Washington University

Allergy & Immunology

Washington University is an Allergy & Immunology practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the immune system. Allergists & Immunologists at Washington University perform therapies to treat conditions like asthma, allergic reactions, and immune system disorders. Allergy & Immunology is concerned with addressing the causes and treating the symptoms of immune deficiencies and hypersensitivities. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Allergy & Immunology practices include allergic conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, eczema, immune deficiencies, organ transplants, asthma, and allergic reactions to pollen, mold, food, drugs, and insect stings. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Allergy & Immunology practices include allergy testing, allergy injection treatment, prescribing medication, and referring patients to other specialists as needed.

An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Selected examples of such conditions include asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis, eczema, and adverse reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings as well as immune deficiency diseases (both acquired and congenital), defects in host defense, and problems related to autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, or malignancies of the immune system.

Anesthesiology

Washington University is an Anesthesiology practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in safely delivering acute and chronic pain relief through numbing and sedation. Anesthesiologists at Washington University perform general anesthesia and regional anesthetics. Anesthesiology is the field of medicine that controls pain during invasive procedures. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Anesthesiology practices include sports injuries, musculoskeletal pain, labor, and surgery. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Anesthesiology practices include pre-procedure evaluations, anesthesia delivery, patient monitoring, and recovery assistance.

An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation or an obstetric or diagnostic procedure. The anesthesiologist assesses the risk of the patient undergoing surgery and optimizes the patient's condition prior to, during and after surgery. In addition to these management responsibilities, the anesthesiologist provides medical management and consultation in pain management and critical care medicine. Anesthesiologists diagnose and treat acute, long-standing and cancer pain problems; diagnose and treat patients with critical illnesses or severe injuries; direct resuscitation in the care of patients with cardiac or respiratory emergencies, including the need for artificial ventilation; and supervise post-anesthesia recovery.

Dermatology

Washington University is a Dermatology practice in St. Louis, MO 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 Washington University 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.

Emergency Medicine

Washington University is an Emergency Medicine practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in addressing urgent illnesses and injuries in patients of all ages. Emergency Medicine Doctors at Washington University perform in trauma centers, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. Emergency Medicine is the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that require immediate attention. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Emergency Medicine practices include severe injuries, trauma, sepsis, burns, acute coronary syndrome, poisoning, heart attack, and stroke. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Emergency Medicine practices include CPR, ECG, projection radiography, CT scan, x-ray, blood testing, suturing, inserting chest tubs, setting bones, and admitting patients into hospitals.

An emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. The emergency physician provides immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization and disposition of a generally diversified population of adult and pediatric patients in response to acute illness and injury.

Internal Medicine

Washington University is an Internal Medicine practice in St. Louis, MO 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 Washington University 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.

Clinical Genetics (M.D.)

Washington University is a Clinical Genetics (M.D.) practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in identifying inherited and acquired genetic conditions. Clinical Geneticists (M.D.) at Washington University perform DNA analysis on patients of all ages. Clinical Genetics (M.D.) is the study and treatment of genetic disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Clinical Genetics (M.D.) practices include cleft lip and palate, sickle-cell disease, Down Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Clinical Genetics (M.D.) practices include acquiring blood and skin samples.

A clinical geneticist demonstrates competence in providing comprehensive diagnostic, management and counseling services for genetic disorders.

Neurosurgery

Washington University is a Neurosurgery practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing and surgically treating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. Neurosurgeons at Washington University perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves to remove tumors, relieve chronic pain and treat wounds, vascular disorders and diseases such as Parkinson's and epilepsy. Neurosurgery is the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerve diseases and disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Neurosurgery practices include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), brain tumors, carotid artery blockage, stenosiscervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) disorders, spinal cord injury, and epilepsy. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Neurosurgery practices include cortical mapping, cerebrovascular surgery, functional neurosurgery, peripheral nerve surgery, radiosurgery, skull base surgery, spine surgery, stereotactic neurosurgery, trauma surgery, and surgical implantation of deep brain stimulators to treat Parkinson Disease and certain type of tremors.

