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Brain and Nervous System Doctor
(Neurologist) |
Neurologists
have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of
diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. They
frequently help manage ICU patients who have had strokes,
seizures (convulsions) or unconsciousness (coma).
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Cancer Specialist (Oncologist)
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Oncologists
have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of
patients with cancer.
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Heart Doctor (Cardiologist) |
Cardiologists
have advanced training in
diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. Many
different fields exist within cardiology. These doctors care
for patients with heart attacks, heart failure, irregular
heartbeats and many other problems. Cardiologists perform
heart catheterizations,
angioplasty (opening up of heart
blood vessels) and many other procedures related to the
heart.
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Infectious Disease Doctor |
Infectious
disease doctors have advanced training in
diagnosis and treatment of patients with infectious
diseases.
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Kidney Doctor (Nephrologist)
|
Nephrologists
have advanced training in
diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They are
experts in the use of the kidney machine (dialysis).
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Lung Doctor (Pulmonologist) |
Pulmonologists
have advanced training in
diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Many times the
pulmonologist is also the ICU doctor. Pulmonologists are
skilled at bronchoscopy. This procedure involves looking inside the
lung tubes (trachea and bronchi) with a long flexible tube
called a
bronchoscope. These doctors also perform many other
important procedures related to lung disease.
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Pharmacist
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Pharmacists
play a critical role in the
ICU. Many hospitals have pharmacists with advanced
training and degrees (Pharm D = doctor of
pharmacology) who make daily
rounds with the ICU team. They help in selecting the
right medicines at the correct dose for patients and help in
monitoring drug levels in the body. Pharmacists also help to
decrease medication side effects.
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Rehabilitation Doctor |
Rehabilitation
doctors often get involved with care as the patient is
improving. They help to evaluate the next best steps after
the ICU. They work closely with physical therapists to
design rehabilitation programs.
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Stomach Doctor (Gastroenterologist)
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Gastroenterologists have advanced training in
diagnosis and treatment of disease of the digestive
system. This includes esophagus (the tube connecting the
mouth to the stomach), stomach, intestines (bowels), liver,
gall
bladder and pancreas. These doctors perform an important
diagnostic procedure called endoscopy. This procedure
involves looking inside the digestive system with a long
flexible tube called an
endoscope. This can be done "from above" by passing the
tube from the mouth or "from below" by passing the tube from
the
rectum (bottom).
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For more information about Pharmacist see the following
site(s):
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www.aphanet.org
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American Pharmaceutical Association
provides information on medicines, medication records and
how to gain the most benefits from working with pharmacists.
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