These 4 Different Medical Professions Are Critical to The Continued Health of America

A shocking projection based on current data places U.S. demand for primary care physicians at an additional 52,000 by 2025 in order to meet our healthcare needs. This is no small task, as we will also need continuing growth in specialist positions. Obstetricians, bariatric surgeons, and orthopedic doctors will all play a vital role in the future of the U.S. healthcare system. So, what do these specialists do, and why are they so important?

Obstetricians

Obstetricians specialize in pregnancy and childbirth. They also attend to any complications the mother might face as a result. With the world’s population ever increasing, obstetricians become in higher demand by the second. Safe pregnancies and childbirth are vital to the strength of both mother and child. These specialists oversee and play a guiding role in this process.

Bariatric Surgeons

Bariatric surgeons and the general study of bariatrics focus on the obesity epidemic through a medical lens. Obesity continues to be an alarming epidemic for the US. Heart disease and diabetes are among the top medical issues we face today and are both linked closely to obesity. Bariatrics is a new field relative to others in medicine, but it will prove to be crucial developing a full understanding of the causes and treatment for obesity.

Orthopedic Doctors

Orthopedic doctors are involved with muscle, bone, and joint health. Orthopedics is a field of medicine dedicated to injury recovery, muscular and skeletal health, and preservation of the active body. Their contribution to medicine allows for able-bodied individuals who have suffered an unfortunate injury to recover in a safe way. They also help patients continue mobility as they age through joint replacement surgeries.

Primary Care Physician

Primary care physicians are your comprehensive partners in healthcare. They help you get over the common cold, check for STDs, screen for early warning signs of cancer, keep the most well-rounded documents of your medical history, and guide you in preventive screenings and activities to help prolong your life and avoid preventable diseases. A general care practitioner should be someone you trust, and someone who can spend time discussing your health with you.

These four medical professions are just a portion of the field. Many other specialists work to contribute to the well-being of Americans.