The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to health sciences:

Health sciences – those sciences that focus on health, or health care, as core parts of their subject matter. Health sciences relate to multiple academic disciplines, including STEM disciplines and emerging patient safety disciplines (such as social care research).

Medicine and its branches

Medicine is an applied science and practice concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. It encompasses a wide range of health care practices developed to maintain and restore health through the prevention and treatment of illness.

Below are some of the major branches of medicine.

List of branches

Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine concerned with anesthesia, pain control, and life support during surgical procedures.

Angiology is the branch of medicine that studies diseases of the circulatory system, including blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.

Audiology is a health science focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity and related conditions.

Cardiology is the branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

Critical care medicine is a medical specialty focused on life support and the intensive care of critically ill patients.

Dentistry is the branch of medicine that involves the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity, teeth, gums, and related structures, particularly in the maxillofacial area.

Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases.

Emergency medicine is the branch of medicine focused on the immediate diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries in emergency settings.

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that studies disorders of the endocrine system and hormones.

Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for individuals and families of all ages.

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine concerned with the digestive system and its disorders.

General Practice (often referred to as Family Medicine) is a branch of medicine that specializes in primary health care.

Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of elderly individuals.

Gynecology is the branch of medicine concerned with the health of the female reproductive system and breasts.

Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies blood, blood-forming organs, and blood disorders.

Hepatology is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and biliary system.

Infectious disease is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, particularly complex cases.

Clinical immunology is the branch of medicine that studies the human immune system and immune-related diseases.

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and physical activity.

Laboratory medicine is the branch of medicine concerned with laboratory tests used to diagnose and monitor diseases.

Medical physics is the branch of science and medicine that applies physics principles to medical diagnosis and treatment.

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.

Nephrology is the branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys and kidney-related diseases.

Oncology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of cancer.

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, function, and diseases of the eyes.

Orthopedics is a branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.

Otolaryngology is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the ears, nose, and throat.

Pathology is the study of diseases, including their causes, development, and effects on the body.

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.

Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medications.

Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their preparation, uses, and effects on the body.

Public health and preventive medicine is the branch of medicine concerned with protecting and improving the health of populations.

Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the respiratory system.

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.

Clinical psychology is a health discipline focused on the study of the mind, brain, and behavior, including the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.

Radiology is the branch of medicine that uses medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.

Rheumatology is the branch of medicine concerned with rheumatic diseases and disorders affecting joints and connective tissues.

Splanchnology is the branch of medicine that studies visceral organs.

Surgery is the branch of medicine that uses operative techniques to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.

Urology is the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary system and the male reproductive system.

Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals.

History of health sciences

General health sciences concepts

Diagnostic methods

See also

External links