A neurological surgeon provides the operative and non-operative management (i.e., prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care, and rehabilitation) of disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their supporting structures and vascular supply; the evaluation and treatment of pathological processes which modify function or activity of the nervous system; and the operative and non-operative management of pain. A neurological surgeon treats patients with disorders of the nervous system; disorders of the brain, meninges, skull, and their blood supply, including the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries; disorders of the pituitary gland; disorders of the spinal cord, meninges, and vertebral column, including those which may require treatment by spinal fusion or instrumentation; and disorders of the cranial and spinal nerves throughout their distribution.

Nuclear Medicine

A nuclear medicine specialist employs the properties of radioactive atoms and molecules in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and in research. Radiation detection and imaging instrument systems are used to detect disease as it changes the function and metabolism of normal cells, tissues and organs. A wide variety of diseases can be found in this way, usually before the structure of the organ involved by the disease can be seen to be abnormal by any other techniques. Early detection of coronary artery disease (including acute heart attack), early cancer detection and evaluation of the effect of tumor treatment, diagnosis of infection and inflammation anywhere in the body and early detection of blood clot in the lungs are all possible with these techniques. Unique forms of radioactive molecules can attack and kill cancer cells (e.g., lymphoma, thyroid cancer) or can relieve the severe pain of cancer that has spread to bone

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Washington University is an Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in St. Louis, MO 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 Washington University 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.

Ophthalmology

Washington University is an Ophthalmology practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in performing eye exams, diagnosing and treating eye disease, prescribing medications and performing eye surgery. Ophthalmologists at Washington University perform eye exams, vision care, eye disease diagnosis and treatment, and eye surgery. Ophthalmology is the diagnosis and treatment of all eye and visual ailments including vision services (glasses and contacts) and surgery, as well as the prevention of medical eye disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Ophthalmology practices include amblyopia (lazy eye), astigmatism, cataracts, conjunctivitis, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, eye cancer, glaucoma, hyperopia, macular degeneration, myopia, presbyopia, retinal detachment, strabismus, and uveitis. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Ophthalmology practices include eye exams, blepharoplasty, intraoccular lens, laser eye surgery, and photodynamic therapy.

An ophthalmologist has the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide comprehensive eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are medically trained to diagnose, monitor and medically or surgically treat all ocular and visual disorders. This includes problems affecting the eye and its component structures, the eyelids, the orbit and the visual pathways. In so doing, an ophthalmologist prescribes vision services, including glasses and contact lenses.

Orthopedic Surgery

Washington University is an Orthopedic Surgery practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatments and diagnostics of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. Orthopedic Surgeons at Washington University perform non-surgical and surgical treatments of musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunctions. Orthopedic Surgery is the branch of surgery that treats musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders both surgically and nonsurgically. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Orthopedic Surgery practices include sports injuries, back pain, ruptured disks and spinal stenosis, bone tumors, carpal tunnel, hand arthritis and hand injuries, club foot, bow legs and hip dysplasia, orthopaedic trauma, limb lengthening, Achilles tendon injuries, bunions and foot and ankle injuries, as well as osteoporosis and arthritis. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Orthopedic Surgery practices include knee arthroscopy and meniscectomy, shoulder arthroscopy and decompression, carpal tunnel release, knee arthroscopy and chondroplasty, removal of support implant, knee arthroscopy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, knee replacement, repair of femoral neck fracture, repair of trochanteric fracture, debridement of skin/muscle/bone/fracture, knee arthroscopy repair of both meniscis, hip replacement, shoulder arthroscopy/distal clavicle excision, repair of rotator cuff tendon, repair fracture of radius (bone)/ulna, laminectomy, repair of ankle fracture (bimalleolar type), shoulder arthroscopy and debridement, lumbar spinal fusion, repair fracture of the distal part of radius, low back intervertebral disc surgery, incise finger tendon sheath, repair of ankle fracture (fibula), repair of femoral shaft fracture, and repair of trochanteric fracture.

