Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Internal Medicine

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is an Internal Medicine practice in Watertown, 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.

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.

Nutrition

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Nutrition practice in Watertown, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in advising patients on what to eat in order to achieve a specific health-related goal, or lead a healthy lifestyle. Nutritionists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform tutorials on nutrition, assessment of clients' nutrient imbalances, customization of meal plans, evaluation and adjustments of those meal plans, public speaking on the relationship between good nutrition and disease prevention, research on the latest nutritional science studies. Nutrition is the study and management of the nutrients (including essential micronutrients) that are required for the proper functioning of all human biochemical processes. Nutrition medicine treats the causes underlying patients' symptoms, which, although often partly genetic, are usually very much nutrition-dependent. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Nutrition practices include diabetes, food allergy and intolerance, IBS syndrome, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, kidney failure and bowel disorders, acne, arthritis, autism, bronchitis, candida, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, cystic fibrosis, depression, fibromyalgia, gout, headaches, high blood pressure, hyper/hypo thyroid, infertility, liver disease, and obesity. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Nutrition practices include blood testing, saliva testing, urine testing, stool testing, nutrition and supplementation plan development.

A specialist in adapting and applying food and nutrient knowledge to the solution of food and nutritional problems, the control of disease, and the promotion of health. Nutritionists perform research, instruct groups and individuals about nutritional requirements, and assist people in developing meal patterns that meet their nutritional needs; (2) A nutritionist is someone who has completed undergraduate and/or graduate training in the discipline of nutrition without necessarily meeting the academic and experience requirements to qualify for the Registered Dietitian designation.

Optometry

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is an Optometry practice in Watertown, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in examining eyes for both vision and health problems, and correcting refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as providing low vision care and vision therapy. Optometrists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform eye exams to detect any vision problems or diseases; requires testing visual acuity, depth, and color perception, as well as the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Optometry is the practice or profession of examining the eyes for visual defects and prescribing corrective lenses. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Optometry practices include conjunctivitis, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Optometry practices include visual acuity test, color blindness test, cover test, eye movement test, depth perception test, retinoscopy, refraction test, as well as autorefractor and abberrometer prescription estimate.

Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

Pharmaceutics

An individual licensed by the appropriate state regulatory agency to engage in the practice of pharmacy. The practice of pharmacy includes, but is not limited to, assessment, interpretation, evaluation, and implementation, initiation, monitoring or modification of medication and or medical orders; the compounding or dispensing of medication and or medical orders; participation in drug and device procurement, storage, and selection; drug administration; drug regimen reviews; drug or drug-related research; provision of patient education and the provision of those acts or services necessary to provide medication therapy management services in all areas of patient care.

Physical Therapy

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Physical Therapy practice in Watertown, 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.

Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery practice in Watertown, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in preventing, diagnosing, and treating athletic-related injuries. Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeons at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform surgery, medication, and physical rehabilitation to patients suffering sport-related injuries. Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery is a medical specialty dealing with injuries and disorders related to athletic activities. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery practices include torn ACL, chronic joint and back pain, knee injury, neck injury, muscle sprain, spinal disc pain, disc herniation, hamstring injury, and nerve dysfunction. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery practices include diagnostic imaging like x-ray, MRI, and CT scan, pain and mobility assessment, surgical repair of injured muscles, ligaments, nerves, and joints, physical therapy, inflammation reduction techniques, medical massage, acupuncture, diet and nutrition recommendation, nerve pain block injections, and referral to other specialists as needed.

An orthopaedic surgeon trained in sports medicine provides appropriate care for all structures of the musculoskeletal system directly affected by participation in sporting activity. This specialist is proficient in areas including conditioning, training and fitness, athletic performance and the impact of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition on performance and health, coordination of care within the team setting utilizing other health care professionals, field evaluation and management, soft tissue biomechanics and injury healing and repair. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of rehabilitation, athletic equipment and orthotic devices enables the specialist to prevent and manage athletic injuries.

Pediatrics

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Pediatrics practice in Watertown, 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 Watertown, 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.

Podiatry

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Podiatry practice in Watertown, MA with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in treating disorders and injuries of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates perform diagnostic imaging of the foot, pain and mobility assessment, and treatment of acute foot injuries and disorders. Podiatry is a medical specialty that deals with disorders and dysfunction of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Podiatry practices include sprains, broken bones, complications arising from diabetes and poor circulation, abnormal growth, nerve pain, hammertoe, arthritis, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, neuroma, athlete's foot, skin disorders, athletic injuries, congenital birth defects, and infection. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Podiatry practices include x-ray, MRI, and CT diagnostic imaging, foot and ankle surgery, pain and mobility assessment, patient education, in-office pain relief of minor foot and ankle disorders, and referrals to physical therapists or other specialists as needed.

A podiatrist is a person qualified by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree, licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope of that license. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot diseases and deformities. They perform medical, surgical and other operative procedures, prescribe corrective devices and prescribe and administer drugs and physical therapy.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is an Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in Watertown, 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.

Psychology

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a Psychology practice in Watertown, 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.