Understanding the Language of Medicine Learn how you and your doctor can do a better job talking to one another. Specialists: What They Do Doctors and other health professionals sometimes specialize in one area of medicine, becoming experts in a particular field. What to Expect at the Doctor's Office Most routine visits to the doctor share a similar format. Your doctor will want to ask you questions, perform a physical examination, order any tests that are appropriate, and prescribe treatment or give medical advice. Medical History Form Fill out this useful form before you head to your doctor. Your doctor's visit will be much more productive if you can provide accurate information. Will a Routine Physical Uncover Every Problem? There may be misconceptions about what a routine doctor's visit can accomplish and what its limitations may be. Osteopathic Medicine Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) receive similar training as medical doctors (M.D.s), with additional training in osteopathic and holistic medicine. Preparing for Surgery Check Your Medications with Your Doctor You don't have to be a passive participant in your surgery. With the right preparation, you can enhance the odds that the procedure will be a success. Take Steps for Recovery You don't have to be a passive participant in your surgery. With the right preparation, you can enhance the odds that the procedure will be a success. Ask About Anesthesia You don't have to be a passive participant in your surgery. With the right preparation, you can enhance the odds that the procedure will be a success. Boost Your Immune System You don't have to be a passive participant in your surgery. With the right preparation, you can enhance the odds that the procedure will be a success. Preparing for Surgery You don't have to be a passive participant in your surgery. With the right preparation, you can enhance the odds that the procedure will be a success. What Your Doctor Is Saying Dysphagia -- "Medical Speak" for Trouble Swallowing "Dysphagia" is just "medical-speak" for trouble swallowing. Your doctor forgot that you may have no idea what he is saying. Breathing Problems -- What Do they Mean? When your doctor talks about breathing, he or she may use a variety of terms. Perhaps "respiration" or "ventilation" instead of "breathing." Or the doctor may say "pulmonary" for anything related to the lungs. Or, use terms that are even less familiar. Contain Yourself -- The Language of Your Body's Linings The body has several "containment systems." Think of them as "liners" that protect vital organs. Most people don't hear about these until they need to – when something goes wrong. In case that happens, you'll understand what your doctor is saying. Decoding Disease Names Getting 'Hyper' Don't hyperventilate or get hypertensive when you hear unfamiliar medical terms. For a translation, read on. How To Understand When Your Doctor Talks Statistics While nearly all doctors are required to learn about statistics during their training, most patients are not, so here’s your chance! A Day in the Life Doctors frequently use medical terminology even when they don't need to; maybe it's just habit or the need to make the medical record seem more, well, medical. Habits are hard to break, and doctors are no exception. 'Dys' Can Help You Understand Your Doctor Understanding the Greek prefix "dys" can help you translate many medical words and phrases. The Mystery of the 'Opathies' Why do doctors say 'nephropathy' when they mean 'kidney disease'? And what do all of those other 'opathy' words mean? A Harvard Medical School physician explains. Not So Fast: Why Your Doctor Is Skeptical For every true medical advance or "breakthrough," hundreds of promising developments never make a significant impact on people's health. Therefore, it's good to be skeptical about new medical research. What Your Doctor Is Reading Update From the Medical Journals: September 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: August 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: July 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: June 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: May 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: April 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: March 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: February 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: January 2013 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading. Update From the Medical Journals: December 2012 What's the latest news in the medical journals this month? Find out what your doctor is reading.