What Does It Mean to Be a Doctor of Medicine?
Medicine is the art and science of treating a patient, treating their illness, predicting the course of the illness, cure, mitigation of their disease or injury, and preserving their health. The field of medicine is quite vast and has various subdisciplines such as obstetrics/gynecology, oncology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, trauma, immunology, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, radiology, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine, surgery, gastroenterology, and homeopathy. There are many more subdisciplines in medicine. A doctor of medicine (MD) specializes in a specific medical specialty. For instance, an MD specializing in cardiopulmonary resuscitation may also specialize in acute care medicine. A doctor of medicine can attain a doctorate degree in any of the following fields: public health, infectious diseases, cardiovascular medicine, dermatology, internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, surgery, urology, veterinary medicine, and alcoholism or drug therapy.
An undergraduate degree in medicine is required for entering medical school, which usually takes two years. Some universities require GRE scores along with a background in science. After graduating from medical school, one requires at least a master’s degree to practice medicine independently. Students can choose from an extensive range of options including research, teaching, and patient care. Some countries require licensing in order to practice medicine.
All medicine practices start by taking a medical history and examining the patient. They are then screened for communicable diseases that might be brought about by the patient. This includes Hepatitis A and HIV. A physical examination is then done, including blood count, examination of body fluids, and checking for urinary tract and colon problems. Biopsies and other laboratory tests are performed and analyzed to determine the nature of the disease. Once diagnosed, the course of treatment is discussed and the patient is treated accordingly.
Many people attend medical school to specialize in particular fields of medicine such as pediatrics, surgery, or addiction. These specialized medicine practices are called specialty medicine. They differ from primary care medicine in many ways. They deal with more severe conditions and may have fewer opportunities for general cases. Specialization takes time and requires that physicians have completed a very high number of hours in training. Many physicians choose to go on to become board certified in specialty areas of medicine.
A doctor’s education includes learning about the body’s systems and how they function. He or she also learns about the patient and their medical history. Specific courses are offered in residency and continuing education. The first year of a doctorate program covers the basics of medicine and continues with the development of the skills needed to perform specific functions in medicine. Seminars and workshops are also often held to help students learn about specific areas of medicine.
Medicine has changed a lot since its inception. New diseases and conditions have been diagnosed, diagnoses have changed, treatments have improved and many diseases and conditions have been treated successfully. Medicine is still a science that requires research and dedication. In medicine, it also helps to be licensed, so that one can practice medicine effectively.