Medical Specialties
and Board Certification

Williamson Medical Center’s physicians represent 36 medical specialties. Specialists and sub-specialists have many years of additional education after completing medical school. Physicians are permitted to publish board certification in a medical specialty when they meet all of the requirements of a specialty board. Board certification can be verified through the American Board of Medical Specialties. Many specialists complete fellowships and additional education throughout their career.

Williamson Medical Center and its Medical Staff place a high value on physician board certification. In fact, the Medical Staff bylaws include clear stipulations regarding certification. The various medical specialty governing boards differ in their certification requirements. For example, some require that a physician practice for a certain amount of time or complete a certain number of procedures before sitting for the certification exam.

Allergy & Immunology—treatment of asthma and allergic disorders

Anesthesiology—administration of local and general anesthesia for surgical procedures

Cardiology—evaluation and treatment of heart and vascular disease, including diagnostic, invasive and interventional procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry—dental procedures to improve aesthetics

Dermatology—treatment of skin disease and skin cancers

Emergency Medicine—diagnosis and treatment of sudden, often life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical or surgical intervention

Endocrinology—treatment of diabetes, thyroid disease, cystic ovarian disease and other glandular disorders

Family Medicine—continuing and comprehensive health care for individuals and families integrates biological, clinical and behavioral sciences, and encompasses all ages, genders, diseases and each body system.

Gastroenterology—diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the stomach, intestines and related structures such as the esophagus, liver, gallbladder and pancreas

Hospitalists—treatment of patients while they are in the hospital

Internal Medicine—diagnosis and treatment of all illnesses in adults and adolescents, short of surgery

Neonatology—newborn care beyond infant pediatrics

Nephrology—diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders

Neurology (includes Neurosurgery)—diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Sleep disorders, muscle disorders and pain, especially headache, are treated by neurologists.

Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology—

Obstetrics: Management of women’s health during pregnancy, childbirth and immediately after childbirth

Gynecology: Diagnosis and treatment of disease of the female reproductive system

Reproductive Endocrinology: Treatment of reproductive disorders

Oncology and Radiation Oncology—treatment of tumors, especially cancers.

Ophthalmology—the medical, laser and surgical treatment of eye disease and vision

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery—specialty of dentistry focusing on diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries and defects in teeth, jaws, face and associated structures

Orthopaedic Surgery—prevention or correction of disorders of the skeleton, joints, muscles, ligaments and cartilage through surgery or therapy

Otolaryngology (ENT)—diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders

Pathology—identifies disease in blood or tissue removed during surgery to help with the diagnosis and care of patients

Pediatrics—care of infants, children and adolescents

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation—restores the health and functional abilities of people after acute illness or injury such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, heart surgery, amputation, joint replacement, sports injuries or spinal disorders

Plastic Surgery—seeks to improve physical function and/or minimize disfigurement or scarring resulting from accidents, diseases or birth defects

Podiatry—prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with the foot and ankle

Preventive Medicine—medical specialties that work with individuals and groups to modify and eliminate the risks of disease, injury disability and death. Includes public health, occupational medicine and aerospace medicine.

Psychiatry—diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness

Pulmonary Disease—diagnosis, treatment and prevention of lung diseases and sleep disorders

Radiology—includes X-rays, nuclear medicine, CT, PET, MRI, ultrasound exams and interventional radiology with angiography and angioplasty procedures

Sports Medicine—promotes and integrates scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life

Surgery (genera)—operative procedures to correct deformities and defects, repair injuries and diagnose and cure certain diseases. General, thoracic (lung) and vascular (circulatory system) surgeons are listed.