Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Psychology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Psychology practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Psychologists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform mental health assessment and therapy. Psychology is a medical specialty focused on helping patients understand the causes of their mental health disorders so they can be treated with therapy or medication. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Psychology practices include depression, anxiety, specific phobias, alcohol, drug, and gambling addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, behavioral disorders, bereavement, and marital problems. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Psychology practices include mental health assessment and diagnosing, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, group therapy, addiction counseling, marriage counseling, exposure therapy, and referral to other specialists as needed.

A psychologist is an individual who is licensed to practice psychology which is defined as the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and psycheducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups and the public.

Internal Medicine

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is an Internal Medicine practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Internists specialize in puzzling medical problems and in the ongoing care of chronic illnesses. Internists also specialize in preventing disease by promoting health, and are trained to manage multisystem disease conditions that single-organ-disease specialists may not be trained to address. Internal Medicine Doctors at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment therapies for diseases and disorders in adult patients. Internal Medicine is a medical specialty focused on study, prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of short and long term multi-organ conditions. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Internal Medicine practices include cold and flu, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic lung disease. Internists generally act as personal physicians and often develop long-term relationships with their patients. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Internal Medicine practices include medical history reviews, physical exams, blood tests, scans, and other diagnostic tests, as well as specialist referrals. Internists may choose to practice only in the hospital, only in an outpatient clinic, or in both.

A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints and digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.

Gastroenterology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Gastroenterology practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions of the tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, intestines, anus, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. Gastroenterologists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform diagnostics and treatments to identify and address digestive system dysfunctions. Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on digestive (gastrointestinal) tract care. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Gastroenterology practices include acid reflux, hepatitis C, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, pancreatitis, jaundice, colon polyps, and colon cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Gastroenterology practices include endoscopic ultrasounds, colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, liver biopsies, esophagus and intestine dialation, surgical hemostasis, and cancer tumor extraction.

An internist who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive organs including the stomach, bowels, liver and gallbladder. This specialist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer and jaundice and performs complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using endoscopes to visualize internal organs.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is an Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in treating ailments of the reproductive system and related bowel, bladder, and urinary systems, as well as managing pregancy and child birthing. Obstetricians & Gynecologists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform blood tests, pelvic exams, uterine and breast cancer screenings, birth control management, and reproductive system surgery. Obstetrics & Gynecology is care of a woman's reproductive health from the onset of puberty through menopause and beyond. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Obstetrics & Gynecology practices include yeast infections, bacterial infections, irregular menstruation, painful intercourse, discomfort of uterus, genitals, or breasts, infertility, and prolapse of the pelvic organs. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Obstetrics & Gynecology practices include annual pap test and pelvic exam, mamogram prescription, infertility treatment, birth control management, tubal ligation (permanent form of birth control), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes) or cone biopsy (removal of precancerous cells in the cervix identified during a pap test).

An obstetrician/gynecologist possesses special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders. This physician serves as a consultant to other physicians and as a primary physician for women.

Pediatrics

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Pediatrics practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing, preventing, and treating childhood illnesses. Pediatricians at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform medical diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting young people from infants to teenagers. Pediatrics is a medical specialty focusing on children's health. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Pediatrics practices include ear, sinus, and throat infections, food allergies and intolerances, urinary tract infections, skin infections, bronchitis, diarrhea, vomiting, pinkeye, and skin rashes. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Pediatrics practices include physical examinations, diagnosing childhood illnesses, administering vaccines, prescribing medication, providing education about childhood health, safety, and nutrition, and referring your child to specialists if necessary.

A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive healthcare to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. A pediatrician deals with biological, social and environmental influences on the developing child, and with the impact of disease and dysfunction on development.

Diagnostic Radiology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Diagnostic Radiology practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing diseases and injuries with imaging technology. Diagnostic Radiologists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform imaging with x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or radiation in order to diagnose disorders or dysfunctions in tissues and bones. Diagnostic Radiology is a field of medicine that applies imaging technology to diagnose disease and dysfunction. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Diagnostic Radiology practices include bone fractures, bronchitis, heart disease, kidney stones, cirrhosis, and benign or cancerous tumors. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Diagnostic Radiology practices include x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds, mammographies, fluoroscopies, nuclear stress tests, positron emission tomographies (PET), and bone density scans (DEXA).

A radiologist who utilizes x-ray, radionuclides, ultrasound and electromagnetic radiation to diagnose and treat disease.

Surgery

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Surgery practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in performing surgical procedures within a wide variety of specialties. Surgeons at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform surgical operations to prevent or remedy illness, injury, or dysfunction relating to patient anatomy. Surgery is a medical specialty focusing on surgical operations performed as emergency or elective procedures. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Surgery practices include appendicitis, heart disease, pancreatitis, traumatic injury, cancer, congenital birth defect, oral disease or dysfunction, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, chronic back, neck, or joint pain, chronic sinus infection, brain disorders, and eye injury or illness. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Surgery practices include laboratory testing, surgical procedures, post-operative care, patient education, anesthesia administration, and pre-and post-operative medication prescription.

A general surgeon has expertise related to the diagnosis - preoperative, operative and postoperative management - and management of complications of surgical conditions in the following areas: alimentary tract; abdomen; breast, skin and soft tissue; endocrine system; head and neck surgery; pediatric surgery; surgical critical care; surgical oncology; trauma and burns; and vascular surgery. General surgeons increasingly provide care through the use of minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. Many general surgeons also possess expertise in transplantation surgery, plastic surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.

