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Two specialized fields of medicine are optometry and pediatrics. Optometrists are doctors of optometry who specialize in vision care, and pediatricians are medical doctors who are experts in the health care of children. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for optometrists will grow by 24 percent between 2008 and 2018, much higher than normal, due to the eye care needs of an aging population. The job outlook for pediatricians is also excellent, with a 22 percent average rate of growth for the occupation between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS, which tracks salary information.
Being "board certified" means your doctor is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and that he is a standout in a particular medical specialty. A doctor does not have to be board certified to practice medicine, but it is an important factor when considering a doctor or surgeon for a specific task. For example, you would not want to have heart surgery done by a doctor who is board certified in plastic surgery. To be board certified, a doctor has to pass a special exam, in addition to several exams that all doctors must pass to…
In the United States, as a general matter, doctors do not need to be board certified to practice medicine. Indeed, board certification does not in itself guarantee competence. Most doctors, however, do have board certification from respected certifying bodies--eight out of ten, according to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Board certification gives extra assurance to patients that a doctor is competent in his field. Medical certification procedures in other countries differ in detail, but the principles remain similar.
An ophthalmologist is a doctor that cares for the eyes and vision. Board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology shows that a doctor has passed a written examination after four or five years of specialized training in ophthalmology. Checking to see if an ophthalmologist has obtained board certification is an easy process.
An allergy specialist is also known as an allergist or immunologist. This highly trained doctor needs special schooling to properly treat and diagnose the various types of allergies. Different fields that an allergist must be trained in are allergies, asthma and immunology. It is important that his understanding in these three fields be strong, as a patient's symptoms can cross over into all of them.
Diagnosing peri-menopause is done when a woman who is approaching or is in her 40's experiences significantly irregular cycles, hot flashes and mood swings. Consult a doctor to identify this transitional time in a woman's life with information from a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist in this free video on women's health.
When you entrust your care to a doctor, you want to be sure that she is a competent medical professional who has the necessary training. Depending on which type of doctor you are seeing, you may also prefer her to have additional qualifications. The American Board of Medical Specialties offers certification in several medical fields. The board evaluates candidates using oral and written exams and interviews to verify skill and knowledge. By finding a board certified doctor, you can ensure that you'll be sure that she has specialized knowledge in her area of practice.