An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. An orthopaedic surgeon is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system.

Otolaryngology

Washington University is an Otolaryngology practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosing, treating, and medically managing ear, nose, and throat disorders and diseases. Otolaryngologists at Washington University perform treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related bodily structures. Otolaryngology is the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Otolaryngology practices include hearing imbalance, allergies, deviated septum, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinus headaches and migraines, nasal obstruction, hoarseness, GERD, infections, throat tumors, vocal cord disorders, enlarged thyroid glands, Grave's disease, head and neck cancers, sleep apnea, facial trauma, cleft palates, drooping eyelids, hair loss, and facial paralysis. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Otolaryngology practices include treatment of allergy using medication, immunotherapy; surgery on the face, neck or ear for cosmetic, functional, or reconstructive purposes; treating or removing tumors of the head and neck, including the nose and throat; managing throat disorders; treating ear infections, tumors, and nerve pathway disorders affecting hearing and balance; attending to ENT diseases in children, including congenital abnormalities and developmental delays; as well as managing nose and sinus dysfunctions.

An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems and related structures of the head and neck. An otolaryngologist diagnoses and provides medical and/or surgical therapy or prevention of diseases, allergies, neoplasms, deformities, disorders and/or injuries of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, respiratory and upper alimentary systems, face, jaws and the other head and neck systems. Head and neck oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and the treatment of disorders of hearing and voice are fundamental areas of expertise.

Colon & Rectal Surgery

Washington University is a Colon & Rectal Surgery practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in performing diagnostic tests and surgery on the colon, rectum, and anus. Colon & Rectal Surgeons at Washington University perform medical diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, polyps, bowel obstruction, and rectal prolapse. Colon & Rectal Surgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the colon, rectum, anus, and lower gastrointestinal system. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Colon & Rectal Surgery practices include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer of the colon, rectum, and anus, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Colon & Rectal Surgery practices include sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic polypectomy, colonostomy, bowel resection, tumor removal, and referral to other specialists as needed.

A colon and rectal surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area by medical and surgical means. This specialist also deals with other organs and tissues (such as the liver, urinary and female reproductive system) involved with primary intestinal disease.

Hospital Medicine

Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their activities include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to Hospital Medicine. The term 'hospitalist' refers to physicians whose practice emphasizes providing care for hospitalized patients.

Pain Management Medicine

Washington University is a Pain Management Medicine practice in St. Louis, MO with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of pain caused by surgery, injury, nerve damage, and metabolic problems such as diabetes. Pain Management Doctors at Washington University perform medication management, physical therapy, and nerve blocks. Pain Management Medicine is the multifaceted treatment of pain that prohibits or prevents normal eating, sleeping, work, and daily activity. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Pain Management Medicine practices include chronic pain, fibromyalgia,back pain, joint pain, arthritis pain, tendinitis pain, and post-surgical pain. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Pain Management Medicine practices include pain medications like opioids, spinal injections, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy, meditation, relaxation techniques, visual imagery, biofeedback, heat and cold therapy, manipulation and massage.

Pain Medicine is a primary medical specialty based on a distinct body of knowledge and a well-defined scope of clinical practice that is founded on science, research and education. It is concerned with the study of pain, the prevention of pain, and the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons in pain. A comprehensive evaluation incorporates the physical, psychological, cognitive and socio-cultural contributions to pain. The treatment protocol may include pharmacological, invasive, behavioral, cognitive, rehabilitative and complementary strategies provided in a concurrent focused and patient specific manner. The pain medicine physician often serves the patient as a frontline physician regarding their pain, but also may serve as a consultant to other physicians, direct an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary treatment team, conduct research, or advocate for the patient's pain care with public and private agencies. The Pain Medicine physician may work in variety of settings including office, clinic, hospital, university, or governmental/public agencies.