Specialty exams are usually performed by specialists. Specialists are physicians, such as pediatricians and gynecologists, who have taken additional training beyond medical school and their required residencies to become board certified in their respective specialties. Physicians who wish to become board-certified must pass rigorous exams in their chosen specialty and be elected by the board for that specialty.

As a medical assistant, you may be employed to assist with exams in the basic specialties. This chapter introduces you to the basic specialties of internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. You will learn about the types of exams and diagnostic tests used in these specialties and about the common diseases and disorders seen in these specialties. You will also learn to watch for the signs of domestic violence and child abuse.

Outline

• The Medical Assistant's Role in Specialty Exams
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Learning Outcomes

After completing Chapter 39, you will be able to:

 39.1 Briefly describe the medical specialties of internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
 39.2 Describe the types of exams and diagnostic tests performed in each of these specialties and the medical assistant's role in them.
 39.3 List and describe some common diseases and disorders seen in these medical specialties and typical treatments for them.
 39.4 Identify common signs of domestic violence and child abuse.
 39.5 Describe the medical assistant's role in assisting with a cervical biopsy.

Summary

Many specialties provide you with opportunities for rewarding and challenging work as a medical assistant. You might enjoy working in the specialty of internal medicine, assisting doctors who diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the body's internal organs. In such a practice, you might help detect possible substance abuse. You could perform or assist with diagnostic testing such as urine and blood tests and bacterial cultures. You might educate patients on diseases of aging, infectious diseases, and STDs.

Pediatrics might provide interesting and satisfying work, especially if you like working with children. Your primary responsibilities would involve educating parents or caregivers, preparing children for exam, and detecting child abuse. Specific duties might include assisting in regular checkups and performing a throat culture to test for strep. Your role as an educator could involve providing facts on sudden infant death syndrome to parents or giving pamphlets on learning disabilities to caregivers.

Obstetricians and gynecologists are specialists who treat conditions of the female reproductive system, care for pregnant women, and deliver babies. Assisting in this specialty might involve preparing women for a pelvic exam, assisting with a cervical biopsy, and providing support to infertile couples. You would also be responsible for providing information to pregnant women about prenatal care.

Medical assisting positions in the basic specialties usually involve a wide range of responsibilities and tasks. You will find many opportunities to develop your skills and interests if you work in one of these medical specialties.