Physical Therapy

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Physical Therapy practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in reducing patient pain and increasing mobility lost due to injury or illness. Physical Therapists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform exercise therapy, endurance exercises, and pain and mobility assessments. Physical Therapy is a medical specialty focused on reducing or eliminating patient pain and increasing mobility without surgery or medication. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Physical Therapy practices include loss of mobility due to traumatic or post-operative injury, chronic conditions like arthritis or spinal injury, congenital birth defects, athletic injury, or disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Physical Therapy practices include mobility and pain assessment, medical massage, physical exercise therapy, endurance training, and acupuncture.

Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. PTs: 1.Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. 2.Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health. 3.Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries. 4.Treat conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems. 5.Address the negative effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors as they relate to human performance. 6.PTs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a PT practices.

Physician Assisting

A physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and is practicing within the scope of that license. Physician assistants are formally trained to perform many of the routine, time-consuming tasks a physician can do. In some states, they may prescribe medications. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order lab tests and x-rays, and give inoculations. Most states require that they work under the supervision of a physician.

Nurse Practice

A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision making and direct accountability for clinical judgment across the health care continuum or in a certified specialty. (2) A registered nurse who has completed additional training beyond basic nursing education and who provides primary health care services in accordance with state nurse practice laws or statutes. Tasks performed by nurse practitioners vary with practice requirements mandated by geographic, political, economic, and social factors. Nurse practitioner specialists include, but are not limited to, family nurse practitioners, gerontological nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, obstetric-gynecologic nurse practitioners, and school nurse practitioners.

Advanced Practice Midwifery

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is an Advanced Practice Midwifery practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in childbirth assistance and treating mothers and infants before, during, and after pregnancy. Advanced Practice Midwives at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform prenatal, delivery, and post natal care and education. Advanced Practice Midwifery is a type of advanced practice registered nurse. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Advanced Practice Midwifery practices include pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Advanced Practice Midwifery practices include pregnancy monitoring, prenatal nutrition, childbirth assistance, and postpartum care.

Midwifery practice as conducted by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) is the independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly on pregnancy, childbirth, the post partum period, care of the newborn, and the family planning and gynecologic needs of women. The CNM and CM practice within a health care system that provides for consultation, collaborative management, or referral, as indicated by the health status of the client. CNMs and CMs practice in accord with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery, as defined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).

Mental Health Counseling

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Mental Health Counseling practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in working with individuals, groups and communities to improve mental health dysfunctions by discussing emotions and experiences, then prescribing custom holistic solutions. Mental Health Counselors at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform assessments and diagnostics, psychotherapy, treatment planning, and crisis management. Mental Health Counseling is flexible, consumer-driven therapy that combines psychotherapy with practical, problem resolution strategies. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Mental Health Counseling practices include substance abuse, anger management, bullying, depression, anxiety, relationships, self-image, and LGBTQ issues. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Mental Health Counseling practices include listening compassionately, analyzing emotions and experiences, determining client goals and insights, developing holistic therapeutic strategies for good mental health.

Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist)

A registered nurse who, through a graduate degree program in nursing, or through a formal post-basic education program or continuing education courses and clinical experience, is expert in a specialty area of nursing practice within one or more of the components of direct patient/client care, consultation, education, research and administration.

Dermatology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Dermatology practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing and treating children and adults with benign and malignant skin, hair, nail diseases. Dermatologists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform medical diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, management of inflammatory skin disorders, and diagnosis of skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases. Dermatology is a branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating dermal infections, diseases, and cosmetic disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Dermatology practices include acne, wrinkles, hair loss, moles, warts, canker sores, varicose veins, dermatitis, and skin cancers like melanoma. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Dermatology practices include skin biopsies, chemical peels, cosmetic injections, hair removal, dermabrasion, skin grafts, and laser surgery.

A dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. The dermatologist has had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles and other tumors of the skin, the management of contact dermatitis and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders, and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy) and infectious diseases. Dermatologists have special training in dermatopathology and in the surgical techniques used in dermatology. They also have expertise in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars and the skin changes associated with aging.

Psychiatry

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Psychiatry practice in Boston, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing and treating people with mental illness. Psychiatrists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform mental health assessment, helps patients manage long-term mental health conditions, offers medical treatment and therapy for a wide variety of psychological disorders, provides patient and parent education, and offers referrals to other medical specialists as needed. Psychiatry is a medical specialty centered on diagnosing and treating patients suffering from a wide variety of mental illnesses and cognitive disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Psychiatry practices include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), delusional thought processes, self-harm disorders, eating disorders, specific phobias, drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction, and mood disorders. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Psychiatry practices include mental health evaluation and diagnosis, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), electroconvulsive therapy, medication prescription, exposure therapy, grief counseling, marriage counseling, and referral to other specialists as needed.

A Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders and adjustment disorders. Biologic, psychological, and social components of illnesses are explored and understood in treatment of the whole person. Tools used may include diagnostic laboratory tests, prescribed medications, evaluation and treatment of psychological and interpersonal problems with individuals and families, and intervention for coping with stress, crises, and other problems.