Physician
Field of Study — Medicine
Physicians diagnose and treat human diseases and injuries and practice preventive medicine. Some also conduct research and/or teach in medical schools. Physicians receiving M.D. degrees are Doctors of Medicine, while those who receive D.O. degrees are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. Virginia’s three medical schools all offer the M.D. degree.
Primary care physicians are in high demand both in Virginia and nation wide. They provide ongoing care to individuals and families, consulting with or referring to specialists when necessary. There are separate sections within this manual on the primary care areas of family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.
Specialists diagnose and treat illnesses, conditions and/or injuries related to a specific branch of medicine or part of the human body. Descriptions of some medical specialties follow:
- Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia (numbness or sleep) to patients who undergo surgery.
- Cardiologists treat heart diseases.
- Dermatologists treat skin conditions.
- Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system.
- Geriatricians specialize in the specific health care needs of the elderly.
- Gynecologists educate patients in the prevention and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system.
- Neurologists specialize in brain and central nervous system disorders.
- Obstetricians care for pregnant women and deliver babies.
- Oncologists treat patients with cancer.
- Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye disorders.
- Orthopedists educate patients in the prevention of skeletal deformities or ailments and treat these ailments.
- Osteopathic physicians emphasize a whole-person approach to patient care that emphasizes wellness and prevention. D.O.S. often use a system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment called osteopathic manipulative medicine that can reduce pain, increase range of motion and contribute to overall health by improving the body’s structure and functions.
- Pathologists interpret and diagnose changes in tissue caused by disease.
- Physiatrists specialize in physical and rehabilitative medicine.
- Psychiatrists educate patients in the prevention of mental illnesses, and they study and treat mental illnesses.
- Pulmonologists treat lungs and respiratory systems.
- Sports medicine physicians treat and help prevent athletic injuries.
- Surgeons perform operations to correct deformities, repair injuries, treat diseases and improve functions of patients. Among the many subspecialties are neurosurgery (brain), orthopedic surgery (bones) and cardiothoracic surgery (hearts and lungs).
- Urologists treat urinary tract disorders.
A new Osteopathic School of Medicine is at Virginia Tech.
Educational Requirements
Students interested in becoming a physician should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English. To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a pre-medical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.
Upon completion of medical school, the M.D. or D.O. degree is granted. Most physicians then enter post-graduate training (internships and residencies), receiving specialized instruction and practice. The length of post-graduate training is determined by the area of specialty.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
American Public University
Averett University
Bluefield College
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampton University College of Health, College of Health
Roanoke College
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Commonwealth University
Washington and Lee University
Virginia Proprietary Schools
Professional Associations
- American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Blvd.
Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20825
(301) 968-4100
http://www.aacom.org - American Medical Association
515 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 464-5000
http://www.ama-assn.org - American Osteopathic Association
142 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
1-800-621-1773
http://www.aoa-net.org - Association of American Medical Colleges
http://www.aamc.org - Medical Society of Virginia
4205 Dover Road
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 353-2721
http://www.msv.org