, osteopathic physicians have a somewhat different philosophy, sometimes described as total body medicine, and the use of an additional treatment - manipulative therapy - in conjunction with traditional allopathic therapies, such as medication. The D.O. degree involves four years of study, followed by a one-year internship. The internship is followed by two to six years of residency training if a specialty is desired. The majority of D.O.s practice in a primary-care setting, particularly general family practice.
CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE
A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) is a primary health care provider who gives particular attention to the relationship of the structural and neurological aspects of the body in health and disease. Chiropractic treatment includes spinal adjusting, manipulation, physical modalities, and rehabilitation. It is not unusual for students to enter a chiropractic program after 60 credit hours of preprofessional education, though schools of chiropractic have been increasingly accepting more applicants with bachelor’s degrees.
DENTISTRY
Dentistry is devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Most dentists engage in general practice, bringing skills in oral diagnosis, prevention, and rehabilitation directly to the patient. Students completing a dental program earn one of two equivalent degrees: Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) . The majority of dentists begin practice immediately after the four-year dental program, although many pursue one year or more of post-graduate study.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapists enable patients to regain or maximize the ability to perform daily life tasks after recovering from a traumatic injury. Occupational therapists usually have a strong educational background in the social and behavioral sciences. This provides the skills and knowledge for them to help patients physically, emotionally and psychologically deal with injury and recovery. An Occupational Therapist (O.T.) usually completes a two-year program to earn either a M.O.T. or other health science masters degree. Some schools offer the occupational therapy program as a bachelor’s degree. There are many areas of specialization for occupational therapists to choose from and a wide variety of clinical settings to practice.
OPTOMETRY
Optometrists are primary healthcare providers who diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. A Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) completes a four-year program, and the majority enter general practice upon earning the O.D.
PHARMACY
Pharmacists are an integral part of the primary healthcare system. They educate patients about different medications and serve to ensure safe adminstration of drugs. Pharmacists also serve to advise other healthcare providers about drug treatment plans. A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) completes a four-year program. A majority of graduates work in community pharmacy or in large retail pharmacy. However, there are many specialized fields for which pharmacists may choose as well as clinical research.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists work with patients to regain or maximize movement in major extremities or regions of the body relating to the major extremities. They are an integral part of the healthcare system and many physical therapists work alongside hospitals and in independent physical rehabilitation centers. There are two degrees offered for those interested in physical therapy. A Master of Physical Therapy (M.P.T.) usually completes a two year program, whereas a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) usually completes a three year program. There are many areas of specilization for physcial therapists to choose from and a wide variety of clinical settings to practice.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Physician assistants are part of the healthcare team that provides basic medical care under the supervision of a physician. They take medical histories, perform examinations, treat patients, see to minor injuries, prescribe medication, order lab work ups and interpret results. Physician assistants provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative health services. A Physician Assistant (P.A.) usually completes a 18-month to 24-month program. Graduates usually earn a master’s degree in a medical related or biomedical related science. Some schools offer the physician program as a bachelor’s degree. Some physician assistants work in hospitals or a group practice with physicians. In some rural or medically underserved areas, physician assistants serve as the primary healthcare provider in the community.
PODIATRY
Podiatrists are concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the human foot and other parts of the lower extremeity below the knee. Podiatrists use a variety of medical, surgical, and manipulative techniques to treat the foot. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M) completes a four-year medical education, and in most states a two-year or three-year surgical residency. Podiatrists may subsequently specialize in podiatric surgery, orthopedics, podiatric sports medicine or other areas.
VETERINARY MEDICINE
Veterinarians are trained to diagnose, treat and help prevent disease and disabilities in animals. Veterinarians serve the needs of the public by practicing preventive medicine in relation to both human and animal health, the solution of agricultural and wildlife problems, and humane care of companion animals. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M) completes a four-year medical education. Most veterinarians enter practice upon completion of the D.V.M., although many pursue post-graduate training or specialization.